Traveling can be a challenging experience for autistic individuals and those with anxiety. The unfamiliarity of new places, different smells, and unknown noises can create a perfect storm of triggers that lead to anxiety and behavioral issues.
For many autistic people, the idea of an airplane trip alone can cause them to lose control and venture out of their comfort zone, exacerbating symptoms such as OCD intensity, anxiety, cognitive dissonance, skin picking, self-harm, sleep disorders, and eating disorders.
To mitigate these challenges, it is often best not to inform autistic individuals about an upcoming trip until a few days before departure. This approach helps avoid unnecessary excitement that can escalate into severe anxiety by the time of the trip. However, it is also important to balance this with the need for autistic individuals to have advance notice of family plans so they can emotionally, physically, and mentally prepare themselves. Thus, finding the right time and manner to communicate about an upcoming family trip becomes a delicate task.
The process of managing and supporting autistic individuals during travel begins with raising their awareness of the trip. Since their anxiety often stems from feeling unable to control or dominate the situations around them, providing a sense of control can greatly alleviate their concerns. Involving them in decision-making, such as choosing the destination, hotel, room, and snacks for the trip, can give them a sense of ownership and empowerment.
Here are some additional tricks and tips to prepare for a successful holiday with an autistic child:
Preparing an autistic child for a holiday is a step-by-step process:
- Gently introduce the idea and spark their curiosity.
- Help them gain confidence by allowing them to participate in planning and research.
- Give them power and control by involving them in decision-making.
- Establish anchors that provide a sense of security, such as completing luggage preparations and clearly defining the departure day.
- Allow time for remission, during which the child can process the information and thoughts about the holiday.
- Ensure a smooth and relaxed departure by having everything prepared and being calm ourselves, as our state of mind can significantly impact the child’s experience.
- Finally, enjoy your well-planned holiday while being mindful of and respecting the child’s limitations.
By following these steps and ensuring that all aspects are addressed appropriately, it is likely that everything will be under control and the holiday will be a success for both the autistic individual and the entire family.
