When I think of summertime, road trips come to mind. We usually take some type of road trip to a vacation destination each year. Last year, it was Washington, DC. In previous years, we’ve travelled to Niagara Falls, Massachusetts, Florida, North Carolina, Chicago, New York City and so many more places. For each trip, it is important that I plan to make things as easiest as possible and fun for our autistic son J. So how can you prepare and plan to make a road trip more fun for your autistic child?
How to plan for a road trip with your autistic child in mind
Everything begins with planning. While you take all your family member’s interests into consideration, it’s important to be especially mindful of what your autistic child will be able to tolerate. Ask yourself some questions about your trip:
- How long will we be in the car (e.g., how many hours and even days driving)?
- Does our destination have things every member of our family, including our autistic child, will really enjoy? What are those and how can we fit many of them in our trip?
- What does my autistic child need to have fun on this trip?
- What can we do to reduce the risk of meltdowns while driving or at our destination?
- Is there something related to my autistic child’s special interest that we can do during our trip that will bring more joy to them?
- What is a list of things we cannot forget to make this trip more comfortable for our child?
- Do you need to create or download a social story about vacations or travelling by car to help prepare your autistic child for the road trip?
What you should pack
That last question leads us to the very important task of what to take on your road trip for your autistic child. Like everyone in your family, you will need to pack the necessities: clothes, toiletries, medicine, etc.
However, it’s a good idea to write a list of things that will make this trip more enjoyable for your autistic child. These could include:
- iPad/tablet/phone/computer and chargers (don’t forget one to plug the tablet or phone into the car to charge while driving!). Be sure to preload your child’s tech with any show or movie downloads, music, games, etc. And remember the headphones too 🙂
- Communication devices (if needed)
- Comfort items such as their pillow, weighted blanket or plushes
- Activity bag with books, notebook, crayons/pencils/pens, action figures and other toys/items that will help keep them busy in the car and during downtime on the trip
- Sensory items (e.g., sunglasses, headphones, sensory/fidget toys, chew necklaces/teethers, etc.)
- Toiletry items if your autistic child struggles with toilet issues or has stress using public restrooms (e.g., visual supports, change of clothing that is easily accessible in the car, pull-ups, etc.)
- Behind-the-seat organizer so that your child can easily access and store items
Considerations while you are driving
Being in the car for long periods of time can be difficult for any child, but it can be especially trying for an autistic child. Here are some things you can keep in mind while you are on the road:
- Plan to stop at least every couple of hours to use the restroom and stretch your legs. Rest stops are great because there are usually some grassy areas where your child could run around if needed.
- If you have a couple of long days of driving, look on your route to see if there is a state park or somewhere you could stop for 30 or 45 minutes to let your child play on a playground or do a small hike. When we were travelling to Niagara Falls, we did this in a park in Ontario. It was a lot of fun for the whole family, and it didn’t add much time to our trip.
- Consider games or other activities that your child and others in the car may enjoy. Do they like the “I Spy” type of games or would they prefer to watch movies, play video games or listen to music? Have several options lined up to keep your child and others entertained in the car.
- Determine the best times to drive. If your child will sleep easily in the car, it may be worth starting your drive early in the morning. You should also keep bedtime in mind as well to be sure you arrive at your destination for the day in plenty of time for their nightly routine.
- Be sure to have an emergency meltdown kit with you in case your child becomes agitated or upset.
Hotels, Airbnb or other lodging
Fortunately, there are many options for lodging now with Airbnb, Vrbo and other options in addition to the typical hotels and motels.
When you are considering where to stay on your road trip, really think through what could be best for your autistic child and your family. Would an apartment or condo rental be better? Would a suite be better than a single room at a hotel?
We stayed in a garden apartment through Airbnb when we travelled to Washington, D.C. While the parking situation was a mess, the apartment itself was great and gave us so much more room.
When we stay in hotels, for many years now, I’ve opted for a suite or an extended room that gives our family of four some additional space and sleeping options. Our son J likes to be able to go into a different room or another area further away from the whole family to listen to his music or watch videos, so it works out well.
Don’t forget the snacks and plan your meals
With many autistic children being picky eaters, food is incredibly important on a road trip!
Bringing healthy snacks that your autistic child and the rest of the family likes will not only ensure they are readily available, but it saves you money too by not having to buy them at convenient stores on the road. Be sure to bring extra so that you can have them throughout the trip. I also bring enough water to get us through much if not the full trip.
You can also pre-plan meals by using Yelp or another website to research restaurants in the area where you will be staying. If you rent a place on Airbnb or Vrbo that has a kitchen, you can plan to cook your meals! You will need to be sure to locate a grocery store nearby.
Sightseeing and other fun activities
I know a lot of us want to pack in as many fun activities as we can into each day of our trip but be sure to schedule downtime too!
When planning for your activities, make sure you are considering what and how much your autistic child can handle. You may even want to make plans for one parent (or another adult on the trip) to hang out with your autistic child while you or another adult take the other kids to do an activity that your autistic child may not enjoy as much. You know your child best, so you will understand how best to plan the trip activities.
If you are going to a theme park during your trip, check out this blog post that has specific recommendations in it for your autistic child.
The drive home
The drive home from a road trip seems to be the hardest part of the whole vacation! By the end of the trip, everyone just wants to get home. Yet, it’s important to remember to stop enough and try to stick to mealtimes as much as possible. This will help your autistic child be able to keep to part of their routine and reduce stress.
What additional tips do you have for taking a road trip with your autistic child? Leave a comment so that we can share and encourage each other on this journey!
Additional resources
Do you want even more information about road trips with your autistic child? Check out these additional sources.
Autism Family Travel: A Guide for Families (affiliate link)
The Essential Guide to Safe Travel-Training for Children with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities (affiliate link)
Really Fun Travel Activity Book For 9-11 Year Olds: Fun & educational activity book for nine to eleven year old children (affiliate link)
National Geographic Kids Ultimate U.S. Road Trip Atlas, 2nd Edition (affiliate link)
Road Trip! Activity Book: Over 100 Games and Puzzles for Hours of Fun! (affiliate link)
