School is out, the sun is shining, and it is the time of year when we all begin to think about planning some down time – maybe even a vacation!
Whether it is a family camping trip, or a visit to a foreign country, these vacations involve travel in some form or another. Many individuals with autism and their families do not travel because they are concerned with the changes and disruptions in routines that traveling today requires.
This month, Community Connections offers you tips on how to make traveling with an individual with autism easier. Learn how to prepare for travel with advice from experienced moms and valuable web resources to get your summer vacation off to a smooth start.
We hope your family decides to go and have some fun!
Articles and Books
Flying to See Janet: A Fun Guide to the Airport Experience
Traveling by plane can be a stressful experience for anxious children (and their parents!) Prepare children for the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the airport experience in advance with this fun and gently humorous picture book.
Traveling Tips for Families with an Autistic Child
by Chantal Sicile-Kira
3 Things to Know Before you Close your Suitcase: Preparing for Traveling
with a Child with Autism
by Earl J. Campazzi, Jr, MD, MPH
Planet Express Travelers Travel Guides for Kids
by Laura Schaefer
Starbrite Traveler: A Travel Resource for Parents of Children with Special Needs
by Jessemine Jones and Ida Keiper
Special East Coast traveling edition here!
Travel Checklist
by Earl J. Campazzi, Jr, MD, MPH
Vacationing with Autism: Six Tips for Traveling with an Autistic Child
by Amy Lennard Goehner
Ten Strategies for Traveling with a Child with Autism
How do we Survive the Trip?
by Ann Schlosser
Suzie Goes on an Aeroplane
by Charlotte Olson
Autism Awareness Month: What Travel Agents Need to Know
TravelMarketReport.com
Web Resources
Family Travel and Autism:
Time for Everyone to Have Fun!
www.autismtravel.org
Medical Travel, Inc.
The Disability Travel Experts
www.medicaltravel.org
Travelers with Children with Disabilities and Medical Conditions – What Parents and Guardians Should Do
Transportation Security Administration ( See Attached Video )
Amtrak: Services for People with Disabilities and Special Needs
Information for individuals with disabilities looking to ride the train.
Autism on the Seas
Group and individual vacation options
for adults and families dealing with autism
and related disabilities.
Autism Adventure Travel
Travel Services for special needs families. Our Specialists will plan your vacation itinerary or can book you on one of our great vacations all with your special needs in mind.
NEW! Air Travel Regulations
Adult passengers, age 18 and over, are required show a US federal or state-issued ID that contains the following: name, date of birth, gender, expiration date, as well as a tamper-resistant feature in order to be allowed through the checkpoint an on to flights. ID’s can include a driver’s license, state ID card, or US passport.
Click here for information on how to get a US Passport, or go to your state DMV website to access information on how to obtain a state ID card.
Visit our Resource Guide. We welcome new submissions as we continue to build the Resource Guide.
We would like to hear from you! Share your story about your travels with individuals on the autism spectrum. E-mail us at familyservices@autismspeaks.org. Photos are welcome!
https://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/community-connections/traveling-tips-individuals-autism-and-their-families