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Family vacations and traveling often presents challenges for families who have a child or children with disabilities. The biggest benefits of taking a vacation with your child is they learn new life skills they wouldn't have learned being home and when they have fun on vacation, often parents see a boost in therapeutic goals and academics because the child is happy. When your happy, you are open to learning.

 

Lots of families have successfully traveled with their child and often it will take more than one trip to help acclimate them to traveling without behaviors. Break it down into workable steps. It all starts with discussing your plans with your team, creating goals like "standing in line" a priority and brain storming ways to teach coping skills or provide sensory activities that calm your child.

 

Where do I begin?

• Have your BSC or Behavioral Therapist create goals for waiting in line and waiting for preferred item.

• Ask your OT therapist give you a list of activities that will address your child's sensory needs and ability to use their fine motor skills.

• Practice going out to eat. See how your child does and take notes for new goals to practice. Keep building on those goals.

• Print out social stories to help kids prepare for take off.  

• Always do your research and due diligence with the area you plan to visit.  Family vacations and trips don't have to be avoided.

 

What are some great tips to make the trip less stressful?

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• ​Start with day trips and build on them. Drive longer distances or spend a longer day.

• Start small. Take short trips with less demands like long lines or noisy places. Take early morning flights when it's less busy or go in the off season. Visit during non-peak dates and hours.

• If your child is a visual learning, create a travel book to make the trip as predictable as possible. Use a story book format and include pictures of where you're going, what you will see, what to expect, the transportation to get there and include lots of photos.

• Pick a short first flight an hour or so.

• Call TSA Cares Hot Line (1-855-787-2227) 72 hours before your flight to alert them that you might need assistance going through security. Some parents ask to go through the handicapped line with children who have difficulty in crowds or waiting in long lines.         

• Consider your child's needs when planning your itinerary but try to plan a vacation that the whole family can enjoy.

• Nature based vacations are more flexible and there isn't pressure to stick to a schedule.

• Sticking to a rigid plan can be challenging, flexibility and spontaneity are more easier for them.

• Let them explore ahead of time. If you planning a beach vacation, you can create a small sandbox or let them explore what sand feels like before you go.

• In ABA, there is a "wait exercise" to build a child's tolerance to waiting for a preferred item. This teaches your child to wait in line and build up their tolerance using lots of positive reinforcement.

• Keep your days short as all the new experiences can be overwhelming for your child. Create blocks of time to let them rest or take a break from feeling overloaded.

• Always carry earplugs or noise canceling headphones to lessen the noise. Pack a carry on bag with anything that might be soothing during a rough patch like landing. Give them something to chew on during landing to alleviate the pressure in their ears. 

• Be sure to include documentation of your child's diagnosis that you can share with security and airline personnel especially for their medication which should go in their carry on bag.

• All children with Autism should have identification on them when traveling with a current phone number. Include important information like allergies, medications, medical conditions like seizures, and even the word "non-verbal" if it applies.

• Adult passengers (18 and over) are required to show a U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID that contains the following: name, date of birth, gender and expiration date.

• Make sure you have documentation of your child's diagnosis and medications. Also keep extra medication on hand so you don't run out.

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Articles

30 Best Autism-Friendly Vacation Ideas has a list that might inspire you.

32 Vacation Destinations for Individuals with Special Needs also has a list of specific places that are Autism friendly.

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Where are some places we can go just for the day?

Please Touch Museum

Camping

Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom

Hershey Park & Chocolate World

Knobel's

Sesame PlaceGreat Wolf Lodge

The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands-Scroll down for the FREE Access Pass for people with permanent disabilities.

​**Don't forget to use your child's Access card at the following museums within driving distance.**

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Now it's time to spread your wings:

When planning a trip that involves flying, communicate ahead of time. Let the airport know you are traveling with someone who has Autism. If your child rocks, request a last seat or bulkhead seats to minimize tension of other passengers. Some airlines may connect you with a "special assistance coordinator.  Calling for "wheelchair assistance" even though one may not be needed will guarantee someone will be there to help navigate your family.

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Before you book your flight, check out which airlines are the most accommodating for people with Autism.  6 autism-friendly airports parents and caregivers should know about

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Travelport Wants Travel Agents to Use Assistance Codes for Travelers with Intellectual Disabilities

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Autistic Globetrotting: Founded by the mom of a teen son with Autism, this blog provides details on great trip planning lists and lots of updates on traveling nationally and internationally.

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Keep an eye out for The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties Wings for Autism Program. The Lehigh Valley International Airport and the Allegiant host an authentic travel experience in May for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The person can be accompanied by one parent or family member who go through the process of checking in at the counter (waiting in line), going through security (waiting in line), boarding a airplane,  and stay grounded on the plane for a period of time, then leave the plane. Prizes and light refreshments are available at the end. Registration is limited!  Click here.

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Can you recommend some Autism friendly hotels?

 

Wyndham Hotels

Services: They strive to be sensitive to guests with special needs. The staff has been trained by the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities at the University of South Florida. Another great property is the Wyndham Garden Hotel - Austin, offering five standard rooms with an extra double bed -- at a discount -- to families with an autistic child. The rooms are equipped with safety features such as shortened blind cords, corner guard cushions and outlet covers.

Website

 

What are some recommendations to go to Disney?

Let's go to Disney

The Top Ten Tips for Enjoying a Disney with Your Autistic Child. is a great place to start planning your trip. Here's Disney's list of services for guests with cognitive disabilities. Look into getting a Disney Parks Disability Access Service Card.

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• Taking it slow the first trip can help some kids tolerate rides that might overstimulate their senses. Starting with the Figament ride might frighten some children and they may not want to go on similar rides. Start easy and slow to build up.

• If you find a ride your child loves, the DAS pass will allow you to go on it multiple times.

• Anticipate downtime and factor it in your schedule.

• The DAS pass can't be used for rides the child doesn't go on so getting a Fast Pass for siblings is an option.

• Bring familiar sensory tools like headphones might help some children watch the fireworks in comfort.

• Create a picture schedule for highlights of the trip the family wants to see

• Let your hotel and the park know of dietary restrictions and/or food allergies

• If parades are going on, there might be less people on the rides so that might be a good time to go on them

• Use Youtube videos to demonstrate how the rides work and what to expect.

 

What are some Autism Friendly Amusement Parks>

​Morgan's Wonderland

When it celebrated its grand opening April 10, 2010, Morgan’s Wonderland became the world’s first theme park designed with special-needs individuals in mind and built for everyone’s enjoyment.  The completely wheelchair-accessible park features more than 25 elements including rides, playgrounds and other colorful attractions.  From the very beginning, anyone with a special need has been admitted free of charge, no questions asked

Where: 5223 David Edwards, San Antonio, TX 78233

Website

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Dollywood

Holiday World

Smugglers’ Notch Resort

LEGOLAND Florida Resor

Six Flags Great Adventure

Thomas Land\King’s Island Theme Park

Great America Theme Parks

Edaville Family Theme Park

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Where are some Autism Friendly outdoor vacation spots?

​San Diego Zoo

SeaWorld

Skiing in Colorado

Snow Mountain Ranch

Great Sand Dunes National Park

The Berkshires

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What if we want to go to the beach?

​Seaside Park, NJ- Has now become a wheelchair accessible beach

The Top 20 Autism-Friendly Resorts and helpful tips on what makes them more accommodating than other resorts.​

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More Autism Friendly Resorts

Tradewinds Island Resort 

Services: As a CARD certified (Center for Autism and Related Disabilities), which means its staff is prepared to assist families with special needs.

 

"Upon check-in, I asked about the amenities available to us and was told about the 'Safety Kits' -- corner cushions, door alarms, outlet covers and more," says Carrie McLaren, whose daughter has Down Syndrome. "They also had a great Social Book that we were able to download from their site before our arrival, letting Molly know what to expect during our stay. It was comforting to her, but also to me as a parent." The KONK (Kids Only No Kidding) Club also offers sensory features, and staff always ask about dietary restrictions at meals. "What I loved most about our time at the resort is that Molly was treated like a typical kid.

Where: 5500 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706

Website

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Franklyn D. Resort & Spa

Services: Offers up to 50 percent off rates year-round for families traveling with children with special needs. Plus, the resort provides every family with a personal, professionally trained vacation nanny. Parents will feel safe knowing the resort has trained staff to help their family have an even better time in Jamaica.

Where: Main Street, Runaway Bay, Jamaica

Website

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Surfside Beach, South Carolina

Caribbean Resorts in Austin, Texas

Wilderness Resort

Yellowstone National Park

Madison, Wisconsin

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

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The Organization Diveheart

Services: This free program teaches scuba diving to veterans, adults & children with disabilities. 

Where: 900 Ogden Ave. #274, Downers Grove, IL 60515

Website

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What if we like going to the woods?

 

​If your family loves camping, we started with camping in the back yard or at Grammy's house who has several acres with a creek. As children acclimate and enjoy backyard camping, then camp at another location within a drivable distance in case there's an issue. Then keep branching our further.

 

There are lots of easy hiking trails in the Lehigh Valley and you can start with a 10 min walk. Remember that people with Autism may not have the strength or stamina to keep up with others, so take note when your child's energy level begins to drop. Bring snacks and take breaks when needed. If the family likes to hike, make this a physical therapy goal to build their stamina.

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Did you know that people with disabilities are entitled to a free lifetime pass to national parks?

Apply for the lifetime pass

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What if the family wants to go on a cruise?

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Autism on the Seas

Services: Plans cruises, hotel accommodations and Disney vacations. Working in collaboration with Royal Caribbean Cruise lines and have assisted thousands of families enjoy their vacation.

Website

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Royal Caribbean

Services: Offers a wide range of autism friendly products and services, and they include:

Priority check-in, boarding and departure, special dietary accommodations including gluten-free and dairy-free,  Adventure Ocean flexible grouping by ability for children 3 to 11 years old, Adventure Ocean toilet-trained policy exception, Pagers/phones for parents of children in Adventure Ocean program while signed into our care (subject to availability)

Availability: These Autism Friendly products and services are available on all cruises.

In addition, Autism on the Seas offers “Staffed Cruises” catering to families with children, teens and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.  These “Staffed Cruises” include:

• Extra professionally trained staff in caring for individuals with developmental disabilities (provided at one staff member for every two-three special needs guests)

•  Assistance with Royal Caribbean’s products and services

• Specialized respite sessions

• Private activities and sessions

Availability: Autism on the Seas “Staffed Cruises” are offered on select cruises.  For a list of Autism on the Seas group cruises, click here.

Website

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Special Needs at Sea

It's all about cruise accessibility! Rent medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen and special beds) online and it will be waiting when you board the ship.

Call toll free 800-513-4515

Website

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What if I don't have the time or energy to book our trip?

Check out these local travel agencies specialize in booking vacations for people with disabilities.

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Hope's Travel Desk

Assists families who want to get away, and who are looking for someone that is familiar with the extra special help they'll need to do it.  We know first hand many of the questions and concerns that need to be taken into account when you're traveling with a family member who has Special Needs - we know these because we are one of these families, and we've been there ourselves. 

Where: Danielsville, PA

Call: Lorrie McCans 610-767-5355

Website

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Special Vacations

Slogan is "for each traveler to experience his or her vacation to the fullest." Trips range from the local countryside to travel abroad. Pat has 30 yrs of travel experience and she is also fluent in sign language. Specializes in booking vacations for adults with disabilities.

Where: 3502 Scotts Lane, box D-16, Philadelphia, PA 19129

Call: Pat McFarlane at 215-844-1295

Website

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The Guided Tour, Inc.

Since 1972, the Guided Tour, Inc has booked vacations for men and women with disabilities that focus on a growth-producing experience as they travel and socialize independently.  Staff makes sure travelers have assistance with money, medication, and memorable experiences!

Where: 7900 Old York Rd, Suite 111-B, Elkins Park, PA 19027

Call: 215-782-1370

Website

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TravelAble

Books travel from small hidden gems to dream destinations all over the world. Helps you customize your vacation with accessible options.

Where: 13926 Hull Street Road #2014, Midlothian, Virginia 23112

Call: (855) 500-3440

Website