Navigating Planes, Trains & Cars With Autistic Children

Use picture cards or a travel binder with important information such as flight details and schedules. Being able to support your child with now-and-next information will help them feel secure, safe, and ready for the transition.

Make sure to give yourself lots of extra time - this means that should your child need a movement break, a cuddle break or a second to do some deep breathing, you will have time for this and won’t feel any additional stress about missing your transfer.

Bring familiar and comforting items from home, such as a favourite blanket, a stuffed animal, fidget toys, sunglasses for bright lights and noise-cancelling headphones to help reduce sensory overload.
Pack sweets or chewing gum to help reduce discomfort during take-off and landing.

Notify airline staff in advance about your child's needs. They may offer additional assistance or accommodations; you could consider requesting early boarding to avoid rushing and crowds. Allow appropriate choices that won’t overwhelm your child, “would you prefer the window seat or the middle seat?” for example, this gives them a sense of control over the journey.

Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to find your platform before your train arrives; this will mean that if your child needs a sensory break, you won’t worry about missing your train. If your station is near home, it may help to walk to and through as much of the station as possible with your child a few days before your journey, so they know what to expect.

Explain to your child that they will hear lots of different sounds at the train station, like busy platforms, loud whistles, tannoid announcements, and suitcase wheels. There are lots of YouTube videos of train sounds that can be listened to in preparation.

Download Google Maps on your phone, or on your child’s device. This means that they have the option to follow their journey; you could even write a list of stations or locations that you will pass and challenge your child to find them all on the map.

Some train companies have free online guides to support people who find travel difficult; these guides include pictures of the trains, the uniforms their employees wear, and advice specific to their trains. Looking through these guides with your child may help them to feel more prepared.

For long car journeys, consider investing in a behind-the-seat organiser to place on the seat in front of your child. This will mean they can access anything they need or want and leave you to focus on the road.

Role-playing might be a good way to get your child excited and prepared for your car journey; it will also help them understand what to expect on the road. Set up a seating arrangement at home that resembles a car, and talk through what they might see out the window and the games they can play.

Make sure to take regular breaks; this should allow for lots of movement, snack top-ups and bathroom breaks. Plan your route, mark where service stations are, and work them into your trip. If you have more than one child, it is a good idea to set up a seating plan in advance for them to review before your trip starts. This should help to reduce the chances of confrontation.

Pack a sensory kit, including items such as fidget toys, stress balls, chewable jewellery, and if you are flying, sweets to suck on during take-off and landing. This will provide sensory stimulation and comfort during the journey.

Navigating airports or train stations, transfers, taxis, luggage and your children can be extremely stressful, both for you as a parent and your child. Informing yourself about the journey, including the layout of airports or stations and other travel points, will help alleviate anxiety for both you and your child.

We all know that unexpected situations can arise during travel. Stay flexible and patient, and have backup plans, such as distracting activities on hand, in case of delays or disruptions.

Recognise and celebrate your child’s accomplishments during your trip, no matter how small.