Travel Tips for Neurodivergent Families

Travel Tips for Neurodivergent Families – Keeping Everyone Safe and Stress-Free

Let’s be real for a second, traveling with kids can feel like packing for an expedition across the Sahara, even when you’re just heading to Grandma’s. Add in the unique needs of a neurodivergent child, and suddenly that road trip or airport layover feels like prepping for a mission to Mars!

I’ve been there, and I know the mix of excitement and anxiety that comes with holiday travel. That’s why I’ve put together some practical, sanity-saving travel tips for neurodivergent families. We’re talking about ways to make those busy airports, crowded streets, and unfamiliar places feel a little less overwhelming for everyone involved.

This blog post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you purchase an item through my affiliate link, I may receive a % of commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support me, my family and my blog to bring you great content for free!

And, because I’m all about safety first, I’m also going to share one of my favorite tools that gives me peace of mind on every trip: AngelSense. (Spoiler alert: they’re offering a FREE device and kit through my referral link at the time of writing this post! 🙌) More on that soon!
*Affiliate link.

1. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare (But Stay Flexible)

One of the best ways to ease anxiety (for you and your child) is to prepare for the unexpected. Create a visual schedule for the travel day, so your child knows what to expect.. Airport, security, boarding, etc.

I love using first-then boards or social stories for new experiences like flying or staying in a hotel.

But here’s the thing: travel rarely goes as planned. Build in buffer time, pack extra snacks, and be ready to pivot when needed. Flexibility is the name of the game!

Another tip: create a packing checklist ahead of time! Include everything from sensory supports, meds, snacks, extra clothes, comfort items, to backup chargers. Having that list reduces last-minute stress and makes sure nothing important gets left behind. Bonus points if you laminate it and use it trip after trip!

2. Contact Airlines and Hotels in Advance

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your airline or hotel ahead of time. Many offer accommodations for neurodivergent travelers, such as early boarding, quiet spaces, or dietary accommodations. Share what your child needs to feel comfortable… Whether it’s extra time to board, a quiet room, or access to sensory-friendly spaces.

Pro tip: Ask the airline if they offer a rehearsal day or trial run! Some airports and airlines allow families to do a walkthrough ahead of time to get familiar with the process without the crowds.

Also, consider providing hotels or airlines with a short info sheet about your child. This could include their diagnosis, communication style, potential triggers, and calming strategies. It helps staff understand how to best support your family.

3. Watch Videos of Where You’re Going

This tip is a favorite in my house! Before any trip, we hop on YouTube and watch videos of the airports, hotels, or attractions we’ll be visiting. This helps reduce the fear of the unknown and gives your child a visual idea of what to expect. Look for airport walkthroughs, hotel tours, or even rides at amusement parks if that’s on your itinerary!

4. Use a Sunflower Lanyard

This one’s a game changer, especially in airports. The Sunflower Lanyard is a discreet way to signal that someone in your party has a hidden disability. Staff are trained to offer extra support, patience, and accommodations. It can make security lines, boarding, and other stressful situations a little smoother.

You can find more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program here.

Another helpful tip: equip your child with a medical ID bracelet or emergency contact card. You can include vital info like their name, diagnosis, communication style, allergies, and emergency contacts. It’s a simple way to keep key information accessible if they ever need assistance from others.

5. Safety First: Why AngelSense is My Must-Have Travel Companion

Okay, now for my number one travel tip for peace of mind: AngelSense. If you’ve ever felt that heart-dropping panic when your child wanders out of sight, you know how important safety is.. Especially in busy, unfamiliar environments.

AngelSense is a GPS tracker designed for neurodivergent children and teens, and it offers way more than just location tracking. Here’s why I love it:

Real-time GPS tracking (with updates every 10 seconds!)
Two-way voice so you can listen in or talk to your child
Safe zone alerts to let you know if your child wanders from a designated area
Assistive speakerphone (only you can call them, no stranger calls!)

At the time of writing this post, when you use my referral link here*, you’ll get the AngelSense device and kit completely free. The kit includes:

GPS Device
Magnetic Key
3 Fasteners
Wearing Sleeve

*Affiliate link.

This device has been a lifesaver for many families, not just during travel, but for everyday peace of mind too. I always recommend it for holiday trips because busy places like airports, amusement parks, and city centers can be overwhelming and unpredictable.

6. Pack Sensory Supports and Comfort Items

Don’t forget your child’s sensory toolkit! Headphones, fidget toys, weighted lap pads, whatever helps your child self-regulate. I always pack a few surprises too (new stickers or a new sensory toy) for those tricky moments.

Sensory Toolkit Must-Haves:

Noise-Canceling Headphones
Perfect for loud environments like airports or crowded streets.
Chewy Necklaces (Chewelry)
Great for oral sensory input.
Fidget Toys Pack
Include a variety of textures and motions (spinners, cubes, squishies).
Weighted Lap Pad or Blanket
Calming deep pressure input for waiting areas or flights.
Liquid Motion Bubbler Timer
A visually soothing tool for calming.
Therapy Putty or Play Dough
Provides resistance and keeps hands busy.
Vibration Toys or Massagers
Helpful for calming overstimulated bodies.
Scented Sensory Bottles or Essential Oil Rollers
Familiar calming scents (lavender, peppermint).
Pop Tubes
Fun, engaging, and provide both auditory and tactile input.
Mini Sensory Blanket (Taggie Blanket)
Soft, familiar textures that offer comfort.

Below you can find links to my Amazon Storefronts with my go-to sensory toolkit must-haves:
– USA Amazon
– UK Amazon

*These links are affiliate links. This means that if you purchase an item through my affiliate link, I may receive a % of commission at no cost to you. This helps support me, my family and my blog to bring you great content for free!

7. Create a Calm-Down Plan

Talk to your child ahead of time about what to do if they feel overwhelmed. Maybe they can signal to you with a card or special hand sign. Having a calm-down kit on hand (snacks, calming visuals, familiar scents) can make all the difference.

8. Practice Makes Progress

Before the trip, practice small outings to help your child get used to the idea of travel. Visit a local train station, airport viewing area, or just take longer car rides. Practice using AngelSense so your child gets comfortable wearing it.

I hope these tips help you feel more confident and prepared for your next trip! Traveling with neurodivergent kids takes a little more planning, but with the right tools, like AngelSense, and a whole lot of flexibility, it can be a fun, enriching experience for the whole family.

If you have any other tips or tools that help make travel easier, hit reply or share them in the comments, I love learning from you all!

Helpful Links

You may find the following links helpful;

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Nikki