Traveling with autism
People with autism perceive their environment differently.
Because their brains function differently than those of neurotypical individuals, people with a Autism spectrum disorder They perceive their environment differently and process information differently. As a result, their behavior and communication often deviate from what our society defines as normal. While those affected are not ill by definition, they frequently struggle to navigate our neurotypically shaped world. Therefore, many develop very rigid routines and structures in their daily lives, providing them with predictability. Examples include meticulously planned schedules or strict rules regarding clothing and eating. However, they sometimes react with anxiety or panic to changes in their established routines or personal environment.
Stress due to change is almost inevitable when traveling.
Close physical contact with strangers at security checkpoints, crowds and loud announcements at the train station, an unexpected rental car upgrade, or the absence of their favorite jam at the breakfast buffet: Unpredictable events and minor inconveniences are simply part of the travel experience for most neurotypical people. For people with autism, however, they can sometimes be almost unbearable. To make matters worse, many affected individuals struggle to recognize the feelings of others and therefore rely on very clear and direct communication. Traveling to places where a foreign language is spoken is thus often particularly challenging for them.
Traveling with autism: 6 tips for less travel stress
Nevertheless, many people with autism also want to travel and have new experiences that broaden their horizons. The following tips can help with planning and carrying out a trip:
- Time of travel: It's best to travel during the quieter off-season when there's less hustle and bustle.
- Choosing your accommodation: Opt for self-catering holiday apartments over hotels with shared meals. This allows you to plan your own days and prepare your own meals. Make sure the accommodation offers quiet spaces where you can retreat undisturbed.
- As a general rule: the earlier and the more information you have before a trip, the better. Look at photos or videos of your destination, the train station or airport, and the respective means of transport beforehand. And also find out where you can buy familiar groceries locally.
- On-site, daily schedules with fixed times for activities, meals, and rest periods provide structure and security.
- When waiting at the train station, in a taxi or bus, noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses and hoods provide mobile retreat options – and thus help against sensory overload.
- Familiar snacks, the smell of familiar toiletries, and comfort items such as favorite games or books can also help to alleviate acute travel stress.
You can find more tips here here and at the Autism Foundation Luxembourg.
Airlines and airports that are aware of autism
Airports, in particular, are places of sensory overload for people with autism. Currently, the selection of travel providers who cater to their specific needs is very limited. ITAHowever, Italy's national airline, ITA, now offers free simulation training for affected individuals at Fiumicino Airport. This allows them to familiarize themselves with the unfamiliar situation at the airport and on the plane beforehand. On the day of travel, people with autism at some ITA airports also receive priority treatment at check-in, boarding, and security, as well as a free seat reservation in the first row of the aircraft. This brochure She prepares in detail for what to expect at the airport. Also the airport Zurich has created such a brochure for travelers with autism. And the Emirates airline Last year, it trained around 30.000 employees so they could better understand and support travelers with autism.
The other "all inclusive" option: Traveling with the Sunflower
The sunflower is a globally recognized symbol for people with invisible disabilities. People with autism spectrum disorder sometimes wear the so-called Sunflower Lanyard – a green key fob with a sunflower pattern – at airports, on public transport, and in public spaces. They use it to discreetly signal that they may need more time, patience, or support. If recognized and respected, the symbol helps them avoid having to constantly explain their needs – thus promoting understanding and inclusion. this website Find places that support people with invisible disabilities. If you see a person with the sunflower symbol, give them time, avoid physical contact, and communicate clearly and directly.
You can find an interesting article about microcation here. here:
Photos: unsplash / Al Cruz, Fer Troulik
Ina Hiester
Ina is a digital nomad and travels through Europe by land and sea. The journalist is always on the lookout for special places for Good Travel, philosophizes about travel in her column, takes photographs, makes music and writes articles on all kinds of environmental and sustainability topics.
3 Comments
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Ina
Dear Elizabeth, I think it would be helpful to send them best-practice examples of airports (like Zurich airport) or hotels that already offer such extra support, so they can copy them. Also, just making them aware beforehand that a guest might need more time and space to themselves can already help. If you know of any hotels or accommodations that you can recommend for travelers with autism spectrum disorder, please feel free to share them.
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Markus
I think it's good that autistic people also receive help when traveling on vacation.
Because my brother also has autism and goes on holiday with the facility every summer.
Elizabeth olsen
What additional strategies can families use to prepare airport staff or hotel personnel in advance to better support travelers with autism spectrum disorder?