We’re a family navigating the world of special needs. With three boys, one of whom is on the autism spectrum, we face unique challenges, including sensory sensitivities, specific food preferences, and heightened anxiety. While meltdowns were once frequent, they have become less common as our son has matured.
Shortly after receiving our son’s autism diagnosis, I joined local support groups for parents. These gatherings proved invaluable, as experienced mothers shared their wisdom on parenting children with autism. They offered insights on everything from finding the right dentist to discovering sibling support resources and identifying family-friendly activities in our community.
One pressing question I had for fellow parents was, “How do you manage travel with children on the spectrum?” This concern loomed large for me, as I had always been passionate about traveling and couldn’t fathom taking my then 2.5-year-old son on a trip. His sensory challenges and potential meltdowns felt overwhelming.
Many parents I spoke with responded, “We simply don’t travel anymore.” They cited various reasons: long car rides or flights could be too distressing for their children, concerns about available accommodations at destinations, and the stress of managing behavior in unfamiliar settings.
After a year of therapies post-diagnosis, we decided to take the plunge and plan a family vacation. Our previous attempt when he was younger had ended in tears and sensory overload, so this was a significant leap of faith. However, family travel remained a priority, and we believed that the best way for our son to grow comfortable with new experiences was to actually get out there.
For our first trip after the diagnosis, we chose a laid-back visit to Disney World. I know it sounds contradictory, but my boys were obsessed with Cars and Toy Story, and these interests helped us create a fun atmosphere at the Magic Kingdom.
Although we faced some challenges, we managed to make it through. Our new vacation was certainly not free from autism-related meltdowns, but it was undoubtedly smoother than our earlier experience. We discovered various accommodations at Disney parks and resorts tailored for children on the spectrum, which eased our journey.
While our vacation may not have mirrored a typical family getaway, it was perfect for us. Encouraged by our success, we planned more adventures together.
Years have passed since that first trip, and we recently returned from our first cruise to Mexico. Yes, we encountered some autism-related hurdles (as we always will), but we also created unforgettable memories: exploring caves in Cancun, rock climbing on the ship, relaxing at the beach, and even petting penguins in Orlando.
Family travel is a vital aspect of our lives, and we continually encourage our son to stretch beyond his comfort zone. We prioritize his emotional well-being and are careful not to overwhelm him, but we firmly believe that exposure to new activities and cultures is essential for his growth.
Our family vacations have allowed us to forge unique experiences together, crafting memories that will last a lifetime. Through our shared journeys, we’ve become a stronger unit, learning and growing as a family despite the challenges autism presents.
And while our travels may not resemble those in a typical travel guide, we are always in the process of planning our next adventure. So, where to next?
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Summary
Our family’s journey with autism has not halted our love for travel. With each vacation, we learn to navigate challenges and create cherished memories together. By pushing our son’s boundaries while ensuring his comfort, we continue to grow and explore the world as a family.
Keyphrase: Family travel with autism
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