Ten tips for traveling with neurodivergent kiddos
Or really anyone that needs a little TLC from time to time (which is really all of us!)
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Traveling with neurodivergent kiddos
As many of us are knee deep in summer travel, I’ve been thinking about how hard it can be to travel with kids — and the added challenges that come along with traveling with neurodivergent kids. Parenting is not easy!
I contributed to a piece in Bloomberg News about traveling with a neurodivergent child a while back that I thought I’d share today. A big shoutout to one of my favorite hotels in Amsterdam that made our trip so much easier. I love when staff go out of their way to make kids feel comfortable and welcome. I don’t know if they realize what a difference it can make for families!
One thing I’ve learned traveling with my own neurodivergent child? Planning ahead and managing expectations can make all the difference.
I checked in with an old friend from my hometown in the suburbs of Detroit, who combines her skills as an educator, licensed clinical social worker, and disability advocate to help families with neurodivergent kids.
Here are some of her top trip-planning tips if you have a neurodivergent family member in your crew — or just want some strategies to make travel easier with kids in general!
Frankie’s Tips!
1. Right-Size Expectations:
Consider each child's needs and strengths when planning.
2. Assess Individual Needs:
Think about sensory sensitivities, self-care skills, and challenges related to new experiences.
3. Plan Activities Wisely:
If a child dislikes museums, prepare for shorter visits and alternative activities while others enjoy the museum.
4. Create a Packing List:
Include necessities, calming tools (e.g., noise-canceling headphones, sketchbooks), and food options. (note from Rachel: Here is a list of favorite items!)
5. Include Breaks:
Schedule at least a 90-minute midday rest after 1-2 activities.
6. Bring Alternative Food Options:
Pack shelf-stable meals (e.g., soup packets, instant oatmeal) to manage "hangry" moments.
7. Set Expectations:
Communicate plans according to each child's comfort level — some may want detailed information, while others prefer minimal details.
8. Practice Grace:
Acknowledge that travel can be overwhelming; turn challenges into teachable moments and ignore some of the grumpiness!
9. Have a Fun Backup Plan:
Keep a list of local ice cream shops for when you need a treat!
10. Incorporate Your Kids' Current Interests:
Frankie shared how she visited a cat café on their recent trip to Poland. Is Poland famous for cats? Probably not, but she knew this activity would be a slam dunk and made time for it.
To learn more about how my friend makes travel easier for neurodiverse families, click here to read more of her posts and give her a follow:
➡ How I prep for travel with a neurodiverse family
➡ Traveling With a Neurodivergent Child: Ways to Plan Ahead
➡ Day & Weekend Trip Ideas: A Checklist for ADHD Families to Have Fun Without Going Far
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More from Brooklyn Family Travelers:
My diagnosed neurodivergent child is amazing on trips, but it's my other child who needs all the TLC. I would say most of the conflicts are around food (and walking for a long time), so I love the tip about packing shelf stable food. Next trip, I am bringing instant ramen!! I'd love tips for getting kids to walk for longer distances than normal LOL. Maybe bringing along a new/fav pair of shoes?? HALP!