Traveling with a child on the Autism spectrum can be a deeply rewarding yet challenging experience. For many parents, the journey involves not only planning logistics but also managing behaviors that may attract public scrutiny. A few parents we talked to shed light on the stress of navigating behavioral challenges during travel, the emotional toll it takes, and practical strategies that can make such journeys smoother for both parent and child.
Behavioral Challenges and Public Perception
One recurring challenge faced by the parents was their child’s tendency to touch other people’s belongings, such as purses and luggage. Some adolescents and teenagers with Autism look tall and matured but their mental age is less. Despite efforts to redirect their behavior by providing them with their own items to hold, the children remained drawn to other people’s possessions. This led to uncomfortable moments, with onlookers casting judgmental glances.
“This behavior leads to people giving us mean looks,” a parent shared, expressing concern over potential misconceptions, such as others viewing the child as a thief. The situation left the parent feeling overwhelmed and helpless: “I’m just dying inside… because I don’t want her to get in trouble.”
Emotional Impact on the Parent
The emotional weight of managing these challenges in an unfamiliar environment can be overwhelming. The parents described moments of deep guilt after scolding their children, recognizing that the children on spectrum did not fully understand the gravity of their actions. “Here is a picture of her after I scolded her… I feel so guilty,” they admitted. However, even in these tough moments, the child’s gestures of comfort offered a bittersweet reprieve.
“She is standing near me now, seeing that I am so stressed out… and now she is hugging me… I am crying inside,” a parent wrote, encapsulating the emotional complexities of balancing discipline, societal judgment, and a deep love for their child.
Strategies for Managing Travel Challenges
Parents and caregivers offered empathetic support and a wealth of practical suggestions to help manage these situations effectively:
- Travel Preparation:
○ Begin with shorter trips to familiarize the child with acceptable behaviors in public settings.
○ Use visual aids, role-playing, or social stories to teach boundaries and appropriate interactions.
○ Consistently reinforce good behavior with praise and tangible rewards.
- Communication with Strangers:
○ Prepare business cards explaining the child’s Autism and politely request patience from the co-travellers. One suggestion included: “Make a small batch of business cards in that language explaining s/he is Autistic… Apologize and thank them in advance for their patience and grace.”
○ Consider stickers, pins, or badges subtly indicating the child is neurodivergent, such as, “I’m an AWESOME kid with Autism.”
- Behavioral Management Strategies:
○ Redirect attention by providing engaging items the child enjoys touching.
○ Use a safety leash or riding suitcase to keep the child close and occupied. As one parent recommended: “A safety leash works wonders… I tell her, if I hear one more zipper opening, she will be bound to mommy for the rest of the day.”
- Parental Self-Care:
○ Take moments to breathe and decompress when the stress becomes too overwhelming.
○ Lean on support groups for shared experiences and advice. One commenter encouraged: “Take a deep breath and know you’re not alone.”
○ Don’t feel embarrassed or humiliated. Use that distress to educate others, if you receive glares.
- Therapeutic Interventions:
○ Engage in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to work on specific behaviors, such as respecting personal space and reducing impulsivity.
○ Gradually teach empathy by explaining how certain actions may affect others’ feelings.
Long-Term Perspective
While the immediate challenges of travel can feel insurmountable, consistent efforts in teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors can lead to significant growth and independence. A fellow parent offered reassurance: “Consistency in teaching will help her gain independence… You can do this.”
Traveling with a child on the spectrum requires patience, resilience, and creativity. By embracing practical strategies and seeking community support, parents can navigate these experiences more confidently while fostering a sense of safety and understanding for their child. As the parents themselves concluded, this journey is about trial and error, learning, and unwavering love—a testament to the strength of every parent raising a child with Autism.
