Preparing for a family vacation with people with ASD

Summer arrives, bringing with it the long-awaited holidays —a time to relax, unwind, and enjoy fun leisure activities. However, this is generally a spontaneous and unstructured period that, for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families, can be a source of stress and distress due to the difficulties people with ASD face in adapting to changes and sensory processing differences. This is why holidays can present a significant challenge for these families.

Although each person with an autism spectrum disorder has their own patterns, there are some general recommendations that are helpful when organizing vacations to avoid stressful situations caused by changes in routines.

Tips for organizing holidays with people with ASD:

1. Choosing the right destination : When choosing a vacation spot, the person's interests and sensory issues should be taken into account. For example, if the person doesn't like the feeling of sand between their toes, going to the beach won't be the best option; another fun alternative will need to be found.
2. Prepare in advance : planning activities and outings will be key. This will help people with autism spectrum disorder better understand the new routine and reduce the discomfort of facing new situations. It will be helpful to use a calendar to specify the days and weeks of vacation, as well as visual aids with pictures of the activities that will be done or places that will be visited.
3. Planning your journey : It will also be important to explain or use visual aids regarding the mode of transport you will be using. If you are traveling by train or plane, it will be important to inform the staff or crew of any special needs so they can better manage waiting times and the journey.
4. Evaluate accommodation options: consider noise levels and food options.
5. Create a structured schedule outlining your daily activities and leisure time . This doesn't mean planning every hour, but rather structuring your day. Visual aids can be helpful.
6. Be flexible: it's normal to encounter some difficult situations at some point. We shouldn't lose our composure, but rather try to reduce the problematic behavior, make sure there's a quiet place to retreat to if needed, and then continue enjoying our vacation.
7. Inform the other people traveling with us (extended family, for example) about some aspects to keep in mind so that they can better understand the person with autism spectrum disorder and can understand their peculiarities and reactions.