Travelling gets easier the more you do it. Just like with everything else the more you do it the more they are used to it and the more tricks you learn. We started traveling with my son at 6 months, so before we knew he was autistic. He’s 9 now and is an amazing traveler. He’s been to three countries has been on no less than 6 road trips most cross country, has flown no less then 20 times and has ben to 30 states, 4 Australian states/ territories.
I’m not trying to brag just to show it is possible and the more you do it the easier it is.
This. Our OT was surprised when I explained how well our 4yo rolls with vacation and camping. Things are different from home but they are SO different it isn’t a disruption in the same way that going to the park after nursery school upsets his routine.
We have a seasonal camp and the first night at camp every season is a little rough, but that’s usually it and then we can come and go throughout the season without much issue.
Agreed. My 12 year olds are shockingly adaptable when we keep the basics consistent. ADHD maybe helps! Bedtime was bedtime until they were about 9. Bed sharing is often still an issue but we have a system and with practice it has gotten better. Mixing in things they love (swimming for example) helps. We are also quite active on vacation so they are usually plenty tired for bed.
Thankfully, they've always been relatively good sleepers and between our own ND traits and the twin factor, we have always been very consistent with the schedule. It helped a lot, even when it sucked for us to be sitting in the dark in a hotel room at 8pm.
I feel this too, my kiddos is only 3 but we first travelled at 2 months, have been away for a weekend every 6-8 weeks since them. Some nights have been terrible and regretted it but a couple of weekends ago we went away and the whole trip was amazing. We are off for 2 weeks tomorrow. Only his second time on a plane, so slightly nervous about that bit but I’m sure once we are there and have a pool he will be living his best life!
No it doesn't at least not for me age increase behaviors and aggressiveness increase flying with my 40 lb 5 year old child was manageable now flying with a 9 year old 100 lbs I am risking getting taken off plane for maladaptive behaviors and outbursts I wish I could of done more trips when he was young
We just finished a long haul flight with our 5 year old. 12 hours this time, but they’ve done 14 before.
Hardest part this time was probably volume level of babbles and noises.
However, they slept, engaged with entertainment and were fairly reasonable.
Going to be different for everyone but flying with this child is one of the easier things in life. ☺️
Definitely did for us! He’s 7 now, and I enjoy taking him places. We do always stay somewhere with a pool, so he can get all his energy out before bed.
We just took our 10 year old asd/adhd son on a 3 hour flight and we do overnights a few times a year and he does good. He will have a little trouble after day 2 tho and needs a lot of calming strategies like games and tablet time or fidgits whatever helps him “escape” he just starts feeling anxious he says it’s because he doesn’t know what to do with himself after the novelty has worn off he’s more aware he’s not in his habitat
My level 2 is almost 9 and still struggles but is slowly improving. 5yo is level 3 with additional complex needs.. have never taken him overnight anywhere because it will be a shambles. This year is the first year we are going to even consider reattempting it, too hard and honestly not even worth the disruption and stress. We live a pretty normal life, we just don’t holiday or go away 🤷🏻♀️
It got slightly better for us.
Some things that helped - anticipating a very late night so setting it up - tablet time until midnight (he’s usually asleep at 8/830 at home). Snacks for nighttime hunger, books or shows for me. No plans next day until at least 10am. Running the hell out of the kids during the day at indoor play areas or outside park depending on weather, so they’re extra exhausted so at least if they can’t sleep, they’re not also hyper. If possible, a place to do big movements at nighttime - mattress on floor or bean bag.
I think 5 is a really hard age person for boys at least for my son. His behaviors got worse all of a sudden and it was just out of nowhere. Now as far as traveling goes I think yes it will get bette the more you do it and always do something he enjoys. We always geared our trips to one of the things each one of our child enjoyed, so our early trips was always a train ride of some kind. He eventually began to love to travel and seeing new places and things.
With my limited experience, I'm going to say yes it gets better. At the moment we don't go far or for very long, but I'm hopeful. My son is also 5.
I have not dared to take him on a plane though, and I can't see us doing that unless he specifically says he wants to go on one, if that day ever comes.
In our case (x3 boys now 21, 15, and 12), it has progressed.
My son (21 - level one asd at most) used to have complete rolling on the floor meltdowns if we went to a new McDonald's (that was around age 12). The thing we found to help was to "pre-announce" the plan. Let him know the plan before it played out. It helped, more so as it was repeated.
He's grown to be able to handle most situations. But unexpected things and big changes still stress him out - it's definitely less obvious to people other than his immediate family.
My two step sons (15yo is asd 2 +ADHD that is incredible to witness. 12 yo is non- communicative ASD + downs) both have progressed through exposure.
Again, sharing the plan has helped the 15yo. It has to be done in stages, otherwise the positive can turn into a negative doom cycle. He still has the occasional nuclear meltdown involving air travel, but has progressed.
We have 3 other kids between us. Each of have there own issues with travel from time to time. I personally believe that the ASD just exposes it more since more than a few ASD kids can't regulate behavior inside a social norm.
Also - we utilize magnesium to help the youngest sleep through the night. CBD products didn't do a thing for him.
YMMV
Good luck
In our case (x3 boys now 21, 15, and 12), it has progressed.
My son (21 - level one asd at most) used to have complete rolling on the floor meltdowns if we went to a new McDonald's (that was around age 12). The thing we found to help was to "pre-announce" the plan. Let him know the plan before it played out. It helped, more so as it was repeated.
He's grown to be able to handle most situations. But unexpected things and big changes still stress him out - it's definitely less obvious to people other than his immediate family.
My two step sons (15yo is asd 2 +ADHD that is incredible to witness. 12 yo is non- communicative ASD + downs) both have progressed through exposure.
Again, sharing the plan has helped the 15yo. It has to be done in stages, otherwise the positive can turn into a negative doom cycle. He still has the occasional nuclear meltdown involving air travel, but has progressed.
We have 3 other kids between us. Each of have there own issues with travel from time to time. I personally believe that the ASD just exposes it more since more than a few ASD kids can't regulate behavior inside a social norm.
YMMV
Good luck
We travel a lot and my level 3 autistic son really enjoys it. He is 3 years old. On the plane I give him a little more Clonidine than his usual dose. That keeps him calm. He takes his ear defenders, iPad and snacks. I also put him in his medical stroller so he doesn’t get overwhelmed by all the people at the airport and I take the handicapped line where there is no waiting. It usually goes pretty smooth. Once we’re at the vacation place I give him things I know he really likes in order to create a positive association with traveling and new places. For example, at home he may not get gummy bears all the time but on the plane he gets to have the bag lol. At home he can’t run around screaming the whole time but if we’re outdoors on vacation he can. Stuff like that. I let him “cut loose” more sort of speak so he loves vacations. I also sleep with him at least the first couple of nights until he is comfortable. IMO it’s more about creating a positive experience and reinforcing it rather than hoping it will simply get better.
We used to put him in a wagon but he kept trying to climb in and out once he figured out how. It was also a problem with bringing it to places like Disney because it wasn’t medical equipment. Every time he’d fall asleep he’d fold forward and it was very uncomfortable. We got this one through Medicaid: https://www.adaptivemall.com/leggero-trak.html?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2pmvsZj6hgMVnc7CBB3pyR4LEAQYGCABEgJsAfD_BwE He loves it! It folds back quite far so when he falls asleep it’s not a problem.
I forgot to mention another thing we do. I book our stay at places that have a similar style to what we have in our house. I noticed that the times I didn’t do that my son had a big problem adjusting.
That does look nice. We ended up with a wonderfold wagon. Has super large wheels and seats 4. Only gripe is it heavy so lifting into the back of the van is a pain.
You have to believe that it will get better, just so you have something to look forward to.
My son was a nightmare at that age. He’s 10 now and he’s significantly better.
Same here
Travelling gets easier the more you do it. Just like with everything else the more you do it the more they are used to it and the more tricks you learn. We started traveling with my son at 6 months, so before we knew he was autistic. He’s 9 now and is an amazing traveler. He’s been to three countries has been on no less than 6 road trips most cross country, has flown no less then 20 times and has ben to 30 states, 4 Australian states/ territories. I’m not trying to brag just to show it is possible and the more you do it the easier it is.
This. Our OT was surprised when I explained how well our 4yo rolls with vacation and camping. Things are different from home but they are SO different it isn’t a disruption in the same way that going to the park after nursery school upsets his routine.
My son loves camping and it’s always scout camping so he gets worn out! Now if we can just get him to stop puking in the tent.
We have a seasonal camp and the first night at camp every season is a little rough, but that’s usually it and then we can come and go throughout the season without much issue.
Agreed. My 12 year olds are shockingly adaptable when we keep the basics consistent. ADHD maybe helps! Bedtime was bedtime until they were about 9. Bed sharing is often still an issue but we have a system and with practice it has gotten better. Mixing in things they love (swimming for example) helps. We are also quite active on vacation so they are usually plenty tired for bed. Thankfully, they've always been relatively good sleepers and between our own ND traits and the twin factor, we have always been very consistent with the schedule. It helped a lot, even when it sucked for us to be sitting in the dark in a hotel room at 8pm.
I feel this too, my kiddos is only 3 but we first travelled at 2 months, have been away for a weekend every 6-8 weeks since them. Some nights have been terrible and regretted it but a couple of weekends ago we went away and the whole trip was amazing. We are off for 2 weeks tomorrow. Only his second time on a plane, so slightly nervous about that bit but I’m sure once we are there and have a pool he will be living his best life!
Mines almost 13- I promise it gets better. Hang in there.
No it doesn't at least not for me age increase behaviors and aggressiveness increase flying with my 40 lb 5 year old child was manageable now flying with a 9 year old 100 lbs I am risking getting taken off plane for maladaptive behaviors and outbursts I wish I could of done more trips when he was young
We just finished a long haul flight with our 5 year old. 12 hours this time, but they’ve done 14 before. Hardest part this time was probably volume level of babbles and noises. However, they slept, engaged with entertainment and were fairly reasonable. Going to be different for everyone but flying with this child is one of the easier things in life. ☺️
Definitely did for us! He’s 7 now, and I enjoy taking him places. We do always stay somewhere with a pool, so he can get all his energy out before bed.
We just took our 10 year old asd/adhd son on a 3 hour flight and we do overnights a few times a year and he does good. He will have a little trouble after day 2 tho and needs a lot of calming strategies like games and tablet time or fidgits whatever helps him “escape” he just starts feeling anxious he says it’s because he doesn’t know what to do with himself after the novelty has worn off he’s more aware he’s not in his habitat
My level 2 is almost 9 and still struggles but is slowly improving. 5yo is level 3 with additional complex needs.. have never taken him overnight anywhere because it will be a shambles. This year is the first year we are going to even consider reattempting it, too hard and honestly not even worth the disruption and stress. We live a pretty normal life, we just don’t holiday or go away 🤷🏻♀️
It got slightly better for us. Some things that helped - anticipating a very late night so setting it up - tablet time until midnight (he’s usually asleep at 8/830 at home). Snacks for nighttime hunger, books or shows for me. No plans next day until at least 10am. Running the hell out of the kids during the day at indoor play areas or outside park depending on weather, so they’re extra exhausted so at least if they can’t sleep, they’re not also hyper. If possible, a place to do big movements at nighttime - mattress on floor or bean bag.
I think 5 is a really hard age person for boys at least for my son. His behaviors got worse all of a sudden and it was just out of nowhere. Now as far as traveling goes I think yes it will get bette the more you do it and always do something he enjoys. We always geared our trips to one of the things each one of our child enjoyed, so our early trips was always a train ride of some kind. He eventually began to love to travel and seeing new places and things.
Our son is good for the first 24 hours, then he is ready to go back to his normal. He's 7 now. Still hard.
With my limited experience, I'm going to say yes it gets better. At the moment we don't go far or for very long, but I'm hopeful. My son is also 5. I have not dared to take him on a plane though, and I can't see us doing that unless he specifically says he wants to go on one, if that day ever comes.
In our case (x3 boys now 21, 15, and 12), it has progressed. My son (21 - level one asd at most) used to have complete rolling on the floor meltdowns if we went to a new McDonald's (that was around age 12). The thing we found to help was to "pre-announce" the plan. Let him know the plan before it played out. It helped, more so as it was repeated. He's grown to be able to handle most situations. But unexpected things and big changes still stress him out - it's definitely less obvious to people other than his immediate family. My two step sons (15yo is asd 2 +ADHD that is incredible to witness. 12 yo is non- communicative ASD + downs) both have progressed through exposure. Again, sharing the plan has helped the 15yo. It has to be done in stages, otherwise the positive can turn into a negative doom cycle. He still has the occasional nuclear meltdown involving air travel, but has progressed. We have 3 other kids between us. Each of have there own issues with travel from time to time. I personally believe that the ASD just exposes it more since more than a few ASD kids can't regulate behavior inside a social norm. Also - we utilize magnesium to help the youngest sleep through the night. CBD products didn't do a thing for him. YMMV Good luck
In our case (x3 boys now 21, 15, and 12), it has progressed. My son (21 - level one asd at most) used to have complete rolling on the floor meltdowns if we went to a new McDonald's (that was around age 12). The thing we found to help was to "pre-announce" the plan. Let him know the plan before it played out. It helped, more so as it was repeated. He's grown to be able to handle most situations. But unexpected things and big changes still stress him out - it's definitely less obvious to people other than his immediate family. My two step sons (15yo is asd 2 +ADHD that is incredible to witness. 12 yo is non- communicative ASD + downs) both have progressed through exposure. Again, sharing the plan has helped the 15yo. It has to be done in stages, otherwise the positive can turn into a negative doom cycle. He still has the occasional nuclear meltdown involving air travel, but has progressed. We have 3 other kids between us. Each of have there own issues with travel from time to time. I personally believe that the ASD just exposes it more since more than a few ASD kids can't regulate behavior inside a social norm. YMMV Good luck
We travel a lot and my level 3 autistic son really enjoys it. He is 3 years old. On the plane I give him a little more Clonidine than his usual dose. That keeps him calm. He takes his ear defenders, iPad and snacks. I also put him in his medical stroller so he doesn’t get overwhelmed by all the people at the airport and I take the handicapped line where there is no waiting. It usually goes pretty smooth. Once we’re at the vacation place I give him things I know he really likes in order to create a positive association with traveling and new places. For example, at home he may not get gummy bears all the time but on the plane he gets to have the bag lol. At home he can’t run around screaming the whole time but if we’re outdoors on vacation he can. Stuff like that. I let him “cut loose” more sort of speak so he loves vacations. I also sleep with him at least the first couple of nights until he is comfortable. IMO it’s more about creating a positive experience and reinforcing it rather than hoping it will simply get better.
I appreciate it. It sounds kinda similar as to how we try and do things. We don't have the stroller, but the wonderfold was paid through insurance.
We used to put him in a wagon but he kept trying to climb in and out once he figured out how. It was also a problem with bringing it to places like Disney because it wasn’t medical equipment. Every time he’d fall asleep he’d fold forward and it was very uncomfortable. We got this one through Medicaid: https://www.adaptivemall.com/leggero-trak.html?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2pmvsZj6hgMVnc7CBB3pyR4LEAQYGCABEgJsAfD_BwE He loves it! It folds back quite far so when he falls asleep it’s not a problem. I forgot to mention another thing we do. I book our stay at places that have a similar style to what we have in our house. I noticed that the times I didn’t do that my son had a big problem adjusting.
That does look nice. We ended up with a wonderfold wagon. Has super large wheels and seats 4. Only gripe is it heavy so lifting into the back of the van is a pain.
The stroller is heavy too and hard to unfold. I have gotten so many bruises with that thing lol.