Air travel no matter the distance can be stressful and overwhelming to anyone, especially neurodivergent children and their families. Navigating crowded airports, tolerating cramped lines, and unsaid protocols when going through security, customs, and boarding. Children can notice and pick up on our emotions more easily than we think. If we are outwardly presenting our stress and frustration when traveling, there is a good chance that your child will mirror you. As more information and research come out in regard to the neurodivergent population, airports are becoming more accommodating and supportive to these individuals and their families. Here are some strategies to try before the next time you travel.
Understanding the Challenges:
A quick look at our nervous system and how it responds to environmental stimuli highlights the first challenge that neurodiverse and some neurotypical children experience. Our nervous system is constantly receiving, interpreting, and responding to everything around us. Someone with a regulated nervous system can successfully integrate these sensations and respond accordingly, however, other individuals can be hyper-focused or be unaware of these sensations, resulting in difficulty integrating and responding appropriately. Additionally, when paired with unpredictability and changes in a routine these children are just ready to either shut down or become dysregulated and meltdown.
- Sensory overload: Increased noise, crowded environments, people bumping into you, or standing too close can all trigger distress in children who have sensory processing differences
- Unpredictability: Some airports require you to take off your shoes and remove all electronics from your bag, while others let you walk through. Some airports have those old-school metal detectors while others have those tube-like machines.
- Communication difference: Some children need more time to respond to questions or demands, others may be non-speaking and/or talk with an AAC device.
- Anxiety Differences: Some children may have hesitancy with flying, tight spaces, crowded areas, and unpredictability.
Knowing these things about your child can help make a world of difference when traveling. Remember that every child is different, triggers and strategies that work for one child may not work for another. Personalization and empathy are key to a smooth travel experience.
Pre-flight preparation:
Get to know your airport.
Discuss what to expect with your child.
In-flight strategies:
Conclusion:
Preparation makes a huge difference when traveling. Knowing what to expect and preparing for things that may go wrong (without going overboard) can decrease the stress associated with flying. Understanding and acknowledging that your child did something that was new and scary and that they did great can help encourage them to look forward to traveling in the future. It is also important to note that sometimes not everything goes as planned, and mistakes will be made. Having grace with yourself and identifying what you would like to change the next time can help you master the art of traveling. Finally, remember that each child is different and that as they grow, strategies may change. If appropriate, invite your child into these conversations, teaching them self-advocacy and awareness of what works well with them can set them and you up for success.
Resources:
Bay Area Airports that have a designated quiet area and/or sensory room.
California airports where the Hidden Disability Sunflower is recognized:
