SECRETS I WISH I’D KNOWN ABOUT TRAVELING WITH MY AUTISTIC SON

By Markeisha Hall

Our family of five has been traveling ever since the kids were able to hop on a plane—we had to hold them up for their passport pictures. But in the summer of 2016, we began to foster our youngest son. This will sound crazy, but it is true. The first thing I asked the social worker was, “Will he be able to go with us on vacation in June?” I could tell this was a question she was not used to getting. June rolled around, and we were traveling now as a family of six. He was not diagnosed with autism at that time; although we saw autistic traits, we chalked it up to him adjusting to our home and his age.

Let’s just say we learned a LOT from that trip. We were not prepared for his reaction to the new place, schedule, food, plane trip, nothing. There were meltdowns, sleepless nights, staring from other guests at the resort. To be fair, I have to let you know my husband and I are both special education teachers, though I’m not in the classroom anymore, so we did not feel too overwhelmed by the behaviors on the trip. But had we known more prior to leaving, we would definitely have prepared more effectively. Later that year my son was diagnosed with autism.

I want you to know we did not stop traveling. As of 2018, we officially became a family, and in the summer of 2021, our youngest son successfully went ziplining!

Now, I know first-hand that traveling with kids can be stressful; add in a disability, and that can keep many families from attempting to venture into the unknown of a new place. But with the right preparations, it can be an unforgettable travel memory for your family.

Here are some tips on planning, packing, selecting the right accommodations, and much more to make your family trip more enjoyable and stress-free!

1. Know before you go

Find out all you can about the destination. We have found that YouTube is a great resource to really see the ins and outs of a place. 2. Find an accessible travel agent

Travel agencies that specialize in Accessible Travel are the best way to plan your trip without hassle. They will book your flights, search for suitable accommodation, make a list of places you would like to visit, and arrange transport at your destination. 3. Get an accessibility card

The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing

Education Standards (IBCCES) created the digital IBCCES

Accessibility Card (IAC) as a free resource for individuals with cognitive disorders or physical impairments who need special accommodations or services at certified attractions. 4. Prepare for flights

Since 2011, TSA and Wings for Autism® have partnered to provide families with children on the autism spectrum with a realistic security checkpoint practice run, complete with getting a boarding pass, going through security, boarding a plane, taxing, deplaning, and leaving the airport. Check to see if your local airport participates before your vacation. When booking, use the following Special Service Request (SSR) code, DPNA (disabled passenger with intellectual or developmental disability needing assistance).

5. Have a point of contact

Ask ahead of time who will be your point of contact when you arrive and during your stay.

Now, I know some of you are looking at this and saying it is not possible for your family. But I want you to know that all travel experiences do not have to be at a tropical destination far away from home. So, with that in mind, here are some tips for “traveling” in your or close to your own home.

1. Look into Able Eyes

The mission of Able Eyes is to provide state-of-the-art visual experiences to children and adults with disabilities through virtual tours. 2. Plan a local trip

Start with a short overnight trip somewhere close to your home. 3. Create a travel party

Bring the destination to your home with the sounds, food, and decor of your dream vacation.

Your child’s disability does not have to stop you, them, or your family from experiencing life. You just need the right accommodations, modifications, and consideration to make it happen.

Now…go get that passport stamped! Sources

https://autismtravel.com/ https://www.ableeyes.org/ https://thearc.org/our-initiatives/travel/

Markeisha Hall is an IEP Coach, Certified Autism Travel Professional, Parent Empowerment Partner, and CEO of Hallegacy, LLC. She is married to her college sweetheart and has four beautiful children. After 11 dedicated years of facilitating over two dozen IEP meetings annually as a member of the Early Childhood Assessment Team, Markeisha knew she needed to be a Special Education Teacher and advocate to help parents be more impactful members at the table. In 2018, Markeisha became more intimate with this reality when her family adopted their youngest son. During the adoption process, he was diagnosed with autism. Markeisha is now bringing her IEP process mastery and special education expertise into consulting services to help parents take the lead on their students’ educational roadmap, create more inclusive educational and recreational experiences, and shift from awareness to empowered action.

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