Neurodivergent Air Travel Tips

May 29

Traveling with a child who has special needs presents unique challenges. I still remember our first flight with my son when I was 5½ months pregnant with my daughter and he was just 3. We knew something was different developmentally, but it wasn’t until after our trip to Cabo that we pursued an evaluation.

The flight to Cabo was manageable, but the return trip? It was a complete toddler meltdown, overwhelming for me. It would be another six years before we flew again, only to face travel restrictions in 2020.

When we resumed traveling in 2021, I had learned so much about my son during the time between our Cabo trip and then. I discovered more about what he needed and what he was capable of, and we also received diagnoses of autism, auditory processing disorder, and ADHD.

Since then, our flights—typically under 3 hours—have been manageable thanks to cognitive pre-boarding accommodations, snacks, and a fully charged tablet. I’m hopeful for longer flights next year.

The key to successful air travel and travel in general is understanding your child, their needs, and their limits.

Here are some tips that have worked for us, along with insights from my autism travel professional training and conversations with experts and other parents:

Prepare in Advance
Start by talking with your child about the trip. Explain what to expect, from the airport experience to the flight itself. Watching YouTube videos on airports and airplanes can help familiarize them with the process. Gauge how much information your child needs to avoid overwhelm, and consider creating social stories tailored to their needs.
Pack Together
Depending on your child’s age, involve them in packing. Let them pack their carry-on bag with items they find comforting and enjoyable. This might include favorite snacks, sensory toys, or personal comfort items.
Consider Sensory Needs
On the flight, think about their sensory needs:

Ear Protection: Pack earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to help with noise sensitivity.
Comfort Items: Bring something to chew or suck on to alleviate ear pressure & popping.
Snacks: Pack familiar snacks to keep them comfortable and satisfied.

Engaging Activities
Keep them entertained with:

New Sensory Toys: Purchase a few new sensory toys or fidgets for them to try before the trip, then save them for the flight to keep their attention.
Charged Devices: Load up tablets with games and movies, and don’t forget the charger.
Travel Activities: Pack compact coloring books, travel-size games, and anything else that’s easy to carry and engaging.

Request Accommodations
When booking your flight, select the option for disability accommodations if available. For airlines like Southwest, there’s a specific option for this. If not available during booking, call the airline to request assistance.
Use the Sunflower Lanyard
The Sunflower Lanyard is a discreet way to signal that your child has hidden disabilities and might need additional support or time. You can request this lanyard online or at some airports. https://hdsunflower.com/
Utilize TSA Cares
Request TSA Cares before you arrive at the airport by calling or filling out an online form. This program provides a support specialist to help navigate the TSA security process smoothly. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares
Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help
Inform flight attendants that you might need extra support during the flight. They’re there to assist and can help make the journey more comfortable.