Travel Checklists (ages 7-13)

 

Preparing an autistic child for a trip can be challenging. Here's a checklist to help parents prepare their 7-13 year old child for a week-long vacation to Mesa, Arizona:

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1. Social Stories and Visual Supports:

[ ] Create a social story about the trip, including:

[ ] Packing for the trip

[ ] Airport experience (security, boarding, flight)

[ ] Arrival in Mesa and transportation to the hotel

[ ] Hotel stay (check-in, room, amenities)

[ ] Planned activities in Mesa (specific places, what to expect)

[ ] Potential challenges and how to handle them (e.g., delays, crowds)

[ ] Return trip and going home

[ ] Use pictures, symbols, and simple language in the social story.

[ ] Review the social story with your child regularly leading up to the trip.

[ ] Create a visual schedule for each day of the vacation.

[ ] Use a countdown calendar to mark the days until the trip.

 

2. Sensory Considerations:

[ ] Identify potential sensory triggers (e.g., loud noises, bright lights, crowds).

[ ] Pack sensory tools (e.g., noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, weighted blanket).

[ ] Research sensory-friendly activities and restaurants in Mesa.

[ ] Plan for breaks and quiet time during the vacation.

[ ] Consider the sensory environment of the hotel and specific locations you'll visit.

 

3. Communication and Expectations:

[ ] Discuss the trip with your child in a way they understand.

[ ] Explain the itinerary and what to expect each day.

[ ] Provide clear and flexible guidance about what to expect during travel and at the destination, while considering needs and comfort.

[ ] Build support strategies that focus on understanding and responding to the individual’s needs, preferences, and strengths.

[ ] Practice travel-related skills (e.g., waiting in line, asking for help).

 

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