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Summer Travel Tips & Tools for Neurodivergent Individuals and Families
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items My family and I are all neurodivergent in some different ways (ADHD, autism, giftedness, OCD). We all love the fun and excitement of traveling to see new places, but at the same time, neurodivergency can provide some extra challenges with travel. Her...
Sections
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Preparing to Take Off
Reducing Sensory Overwhelm
You've Got the Right Stuff
Preparing to Take Off
Sometimes, preparation is more than half the battle when it comes to having a fun trip. I can't prepare for every eventuality, but thinking through (and choosing) a doable itinerary is important to keeping things as smooth as possible.
One thing I love about this travel planner is that there are so many options to use it. It's hyperlinked to easily use it as a digital planner, but you can also print the pages for your kids to have an expectation of what the trip will involve before...
Digital or Paper Family Travel Planner Comprehensive Guide for Memorable ...
You can download this free master packing list specifically designed for individuals with ADHD from ADDitude Magazine. A great resource.
ADHD Free Packing List
One of the biggest challenges of planning a trip if you're neurodivergent or have neurodivergent members of your family is picking the right destination. The good news is that several cities and properties have become a lot more neurodiversity aware....
Travel for all: 12 autism-friendly vacation destinations - The Points Guy
Part of picking the right destination is understanding what sensory experiences are fun and pleasant for you. From temperature range to soundscape to crowds, there's a lot of sensory input to consider when making a choice. This worksheet helps you to...
DIY Sensory Self-Soothing Kit Emotional Regulation Calming Activities Stress Relief Tools for Anxiety Six Senses
Reducing Sensory Overwhelm
One of the biggest challenges my family and I face while traveling is sensory overwhelm. It can be an exciting part of travel--experiencing lots of new sights, new smells, new sounds, all of it. But at the same time, that excitement can quickly flip ...
I love my loops. They're comfy, simple, and unobtrusive as they dampen noises.
Loop Earplugs
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My TouchPoints (or buzzers as my son calls them) are my secret weapon for helping to calm down from sensory overload. They use alternating bilateral stimulation (a vibration) to calm anxiety and overwhelm. The science behind them has been used by the...
Wearable Stress Relief Device | TouchPoints
One of my sons prefers over-ear headphones to help blunt loud noises. These Sony noise-cancelling headphones have been fabulous and pair easily to devices.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Bluetooth Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
Fidgets are great ways to reduce sensory overwhelm, but several of them are pretty loud (not good if you're on a plane or car with other people). These quiet fidgets are fabulous quiet options.
Collection of Quiet Fidgets - ideal for office use, work meetings, public transport etc
Knowing your overwhelm and meltdown triggers (and what helps to get through them) can be so helpful to know before you head out on a trip. If you haven't tracked your triggers and tools yet, now is a great time to start.
Printable Special Needs Carer Template, Meltdown Tracker, Autism Tracker, ADS Sensory Overload, Behavioural Disorders, ODD, Communication Cards,
I love my weighted blanket, but it's not handy for travel. A weighted lap pad can provide similar proprioceptive pressure on my joints, and it travels a lot easier on a plane or in a car.
Cozy Weighted Lap Pad
Super squishy and easily portable, this stress ball is a great fidget for travel.
Maltose Sugar Stress Ball - Ultra Squishy Sensory Fidget Stress Toy
It's easy to lose your fidgets while traveling. Keep them close and handy with this group on a lanyard. I love that you can also switch them out.
Fidget Sensory Lanyard, Keychain Stim Toys, Autism/ADHD/Anxiety Relief
These compression vests with optional and adjustable weights can be really helpful in sensory regulation.
Special Supplies Weighted Sensory Compression Vest for Kids with Processing Disorders, ADHD, and Autism, Calming and Supportive with Adjustable Weight Fit (Small 17x30 inches) - Walmart.com
You've Got the Right Stuff
The more mindfully you pack your bag (especially the stuff you keep handy with you in your mode of transportation) can make a huge difference in keeping the trip smooth.
Even if you're not a writer, these notebooks are the best! They're great for jotting down thoughts, making lists, doodling, anything that comes to your marvelous mind. They're the perfect size to toss in my bag and keep handy at all times.
KOKUYO Campus Soft Ring Notebook, A5, 6mm Dot
One thing I absolutely love about this pill organizer is the flexibility to keep your pills together and organized for the week, but also to break a day's away if you're headed out on an adventure.
Sukuos Weekly Pill Organizer 7 Day 2 Times a Day
Keeping your living space organized and clean can be a challenge for neurodivergent people any time. Throwing travel in the mix can make your space feel chaotic. These hooks are a great way to keep everyone's items organized and separate.
NiHome Foldable Over-The-Door Hook for Travel, Business Trips, Vacation, No Drill Installation Space-Saving Organizer, Portable Hanger Extra Hanging Space for Bathroom, Closet, Bedroom (Black, 1PC) - Walmart.com
Lightweight mesh laundry bags are an absolute must for my crew when traveling. Everyone gets one and it keeps hotel rooms from getting too chaotic and messy with just a quick pick-up.
(8 pack) Mainstays White Polyester Mesh Laundry Bag with Drawstring Closure, 24" x 36"
I can't recommend Walmart+ enough when it comes to travel in the U.S. if you have neurodivergent family members. One of my kiddos has very specific food sensitivities, and Walmart Plus makes it easy to prepare in advance for food delivery no matter w...
Walmart+ Membership | Free 30-Day Trial