Prepare Before You Go

• Get students involved in the planning! Offer choices and allow them to contribute to the itinerary. Make sure they have a visual schedule to reference as needed: Set it up on their phone, or print a simple schedule to bring along in their travel bag. This sequence strip template for planning a trip (English | Español) can help!

• Talk about your feelings about the trip to normalize the complexity of emotions that come with travel. Use this SOLER Emotion Tools Chart (English | Español) to discuss healthy ways to respond to those feelings.

• Use social stories to introduce the concepts involved in travel. Our “We Are Traveling!” discussion story (English | Español) is designed for students to write a personalized travel plan!

• Explain the kinds of transportation you might use while traveling. Some trips might require using a variety of transportation methods. Trains, subways, planes, and buses operate on schedules that might change, so be sure to discuss a plan for responding to potential changes. Be sure to pack interesting activities to pass the time, and keep them nearby for easy access.

Practice Expected Experiences

• Travel is full of sensory input: Crowded spaces, smells, noise, new foods, and more can be overwhelming! Sensory supports like headphones, sunglasses, tactile fidgets, and comfortable clothing can also make a big difference in our ability to feel safe and secure during travel. Practice using these tools during day-to-day routines leading up to the trip so they’re familiar.

• Discuss relevant social skills related to travel and being around new people. Explain skills like greeting others, asking for help, and using manners. Waiting, a commonly required skill, will be especially important to practice: Point out when waiting might be required and practice finding ways to pass the time in familiar settings before the trip.

• Practice using anticipated methods of transportation. Use a local subway, bus, or train station to practice reading schedules and signs. You can even set up a mock airplane in your classroom or home using chairs! United Airlines shares a social story about flying that includes the steps of going to the airport, navigating security, boarding the plane, and landing at the destination.

• Follow as many typical routines as you can. Share these routines with family or friends if you’re visiting others.

Experience Travel Safely

• Discuss the importance of safety skills and practicing them ahead of time. Look for opportunities during daily routines leading up to the trip to review important skills like staying with the group, listening, and crossing the street.

• Develop plans for emergencies like what to do if accidentally separated, and talk about community members that can help. Social scripts, like this one—“Lost in the Community” (English | Español)—are helpful ways to introduce plans for potential scary situations like separation.

• Consider implementing practical solutions to support safety like medical alert bracelets, seat belt covers, and personal identification cards.

• Read about expectations for screening, services and accommodations to assist travel, and other ways to support safety. If flying, there are specific supports to consider. The TSA’s disability notification card can help you communicate with staff during screening. Many airlines and airports are also encouraging safe and welcoming experiences for autistic travelers through the sunflower network, which indicates trained staff are available for support while travelers use sunflower imagery for subtle communication of non-apparent disabilities.