Summertime often means TRAVEL, whether visiting family and friends, or exploring new exciting places! Yet, in the midst of the fun, stressors and struggles can often occur for children and adults with Executive Dysfunction.
Our clients at New Agenda often seek input and advice for managing anxiety about travel while working with their Executive Function Coach.
Here are some strategies New Agenda’s EF Coaches offer families seeking ADHD help and/or autism help when planning to travel:
Research prior to your trip and prepare in advance.
Think about your goals and/or the goals of the trip. It is important to take time to think about the goals of the trip, from the perspective of everyone involved. New Agenda advises clients to think about perspectives, their needs and also the perspective of others involved in the trip. For example, some of our clients are vacationing with extended family members. It’s important to converse prior to the trip, understand if there is an agenda, or goals of the other families/family members, so they can then organize their thoughts on how to respect other’s ideas or goals, and also self advocate for their needs. It’s better to have those conversations up front, prior to arrival.
As you converse with family members, stay open-minded and flexible to hear thoughts that may differ from yours, share any concerns, and work to offer resolutions if differences are present.
Carefully consider the best options of where to stay, when traveling:
VISUALIZE success, which includes respecting your needs and/or the needs of your family members with sensitivities. As you visualize your success, include the sequence of the day: waking up in the morning, meal times, and going to sleep at night. VISUALIZATION is an important exercise to include in planning, and can help decide where to stay, whether it is a home/condo rental, a hotel, or staying with friends and family.
Research accommodations that support individuals with differentiated needs, including sensory needs, ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety.
AccessibleGO is an app that allows travelers to filter accessibility options that extend beyond the general ‘wheelchair accessible’ feature on hotel websites. AccessibleGO allows users to search for lodging with varied needs including accommodating service dogs. The platform provides continuity of support once a booking is made, by contacting the destination directly to assure that all accommodations are able to be met.
Autism Double-Checked certifies hotels that go the extra mile to ensure a stress-free stay for neurodiverse travelers. The hotels have created detailed Visitor Guides, packed with useful information about sensory considerations, as well as other considerations. New Agenda Coaches suggest families to review the Autism Double-Checked website while researching places to stay.
Travel by plane:
Sunflower’s Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program Hidden Disabilities is recognized at 300 airports in over 30 countries, and 18 airlines worldwide. It offers a free lanyard through their program, such that users are easily identified by airport staff as a traveler with an invisible disability, such as ADHD, Autism, and anxiety. This adhd service / autism service is a family-friendly support that many of New Agenda’s ef coaching clients appreciate.
TSA Cares is a program available in all US airports and exists to modify standard security and travel requirements to meet the needs of different groups of travelers. Travelers can print a TSA Notification Card to let staff know about their needs, in addition to sharing verbally. The TSA Notification Card can be found on TSA’s website under the TSA Cares program.
New Agenda’s Executive Function Coaches work with our clients to explore apps that can offer recommendations or considerations based on sensitivities, whether food, sensory-based, or accommodations based on other needs. Some considerations include:
NEUROHUB app. The app helps users find places that have been rated as sensory-friendly, including those with sensory-friendly days, quiet spaces, and accommodating staff.
Find Me Gluten Free app is an app that assists travelers in finding restaurants with gluten -free options.
IBCCES Accessibility App provides a directory of accessible local businesses, including restaurants, hotels, attractions, and more who provide accessibility options; access to travel and entertainment information on autism and sensory-friendly needs, and community reviews.
TripIT: This travel-planning app helps you organize your travel documents and plan your trip,
If your destination involves Amusement Parks, New Agenda Coaches recommend pre-registering with the IAC program.
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) offers the IBCCES Access Card (IAC). The IAC is for anyone who is requesting accommodations, including sensory sensitivities. The purpose of the IAC is to pre-register you as an individual who may need accommodations or assistance. Accessibility Card
Make reservations in advance
Consider sensory friendly venues based on research.
Choose activities that minimize sensory overwhelm.
Consider times of day when crowds may be lesser, for activities as well as restaurants.
Pack the necessities.
Our executive function coaches advise their clients that items that support regulation and calming should be considered ‘necessities’. It is important to include these items in your packing, even when packing light! These items could include:
Noise canceling headphones
Music to distract from sounds and calm
A weighted blanket for reducing stress
Fidgets
Apps that support calming:
Miracle Modus: This app provides soothing visual and auditory experiences to help mitigate sensory overload
Paint By Number Art app: a calming app for visual stimulation
Audible for listening to books/stories
Have a clear plan for each day.
Write out the plan, so it can be used to organize and prepare yourself, and to support family members who benefit from knowing what to expect.
Consider apps such as ‘Trip IT’ which keeps all of your reservations, organized and cohesive, in the form of an itinerary. Keep information organized and at your finger tips, including times for reservations, addresses, phone numbers,
Use the plan to prep family members as needed so that expectations are clear, and to reduce anxieties.
Take breaks. Allow time for your ‘battery’ to recharge; plan for breaks throughout the day to allow for rest, relaxation, recharging, and processing
Pace yourself. Just because things fit in a calendar does not always mean it is a good idea. Pace yourself with your plans and activities.
Embrace your authentic self and advocate for your needs.
Our coaches at New Agenda advise clients to understand and respect how their brain and body works. When traveling, inform travel companions and staff about your sensory needs so there is no misunderstanding and they can best work with you.
Reach out today to schedule your free 15 minute consultation!