How to Enjoy Travel With Your Autistic or ADHD Children

Reclaim Family Vacations with Accessible Travel

The dream of a family vacation: sun-kissed beaches, thrilling adventures, and shared laughter. For parents of neurodivergent children, this dream can sometimes feel more like a daunting challenge than a relaxing escape. Meltdowns, sensory overload, and the disruption of carefully crafted routines can turn a longed-for getaway into a source of stress and anxiety. But what if travel could be different? What if it could be a source of joy, connection, and growth for the entire family?

Jenifer Breaux, a retired army veteran and mother of two young men on the autism spectrum, believes that travel is possible for neurodivergent families. With nearly three decades of service under her belt, Jenifer has explored the world, and now, as a travel agent and advocate, she’s empowering other families to do the same. “It didn’t come easy for me,” Jenifer admits. “I’ve been in your shoes, walked in your shoes, cried in your shoes sometimes.” But through her own experiences and years of working with families, she’s discovered practical strategies that can transform travel from a source of dread to a wellspring of cherished memories.

Starting Small, Dreaming Big

Jenifer’s advice is refreshingly practical: start small. “Just start with one night,” she suggests. Find a hotel an hour or two away, one with a pool and included breakfast. Pack some snacks, a favorite toy, and a sense of adventure. The goal isn’t an elaborate itinerary, but simply to enjoy time together as a family. “How many memories did you make with that one night?” Jenifer asks. “You watched a movie together, you swam together, you had pizza together. We don’t always get to do that.”

This initial overnight trip serves as a training ground, a chance to test strategies and build confidence. It’s also an opportunity to identify potential triggers and develop coping mechanisms. For children with sensory sensitivities, packing familiar items like a noise machine, a favorite blanket, or a special nightlight can create a sense of comfort in unfamiliar surroundings.

Navigating the World, One Trip at a Time

As families become more comfortable with short trips, they can begin to explore further afield. Jenifer recommends all-inclusive resorts as a great next step, offering a variety of activities and amenities within a contained environment. “They don’t have to worry about losing them at, let’s say, the Palace of Versailles,” she explains. And for families who find a particular resort that works well, returning to the same location can be incredibly beneficial. “Our kids are familiar with it,” Jenifer says of their favorite resort in Cancun. “The staff knows us. My eldest son felt comfortable going to the coffee shop by himself… that’s a huge win.”

When it comes to air travel, Jenifer emphasizes the importance of preparation and distraction. Old-school games like “I Spy” and thumb wrestling can be lifesavers during long waits. Fidget toys, snacks, and downloaded movies can also help keep kids occupied and minimize anxiety.

Beyond Awareness to Acceptance

While awareness of neurodiversity is important, Jenifer believes it’s time to move beyond awareness to genuine acceptance. She highlights the importance of training for staff at travel destinations, citing Disney and Royal Caribbean as examples of companies that are leading the way in creating inclusive experiences. “To make travel truly accessible for neurodivergent kids, we need more awareness and more access,” Jenifer emphasizes. “Every type of travel needs to cater to [neurodivergent individuals] and have more training so that our kids can enjoy it, travel wherever they want to go.”

Travel isn’t just about escaping the everyday; it’s about creating opportunities for growth, connection, and joy. It’s about empowering neurodivergent children to explore the world and discover their own strengths and passions. As Jenifer reminds us, “You deserve those memories with your children… regardless of what phase you are in your life.”

Want to hear more of Jenifer’s invaluable advice? Watch the full interview on YouTube!

YouTube: https://youtu.be/5nY9qmsgjn4

Visit the episode webpage:

Webpage: https://waterprairie.com/2025/02/17/accessible-travel/