Planning a holiday is exciting, but there can be extra things to consider when travelling with your autistic child. This guide sets out how to prepare your child for a holiday and get the support you need on the journey and at your destination. 
 

Choosing where to go 

You may have had a holiday destination recommended to you or read about what seems to be an ideal destination on social media. It’s important that you check this out thoroughly to be sure it is going to be right for your autistic child.  
 
It is best to find out about the facilities provided and whether the staff have an understanding of autism or disabilities in general. Think about anything specific that might make your child anxious, for example sensory needs. Is there a quieter area of the hotel or complex that you can book? 
 
Our Autism Services Directory lists  holiday venues in the UK and abroad which have stated that they are suitable for autistic people. The directory is not an endorsement of these venues but it is a good starting point for your search. It also gives information on a small number of organisations, such as  The Family Fund, who are able to provide funding. 
 
If your autistic son or daughter is an adult, try to involve them in planning the trip.
 

Letting your holiday company know your requirements 

Make your holiday provider/s aware of any special requirements your child has. This may include: 

• a need to sit in a certain seat or area of your transport 
• dietary requirements 
• any medication needs such as storage 
• the need to wear ear defenders to block out noise 
• any item of comfort you may need to take with you to reduce anxiety. 

You may be able to complete a form or send an email detailing these needs. We recommend you follow up any verbal communication in writing and take a copy of this on holiday with you. 
 

Preparation 

Autistic people can find change difficult, this may lead to  high anxiety,  meltdowns or distressed behaviour. Once you have booked your holiday, you should tell your child about the trip.  

By  preparing them for change, you can help to reduce anxiety and stress. Here are some things you could try: 

• Spend time with them looking at photographs online, in a brochure or on the holiday company’s website. 
• Compile a visual guide such as a booklet with photos, to help them remember where they are going and what it will look like when they get there. 
• Prepare a timetable in advance, taking into consideration any intense interests,  repetitive behaviour or routines your child has. 
• Think about what situations they may need to understand (such as delays or unavoidable changes to travel plans) and how you can use  social stories to help them prepare. You may find it easier to use a social story creator. 
• If you are travelling with a younger child, try to address any worries they may have by reading a relaxation book together.
   

Documents to bring with you

Many tourist attractions will offer autistic customers a reduced entry fee, allow a carer free entrance, and/or arrange special access to facilities.

You will need to show them some evidence of your child’s autism, for example a letter showing that they receive Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments, or a letter from your GP. 

It may also be useful to have a copy of any letter which states your child’s diagnosis. Take these documents with you on holiday. 
 

Passports 

Children up to the age of 15 years now have to have their own passports. From 16 years onwards they are eligible for the standard ten-year passport. 
 
Read more about passport services. 
 

Insurance 

Always make sure you have travel insurance that meets your autistic child’s needs. You can search for travel insurance by using a medical insurance comparison website. 
 

Autism alert cards 

While on holiday, you may find it useful to carry an autism alert card that gives a brief explanation of autism. 
 
You may want to think of some useful phrases that explain your situation and translate them before your holiday, writing them onto small cards so you can take them with. 
 
This could be something like ‘My son is on the autism spectrum/He is autistic. Please show some understanding’ or ‘This person is autistic. Autism is a disability. Please be patient’. 
 

How to get help at the airport 

Discuss your check-in arrangements with the airline. They might be able to arrange an alternative check-in time or have a quieter area of the airport where you can wait. You could also ask about boarding as they may let you board first or last. 
 
Take anything that is going make your child’s journey more comfortable such as headphones to listen to music, ear defenders, tablet computer, books or toys and comforters such as pillows. 
 
Many airports and airlines now have far more autism awareness and have produced procedures and guides for those travelling with an autistic person:  

• Manchester Airport can provide special assistance and give you a lanyard to wear as a discreet way of showing airport staff that you may need help. 
• London Gatwick Airport can provide special assistance an autism friendly visual guide. 
• Edinburgh Airport offers guidance on travelling with additional needs or hidden disabilities. 

Read more about special assistance from airports and airlines. 
 

Travelling by train or boat 

Travelling by train or boat can be a less stressful experience for some autistic people. Again, it is important to take anything that is going to provide a distraction and make the journey easier. This could be access to your child’s favourite music, a much-loved book, toy or computer game. 
 
Many train stations and ferry ports will offer special assistance for autistic travellers. We advise that you contact the stations or port you are travelling from and to before your trip to explain that you are travelling with an autistic passenger and ask what support they offer. 
 
If travelling through Europe, you might find it useful to read advice on passengers with special needs. 
 
National Rail also have information for disabled passengers.  
 

At your destination 

Visiting attractions 

Plan ahead by contacting attractions to ask what support is available for autistic people. Most tourist attractions are very happy to accommodate visitors with additional needs, some will publish special guides or even go out of their way to offer help and support.  

Eating out  

If eating out can be difficult, think ahead and book a restaurant in advance. Many restaurants now have their menus online.  
 
When booking, ask about seating, is there a quieter area of the restaurant that you can sit in? What is the lighting and décor like? Are there any other considerations for you, for example sensory or diet?  

You can help your child prepare by looking at a social story about going to a restaurant beforehand.  

National Key Scheme 

If you are holidaying in the UK, then you may need to use accessible toilets. 
 
Disabled toilets are helpful, but you may need a Radar Key from the National Key Scheme (NKS). You can also buy a Region List, giving details of disabled toilets in the area you’re visiting. 
 
There are also several smartphone apps that can be very useful.

Further information 

• UK Passport Service
• DisabledHolidays.com