Planning a holiday is exciting and sometimes stressful. If you have a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) a trip away may involve extra organising and preparation. This guide will help you prepare.
The word 'child' is used throughout this document, but the information provided may also be applicable to adults.
Deciding where to go
The Autism Helpline information sheet Holidays: autism friendly venues is a list of centres throughout the UK and abroad which have stated that they are suitable for people with an ASD and other disabilities. (Inclusion on this list is not a recommendation by The National Autistic Society). This document also includes the contact details of a small number of organisations who are able to provide funding for holidays.
When choosing a holiday destination, find out what facilities are provided and whether the staff can understand disabilities in general, or ideally, ASD. Consider the specific needs of your child. For example, if your child is particularly sensitive to noise, ask how close your hotel room will be to the pool area, bar or restaurant. Groups of people may gather there all day and therefore some noise will be inevitable.
Preparation
Once you have decided on your destination, it is advisable to tell your child about the trip. Individuals on the autistic spectrum find change difficult, and this may lead to high anxiety and possible challenging behaviour. However, by preparing your child as much as possible, any fears will hopefully be kept to a minimum.
You could compile a booklet about the holiday, including pictures from the holiday brochure. These visual supports will help your child to understand where they are going and what it will be like when they are there (see Visual supports information sheet). However, be careful if your child's understanding is very literal, as they may be upset if the holiday is not the same as the pictures in their booklet.
You could create a timetable of what you will be doing on each day. You could start with the times that you will have breakfast, lunch and dinner (look in your holiday brochure or ask your travel agent to find out what times meals are served). How structured this timetable needs to be will depend on your child and how much they rely on routine. Design the timetable according to your child's needs. You may need to be quite detailed: describing what activities you will be doing every day. Alternatively, your child may be happy with: 'explore the resort' on the first day, 'go to beach' for the second day and so on. Sticking to some sort of routine each day should benefit everyone.
If your child has not travelled on a plane before, or you are going from a new airport, or on a bigger/smaller plane, you may like to visit the airport before you go on holiday. This will help your child to understand what the airport is like, as well as allowing them to experience the journey to the airport before you go. You could contact the airline directly, and explain to them that your child has an ASD. You may need to provide some general information about the condition, as well as some details on your child's particular needs and habits. This will help the airline staff to support your family. For example, you may want to explain if your child hand-flaps.
The Autism Helpline is able to provide leaflets on autism and Asperger syndrome, as well as an information sheet called Guidelines for airline staff. Please contact the Autism Helpline on 0845 070 4004 if you would like this information sheet.
Many airlines/airports are able to organise tours around an aircraft or on a simulator to help people with disabilities or those who might be nervous about flying. This may benefit your child as it provides some impression of what being in an aircraft might be like.
Practical considerations
Passports
New-born babies and 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. The UK Passport Office asks that children aged 12 to 15 years sign section 6 of the passport form themselves so this can be reproduced on the passport digitally. (This section of the form is left blank for children 11 years and younger).
Where a child is between the ages of 12 to 15 years and has a disability, which means they cannot sign section 6, the UK Passport Office has advised that parents should get the child's left thumb print as an alternative to their signature in section 6. The parent will then complete section 9. The parent/carer should submit the application with a separate sheet of paper, giving an explanation for why the child is unable to sign section 6 for him/herself; for example: "My son/daughter has autism and has limited verbal and written communication. He/she is therefore unable to sign section 6 for him/herself on this application form." For further information please see the 'Useful contacts' section.
Check-in
Discuss your check-in arrangements with the airline. Perhaps they could arrange a time for you to check in, so that your family is able to approach the check-in desk straight away, and your child does not become anxious due to the wait in the queue. They may be able to provide a quieter area of the airport where you could wait with your children. They may be able to let you board first or last, depending on what would be most beneficial for your child, and perhaps seat you on the airplane either in the front or back row of the plane, where there is often more room. The back row often has space behind the seats where your child could walk about, if this might be helpful. However, please remember that this area is often the location for toilets; this means that there may be a high level of activity which could be distressing for some people with an ASD.
Special requirements
Remember to give the airline advance notice if your child has any special dietary requirements, particularly if they are following the gluten or casein-free diet as this may take longer to organise. You will also need to let your hotel know. To be on the safe side, it may be a good idea to take your own meal for the flight. It’s advisable to ask the airport you are going to about the security measures which are in place in regards to taking food to your destination and if you need to provide any evidence (eg a doctors letter) as to why you need to take this.
Please note that many holiday companies provide forms for passengers with disabilities where they can write any of their special requirements. If you are unsure about this form, please contact the holiday company or travel agent direct. Alternatively, if you tell your holiday company of any special needs over the telephone, you should confirm these requirements in writing as well.
If your child has particular medication needs, please discuss this with your GP before the holiday. And remember to take all the medication that your child will require for the length of your stay.
If your holiday will include any trips to theme or water parks you may want to find out before you go whether these places require specific proof of your child's disability, in order to avoid the queues or make use of the disabled facilities. Some may have particular forms for you to fill out, or may supply a specific member of staff to be your contact or guide for the day.
Insurance
The Autism Helpline is not aware of any travel insurance companies who are specifically aware of ASD. We can only suggest that you check in detail the policy of the individual company. FAIR Multimedia suggests a particular organisation, Access Travel, in their guide Holiday help for people with learning disabilities. They will insure people with an ASD if they travel with the company. Please see the 'References/recommended reading' section and the following website for further information: www.access-travel.co.uk/travelins.html. (There are also further website contacts for insurance in the 'Useful contacts' section.) However, please note that The National Autistic Society (NAS) is unable to recommend any particular company or organisation.
Delays
Even the most well-planned holiday may be affected by unexpected delays. Your child may find it difficult to deal with these unplanned aspects of the trip. Having a favourite toy/activity with you to engage your child in while waiting may help. As a part of your preparation, you could write a Social Story to explain that delays can occur. (Please see the Social Stories and Comic Strip Conversations information sheet for further information).
Flying time
To help your child cope with the aircraft noise, particularly during take-off and landing, you may consider using some sort of headphones. Some individuals on the autistic spectrum like to listen to music. Perhaps your child might like to listen to a familiar piece of calming, reassuring music while in the airport or during the flight. There are also headphones which have been designed to shut out all surrounding noise, including the sounds of aircraft engines. One manufacturer is Sennheiser (www.sennheiser.co.uk).
The Army Surplus online shop (www.army-surplus.org.uk) sells 'ear defenders' which are reasonably priced. Flightstore (www.flightstore.co.uk) has two different types of ear defenders which they say are designed for children. Other child ear defenders can be purchased at Headset Services Limited (www.headsetservices.com) or Ear Defenders for Kids (www.eardefendersforkids.co.uk).
Remember to check that these products would be suitable for children before buying them, for both size and safety. (Please note that we are unable to recommend any particular product.)
There may also be other items which would keep your child occupied and happy while travelling. These might be favourite toys or objects they like to fiddle with. You could bring your child's pillow for comfort during the flight. You may even like to pack bed linen or a sleeping bag as sometimes the familiarity of items from home can help a person with an ASD to feel more relaxed and calm in a new environment. Remember also to bring any such items which are used as comforters at home and may relax your child while away.
Behaviour
At the start of the holiday you may like to establish clear, simple 'holiday rules'. These should tell your child about your expectations and should be positive. Write these down if your child is able to read. Use clear language as a reminder: "We don't do that on holiday." Once you have decided on these rules, stick with them and to be consistent. This will establish boundaries for the holiday.
Look out for any behavioural changes. For some individuals with ASDs, when they are on holiday a regular behaviour pattern disappears and new behaviours emerge. This may be due to the change of environment and routine. For example, they may communicate being tired, bored or stressed in a different way to when they are at home. (Please see the Understanding behaviour sheet for further information.)
Please remember that any change in temperature might also affect their behaviour. Some children may feel irritated by the heat and need time to adjust. They may need explanations and reminders to change their clothes, especially if they need to change from trousers and jumpers to shorts and t-shirts. You may want to discuss this change in clothing before going on holiday, perhaps connecting each season with a particular type of clothing on your calendar at home.
Language problems
While on holiday you may want to tell others about your child's difficulties. This might be fellow holidaymakers or theme park staff, as well as others. The NAS produces business-sized cards in English which give a brief explanation of autism and Asperger syndrome. Below, there are some useful phrases in a variety of languages for use in difficult situations. It may be helpful to write these onto small business-style cards and carry a stock with you.
In addition, the NAS has developed an Autism Alert card. This has been designed to be easily carried around by the person with an ASD. It can contain the person's name and emergency contact details and includes an in-depth explanation of ASD than the cards mentioned in the previous paragraph. This information is written on an enclosed, fold-out leaflet and is contained in a plastic wallet for durability. It is available in English, Welsh, Urdu, Bengali, Chinese, Somali, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Greek, Turkish, Italian, Russian, Polish and French from our website: www.autism.org.uk/card
French
My son is not being naughty. He is a child with autism/He is autistic. Please show some understanding.
Ce n'est pas que mon fils n'est pas sage. C'est un enfant autiste/Il est autiste. Veuillez faire preuve de compréhension.
My daughter is not being naughty. She is a child with autism/She is autistic. Please show some understanding.
Ce n'est pas que ma fille n'est pas sage. C'est une enfant autiste/Elle est autiste. Veuillez faire preuve de compréhension.
German
My son is not being naughty. He is a child with autism/He is autistic. Please show some understanding.
Mein Sohn ist nicht frech. Er hat Autismus. Bitte zeigen Sie etwas Verständnis und Mitgefühl.
My daughter is not being naughty. She is a child with autism/She is autistic. Please show some understanding.
Meine Tochter is nicht frech. Sie hat Autsimus. Bitte zeigen Sie etwas Verständnis und Mitgefühl.
Italian
My son is not being naughty. He is a child with autism/He is autistic. Please show some understanding.
Mio figlio non e' cattivo. E' autistico. Per favore, siate comprensivi.
My daughter is not being naughty. She is a child with autism/She is autistic. Please show some understanding.
Mia figlia non e' cattiva. E' autistica. Per favore, siate comprensivi.
Spanish
This boy is not misbehaving. He is autistic. Please have some compassion.
Este niño no es travieso. El es autístico. Prendeis compasíon por cortesía.
This girl is not misbehaving. She is autistic. Please have some compassion.
Esta niña no es traviesa. Ella es autística. Prendeis compasíon por cortesía.
Useful contacts
Equality and Human Rights Commission
Able to provide advice on the Disability Discrimination Act and what it applies to, including transport.
Helpline: 0845 604 6610 (England); 0845 604 8810 (Wales); 0845 604 5510 (Scotland)
Website: www.equalityhumanrights.com
Specialist disability travel insurance contacts
J&M Insurance
Tel: 0845 338 1638
Website: www.jmi.co.uk
Access Travel
Tel: 01942 888844
Website: www.access-travel.co.uk/travelins.html
Please note that Access Travel will only insure if you travel with the company.
Sun protection
Tel: 01477 537596
Website: www.sunsense.co.uk
Contains lower levels of the substances which may irritate a child's sensitive skin. Has a discreet smell and does not leave grease on the skin, which may be helpful for children with sensory issues.
UK Passport Service
Passport Adviceline: 0300 222 0000
Email: info@passport.gov.ik
www.ukpa.gov.uk/_1_applications/1_babies.asp
References/recommended reading
Debbaudt, D. (2001). Autism and airport travel safety tips: a guide for parents and carers. SATH. Available at: www.sath.org/index.php?sec=768&id=2371
Focuses on travel within the USA but has some useful tips.
Manchester Airport, with the help of the NAS, has produced an information guide entitled Airport awareness: Travel advice for parents and carers of children on the autistic spectrum to help adults travelling with children with autism. The free guide uses images to show what to expect on a journey from arriving to checking-in, to going through security and returning home. It is available to download from the airport website.
Going on trips with an Asperger pupil
Booklet aimed at staff taking students away on school residential trips. This is useful for schools and anyone planning to travel with a child with Asperger syndrome.
Holiday help: a guide
This provides information on holidays in the UK and abroad which may be suitable for people with ASDs. Also lists a number of useful contacts, including those organisations which provide financial help.
Holiday help for people with learning disabilities
Booklet listing a wide range of holiday contacts for those with disabilities. Also includes details of grant making organisations
Available from FAIR Multimedia, Tel: 0131 662 1962
Guidelines for airline staff
This is in a letter format and can be customised to include the name of your child. It explains about ASDs and advises airline staff about what help they can provide.
Social Stories and Comic Strip Conversations
Provides information about writing Social Stories developed by Carol Gray to help children with ASDs understand social situations.
Understanding behaviour
This includes some behaviour strategies.
Quick link to this page:
www.autism.org.uk/18059