Planning your day out

It's important to think ahead when you are organising a day out with an autistic child or family member. Many autistic people need preparing for change and this will also apply to days out. Plan ahead by contacting where you are visiting 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.

Many tourist attractions will need evidence of a disability and care needs before they will offer concessions. This is particularly true for people on the autism spectrum who may have invisible needs. 

If eating-out can be difficult, then think ahead and book a restaurant in advance. Many restaurants now have a menu for people with special diets. Most chains should be able to provide you with details of the ingredients of their products so you can check that they are safe.

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? Is there anything that is likely to trigger a sensory difference?

If you are planning a day out with an autistic person then you may need an accessible toilet. 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 smart phone apps.