The Hardest Part of Travelling with My Autistic Son Wasn’t What Most People Think

When people think about travelling with an autistic child, they often assume the biggest challenges are the flights, the airports, the unfamiliar environments, or the changes in routine.

While those things can certainly be difficult, they weren’t the hardest part for me.

The hardest part was worrying about how other people would react.

Before my son was diagnosed with autism, we took him on a family trip to London, England. At the time, we knew something was different, but we didn’t yet have answers. He struggled with communication, had difficulty coping with changes in routine, and became overwhelmed in unfamiliar situations.

As many parents of autistic children know, travel can be unpredictable. Long days, busy airports, loud environments, and sensory overload can all create challenges.

But what I remember most isn’t the flight.

It’s the feeling that everyone was watching.

When my son became upset, I worried about the stares from strangers. When he made noises or behaved differently from other children, I worried about being judged. When he struggled with transitions, I worried that people thought I wasn’t handling the situation correctly.

I spent far too much time worrying about what everyone else thought.

Looking back now, I wish I had given myself more grace.

I wish I had understood that my responsibility wasn’t to make strangers comfortable. My responsibility was to support my child.

What Travel Taught Me

Travelling with an autistic child taught me lessons that I still carry with me today.

I learned that preparation matters.

I learned that flexibility matters even more.

I learned that some days won’t go according to plan, and that’s okay.

Most importantly, I learned that autistic families deserve to travel too.

Not every trip will be perfect. There may be meltdowns, unexpected challenges, and moments that test your patience. But there can also be incredible memories, new experiences, and opportunities for growth.

Our family travelled anyway.

And I’m grateful that we did.

What I Wish More People Understood

I wish more people understood that many autistic families are doing the best they can.

What may look like a child “misbehaving” could actually be a child experiencing sensory overload, anxiety, fear, or overwhelm.

A little patience, understanding, and kindness can make a tremendous difference.

Travel should be accessible and welcoming for everyone, including neurodivergent families.

To Parents Travelling With an Autistic Child

If you’re worried about travelling because of what others might think, you’re not alone.

I’ve been there.

Many parents have been there.

Remember that your family’s travel experience does not need to look like anyone else’s. You don’t need to achieve perfection. You simply need to find what works for your child and your family.

The memories you create together are worth it.

And sometimes the people who understand your journey best are the ones who have walked a similar path themselves.