The Reality of Travelling with a Neurodiverse Child: The Honest Truth About Family Holidays
An honest look at what family holidays are really like when you’re travelling with a neurodiverse child. From airports and meltdowns to safe foods and unforgettable memories, this is our family’s story
TRAVELLING WITH A NEURODIVERSE CHILD
7/9/20262 min read
Family holidays are about spending time together as family, whether it be relaxing, exploring or having adventures. Before I had kids I always imagined it would be kids paddling in the sea, gentle waves at their feet. Family meals , with my kids eating salads and trying new things.
The reality is a bit different.
So forget the instagram images, with kids in matching outfits, smiling and both parents smiling looking relaxed.
From the planning to getting back home I find the whole process stressful.
Planning and booking
Most families can have a look at a few destinations, decide what they fancy and book it. For us it is a complicated process, what would be overwhelming, what activities can they cope with. How will they manage travelling and transfers. Can they cope with the weather
Then as parents think about what would we like
Travelling
If we are flying, honestly I find the airport a bit hit and miss. I’ve some easy experiences and others that have made me question my life choices.
We have had meltdowns, flight delays, food refusal and many more
Than there’s the plane, I’m very aware the plane is an enclosed space and others passengers don’t want to listen to a meltdown. The reality is this is my life, you might have a couple og hours of this, but this is my life. Yes I will do my best to calm the situation down, but other passengers and complaining and glaring doesn’t help
I bring everything I can think of to keep them calm but don’t underestimate my anxiety levels are through the roof
Then there’s the hotel. I find villas easier but are often more expensive. In hotels I’m constantly worried about the noise, the balcony and other risks. My youngest is really good at opening and unlocking doors.
The pool is another issue, mine can both swim, but still I know there abilities, I can’t take my eyes off them
The sea unlocks a whole new level of anxiety one big wave
My oldest will just eat crisps for chips for every meal, they are his safe food, I’m ok with that
My youngest is a flight risk, my cardio is definitely running after her
But despite all this, seeing them smile and discovering is worth it. Being a parent of neurodiverse kids is hard, but it sure is worth it
