Traveling with children always requires careful planning and packing, but for families with autistic children, this task becomes even more crucial. As an autism mum, ensuring that your child is comfortable, calm, and entertained can make a significant difference in the overall travel experience. As a mother of autistic children and the founder of Autism Family Travel Guide, I’ve learned over the years which items are essential to have in my carry-on backpack to manage autism-related issues during travel. Here’s a list of my must-have items that can help smooth out the bumps along the journey.
The majority of links here are to my TikTok stores, they need click via mobile to work and bring you to a shoppable video.
1. Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Airports and airplanes can be noisy and overwhelming. Noise-cancelling headphones are a lifesaver in these situations, helping to block out the chaos of sounds that can trigger sensory overload in autistic children. Brands like Bose and Puro Sound Labs offer high-quality options that are comfortable for children to wear for extended periods. Travis has been using a set that we were gifted from a TikTok seller and he really thinks they are fantastic. I much prefer letting him bring a cheaper brand if he is comfortable in them because he is notorious for breaking and forgetting things. You can watch the video here and buy them directly from the video. Make sure to open TikTok on a mobile or tablet for the shopping links to work.
As Travis usually keeps his headphones on his head, these are only in my bag when not in use and when I want to ensure they are kept safe. I like to keep a spare set of earphones in my bag incase of any problems with his headphones. We picked up a pair of Skullcandy earphones at the airport in Glasgow that we keep on hand as spares.
2. Comfort Items
Bringing along a favourite comfort item, such as a stuffed animal, blanket, or pillow, can provide a sense of security and familiarity in unfamiliar environments. These items can help soothe your child and make them feel more at ease.
My children usually have their own bags when we are on a trip for more than day, and so a lot of their special items are in their own bags – including sensory toys or special items. The one comfort item I try to carry for them is blankets, we are trying to work out the best blankets for travel with the boys and have progressed from small character fleece blankets, to pocket-packable mini-blankets to now having the lovely Boacay travel blankets that fold into pillows.
3. Portable Sensory Toys
Sensory toys, such as fidget spinners, teethers, chewy necklaces, or stress balls, can be incredibly helpful for keeping your child calm and focused. These toys provide a sensory outlet and can prevent meltdowns by helping to manage anxiety and restlessness.
Some of our favourite sensory toys right now are:
- Rubik’s cubes
- Stretchy animals
- MagiCubes
- Mini Muffik play mats: starfish, snails + grass
- Yoto player
- Suction buddies
- Fidget tracks
- Felt busy book
- Suction animals
- Silicone pull toy
- Kids drawing tablet
Although I keep most of these in the children’s own bags, I do have a few in my bag so that I can grab them easily when I need them. I’ve now purchased some Aroma Dough to bring on our next trip, it comes in resealable pouches. If you click the link about on mobile you’ll be taken to TikTok shop where you can but it directly via my video.
4. Visual Schedules and PECS
Visual schedules and PECS communication cards are powerful tools for preparing autistic children for the travel process. You can create a visual itinerary of the day’s events or use simple ‘now’ and ‘next’ boards to help with routine and planning. I honestly don’t feel the need to bring these with me on any of our international trips, but after seeing Luke thrive with them recently I am considering using them to that he has an easier way to communicate with us.
I’ve created an a4 sheet of travel and holiday PECS that anyone can download and use for free, and I’ve created a bumper pack of travel PECS for people to purchase should they need a more comprehensive set of PECS.
5. Snacks and Drinks
Having a variety of your child’s favourite snacks and drinks is crucial. Food options on airplanes can be limited, and having familiar snacks can prevent hunger-induced meltdowns. Make sure to pack items that are easy to eat and non-perishable.
Some of our favourites are Kimchi noodles, spicy chicken noodles, waffles, crisps, fruit yo-yos and and small packs of candy or sweets we have that are individually wrapped. I’ve shocked the internet by travelling with a travel kettle – and it is now one of my best-selling items on TikTok shop.
I have recently got three snack pouches to divide up the kids snacks and keep them organised.
6. iPad or Tablet Loaded with Apps and Videos
An iPad or tablet pre-loaded with your child’s favourite apps, videos, and educational content can be an excellent source of entertainment during the flight. Don’t forget to bring headphones and a portable charger to keep the device running for the entire trip.
You can download shows on most paid subscription TV apps like Netflix and Disney+ and even YouTube Premium.
I also recommend getting the free Kindle app – you can collect SO many free books. My kids have hundreds and I haven’t downloaded any for months.
7. Portable Sensory Kit
A portable sensory kit can include items like a weighted lap pad, aromatherapy oils, or a small vibrating massager. These items can help calm your child if they become anxious or overstimulated. Customizing the kit to your child’s specific needs can make a big difference. I recently make an Instagram reel about a sensory calming kit.
Some things we include that give sensory input for our children are:
- Fans
- Face or hand cream
- Sour snacks
- Crunchy snacks
- Hairbands + clips to remove hair from the face
- Plenty to drink (usually free water from the airport in a big bottle or cup)
- Baby wipes
- Blankets
- A ‘drip clip’ mini towel
- Play dough or aroma dough
8. Extra Clothing and Wipes
Spills and accidents happen, especially during travel. Having a change of clothes and wipes on hand ensures you’re prepared for any messes. Choose comfortable, easy-to-change clothing to make the process as smooth as possible. My kids are big fans of handmade clothing- the fabric we pick is lovely and soft. We are big fans of the fabric used by Ready Set Rompers.
I bulk buy wipes – baby wipes and antibacterial wipes.
9. Medication and Medical Supplies
If your child takes medication, ensure you have enough for the duration of the trip, plus a little extra in case of delays. Also, bring any necessary medical supplies, such as EpiPens or inhalers. Keep these items in an easily accessible part of your bag for quick retrieval. You can also try this little hack I have for storing and transporting medication. We travel with prescription baby formula – please check out this video if you plan to travel with baby formula so you can avoid the mistake we made (more than once).
You can also check out the Boots at the airport hack to buy any over the counter medication for your trip. Check out this video to see everything I got via Boots Click & Collect at Glasgow Airport.
I recommend always travelling with some sort of first aid kit with essentials like plasters, Calpol, small bandages and anti-septic wipes.
10. Travel Documents and Identification
Also, ensure you have all necessary travel documents, including passports, boarding passes, and any medical documentation that might be required. Having a copy of your child’s diagnosis and a letter from their doctor can be helpful if you need to explain their behaviour to airline staff or security personnel. You can also bring letters to confirm medication you/your child is taking and why you take it. This is required of some medications in some countries. I keep a copy of the prescriptions in the medication hack folder I shared in number 9 above.
A great way to store all of the important documents is in a family passport wallet.
11. Travel Kettle
I have recently shocked a whole side of Instagram by using a travel kettle – a lot of people think its not needed because I could just ask for hot water. I don’t feel like that is as easy as it sounds – so many places won’t just hand out water for you unless you are in their premises to buy something. We have two boys with sensory eating problems and a baby on prescription formula so a travel kettle just feels right. Actually, we have had the kettle for years – before Luke and Sylvie were even born. It is a way we kept to a budget on our trips and a way we could enjoy tea and coffee in the room if we felt it was best to stay put for Travis.
12. A Travel Adapter
An essential! To keep those tablets charged up and phones full of life for snapping beautiful family pictures. We really like the Go Pac travel adapter. It works in almost every country in the world and it is fast charge – which is different from most generic no brand ones on Amazon. Make sure to also pack charging cables – we have to pack both iPhone and USB C type cables.
13. Bonus: Portable Monitor
This is absolutely not essential but we took a portable monitor to Egypt in May 2024. It was fantastic during the trip and was used constantly by the boys to play the Nintendo Switch.
How to Pack These Items
To make packing more efficient, consider using packing cubes, snack pouches, washbags, kids pouches or small organising pouches to organize these items within your carry-on backpack. This method allows you to quickly locate what you need without rummaging through the entire bag. Label each cube or pouch for easy identification, and ensure the most frequently used items are at the top of your bag for quick access.
If you are looking for a carry-on bag, here are some I have and love.
- Purple duffel with pockets + a shoe/dirty washing section.
- Black duffel back with a waterproof coating.
- Forest green or beige travel backpack with waterproof pocket, power bank fittings and laptop section.
- Foldable travel carry-on bag.
To be even more organised, consider getting this black tote bag that is sectioned up inside for super easy organisation.
Additional Tips for Traveling with Autistic Children
- Plan Ahead: Research your airline’s policies and the amenities available at your destination. Some airports offer special assistance programs for families with special needs.
- Prepare Your Child: Use social stories and visual schedules with PECS cards to prepare your child for the trip. Discuss what to expect at each stage of the journey, from security checks to boarding the plane. I have a free set of travel PECS and also a paid bumper set.
- Stay Calm and Flexible: Travel can be unpredictable, and things may not always go as planned. Staying calm and flexible can help your child feel more secure and adaptable to changes.
Traveling with autistic children can be challenging, but with the right preparation and packing list, it’s entirely possible to have a smooth and enjoyable journey. By including these ten essential items in your carry-on backpack, you can help manage autism-related issues and create positive travel experiences for your family.
For more tips and resources on family travel with autistic children, visit Autism Family Travel Guide.