Traveling This Summer? ABA Travel Tips for Families with Autistic Children

Helping Families in Lakeland, Tampa, Brandon, and Clearwater Make Vacation Enjoyable with ABA Strategies

Vacations should be fun and memorable but for families of children with autism, travel can come with unique challenges. Changes in routine, unfamiliar environments, and sensory overload can lead to stress for both parents and children.

At ABLE (Applied Behavioral Learning Experiences), we understand the needs of families across Lakeland, Tampa, Brandon, and Clearwater, and we’re here to help. Our ABA therapy team has put together some simple, effective tips to help make your summer travels smoother, using strategies that align with your child’s therapy goals.

1. Prepare with Visual Supports

Children with autism thrive on predictability. Use visual schedules or social stories to show your child what to expect before, during, and after the trip.

• Include pictures of airports, hotels, family members, or even attractions.

• Review the schedule daily leading up to the trip to reduce anxiety.

ABA Tip: If your child is already using a visual schedule in therapy, model the same approach for travel prep to maintain consistency.

2. Pack Familiar Comfort Items

Bring along favorite toys, fidget tools, headphones, or blankets. These comfort items can help regulate emotions during transitions, car rides, or flights.

• Create a small sensory bag with items your child finds soothing.

• Include favorite snacks to help manage hunger-related meltdowns.

ABA Tip: Reinforce calm behavior by offering small rewards (like screen time or praise) for successfully using coping tools when needed.

✈️ 3. Practice Before the Trip

If you’re flying or visiting a crowded place, practice similar scenarios in smaller, local environments. Role-play security checks, sitting in a car or plane seat, or staying in a hotel.

ABA Tip: Use shaping—an ABA strategy that reinforces small steps toward a bigger goal. For example, reward your child for sitting in the car for 5 minutes calmly, then gradually increase the time.

️ 4. Plan for Communication Needs

If your child uses AAC devices, PECS, or other communication supports, make sure they’re fully charged and easily accessible. Let others (hotel staff, family, travel guides) know how your child communicates to avoid misunderstandings.

ABA Tip: Use functional communication training (FCT) to teach your child simple ways to ask for breaks or help when overwhelmed.

☀️ 5. Build in Downtime

Don’t overschedule. Make time for rest in between busy activities. Many children with autism need more frequent breaks to process stimuli and prevent meltdowns.

ABA Tip: Use “First/Then” statements (e.g., “First lunch, then pool”) to help manage transitions between activities.

6. Create a Backup Plan

Unexpected things can happen—flights get delayed, plans change, or attractions may be closed. Talk about these possibilities ahead of time and create a flexible “Plan B” your child can understand.

ABA Tip: Reinforce flexible thinking by practicing scenarios where plans change and praising your child when they handle it well.

ABA Therapy That Supports Everyday Life

At ABLE, our mission is to help families across Central Florida thrive, not just in the clinic but in the real world too. If you’re preparing for summer travel, a new school year, or daily routines, our ABA therapy services in Lakeland, Tampa, Brandon, and Clearwater are here to help.

We provide therapy in-home, in school, in clinic, and in community settings to support children in all aspects of life. Our team includes Spanish-speaking professionals, and we accept most major insurance plans to make high-quality care accessible to more families.

Ready to Start Your ABA Journey?

Call us today at (863) 619-2809
Email: intake@applied-behavioral.com

Whether you’re traveling this summer or staying local, ABLE is here to support your child’s growth and your family’s goals.

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