About the Episode:

Vacation sounds dream...until you're the parent of a neurodivergent child navigating airports, new hotels, unfamiliar foods, and a completely blown-up routine. I see this in my practice all the time, and I've lived it myself. In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly how to make family travel not just survivable, but genuinely good for your child and for you.

I'm walking you through seven practical, real-world strategies for vacationing with neurodivergent kids, whether your child has ADHD, autism, dyslexia, sensory processing differences, anxiety, or any combination of the above. From building visual itineraries to packing a sensory toolkit to giving yourself permission to ditch the perfect-trip fantasy. This is the travel prep conversation I wish someone had given me sooner.

Here's my reminder to you before we dive in: messy doesn't equal failure. And your family absolutely deserves to make memories.

In This Episode, I Cover:

• Why neurodivergent kids struggle with travel and what's really happening in their brains when routines break down
• How I recommend building a visual itinerary that actually reduces your child's anxiety before the trip even starts
• What I always put in a sensory toolkit (and why it's non-negotiable carry-on luggage)
• How to choose accommodations that set your whole family up for success
• The honest conversation I think every parent needs to have with their child before you leave and why overpromising a perfect trip backfires
• How to recognize early dysregulation and use exit strategies without guilt
• Why self-care isn't selfish on a family vacation and how I actually make it happen

Key Takeaways

1. I always say: prepare early and reduce ambiguity. Visual tools and pre-trip conversations go a long way
2. Choose your destination with sensory load, routine flexibility, and exit options in mind
3. Catch dysregulation early; co-regulation beats shame every single time
4. Pack your sensory toolkit like it's as important as your kid's passport because it is
5. Your needs matter on this trip, too, so build in genuine restoration for yourself

Other Episodes I Mention

Raising Kids Who Think Differently: Dyslexia, Identity, and Learning Outside the Box with Nancy Lasater

Organizing for Real Life: Home Systems That Actually Work with MaryJo Monroe

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