We’re in the final part of Mina’s story and today we’re talking about expecting, managing and supporting dysregulation when traveling.
Whether it’s something as small as going to the aquarium for the day or taking a trip to visit grandparents in another state—traveling and going to fun places is a nervous system trigger for many neurodivergent children.
“We just got back from a trip to Colorado. The travel part went great. But once we got settled at my aunt’s house, the meltdowns started… 4 to 8 a day, each one lasting 30 minutes to an hour and a half.”
“We’re really struggling with how to help her outside of our home. We’ve figured out what she needs here. But we can’t take all of that with us everywhere.”
I completely get where Mina’s parents are coming from, and I also get where Mina is coming from. I am not a fan of traveling and going to new places. I love seeing the people and places I get to explore, but I really hate the out of routine-ness. It is so extremely mentally draining, so I get it. I FEEL YOU, MINA!
How To Prep Your Mindset For Upcoming Vacations
When you know in advance that disruptions to routine, time zone shifts, different sleeping environments, different meals, and unfamiliar people are going to challenge your child’s regulation, you can approach travel with a realistic and supportive mindset.
Here’s what I do.
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Expect it to be hard—and accept that. The goal isn’t to make everything feel “easy” for your child. Instead, acknowledge that some dysregulation is expected, and that doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong or that your child isn’t trying.
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Focus on what can be familiar. Bring comfort items, favorite toys, preferred bedtime routines, and anything else that creates a sense of “sameness” in a new environment.
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Keep food and meals familiar. Pack the same lunch containers you use at home and arranging grocery deliveries when you arrive so your child has access to their preferred foods. If that means skipping restaurant menus altogether and bringing your child’s go-to meals from home, DO IT.
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Prioritize sleep and basic needs. Make sleep setups as familiar and comfortable as possible. This could mean bringing white noise machines, blackout shades, or the same pajamas and bedtime books.
You don’t have to cancel plans or stay home forever. But going into the trip with eyes wide open—and a plan to meet your child’s nervous system where it’s at—makes all the difference.
Here’s a post that goes into more detail about what triggers dysregulation when routines are changed.
