Traveling Different: Vacation Strategies for Parents of the Anxious, the Inflexible, and the Neurodiverse

Barclay, a longtime travel agent and editor at Travel Agent magazine, found her life changed when she became a mother. She searched for a book to help her navigate traveling with two young neurodivergent children but came up empty-handed. Years later, she has created the book she once needed, with guidance from Certified Autism Travel Professionals, mental health experts, and parents of children on the spectrum. Starting from the premise that every family should be able to travel, Barclay’s book includes tips on packing a “go-to” bag, creating a relaxed vacation schedule that works for the entire family, preparing for a trip with bibliotherapy (including lists of books to read with children), and navigating TSA precheck and international travel. It also lists sites that are certified as accommodating for autistic people. Much of the book’s guidance will also be useful for families with neurotypical children as well.