5 Tips for a Successful Road Trip with People Who Are Neurodiverse

Table of Contents
Introduction
Going on a road trip with the family is an adventure filled with excitement and anticipation. However, long car rides can sometimes be daunting, especially for people old and young. Factor in trips with people who may have autism or another neurodiverse diagnosis, and you’ve got to do a little extra planning. The great news is that it doesn’t take much to do this planning, and, with a little forethought, this will ultimately make the trip that much more enjoyable, accessible, and entertaining for everyone involved. That’s why we thought we’d give readers “5 Tips for a Successful Road Trip with People Who Are Neurodiverse''. These tips range from breaking up daily treks, front loading people about the day ahead, the importance of comfort throughout the trip and more!
Break Up the Drive (Tip 1)

Breaking up a road trip when traveling with family is crucial for a number of reasons. Firstly, long hours spent in the car can lead to discomfort and restlessness for both adults and children alike. By breaking up the journey with regular stops (and potential things to do AND see at these stops), everyone has the opportunity to stretch their legs, use the restroom, and rejuvenate themselves, making the overall experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Some of these stops can include visits to some of the many national parks and monuments you might encounter on your journey. There is also an educational component that won’t even feel like learning as we take a journey through our nation's past. Also, from a pure sensory standpoint, simply getting out of the car, stretching the legs, and moving around will be good for everybody.
Frequent breaks help fight fatigue and prevent driver drowsiness, which will go a long way to maintain safety on the road. As previously mentioned, stopping at various points of interest along the route adds excitement and anticipation to the trip, creating memorable experiences for the whole family. It also gives a way to freshen up as a lot of the national parks and monuments have clean bathrooms for just that purpose. Many of the parks also provide ranger stuff for kids. Rangers will often give little ones a free activity and then some type of prize for doing it. This is a great way to not only increase engagement in the trip, but give everyone a sense of having done an important job on the trip.
Lastly, the ease with which we can record these journeys and send the images or videos to loved ones or our social media pages, makes it very easy to find places or reasons to pull over and snap some photos should we feel fatigue setting in. Overall, breaking up a road trip allows for physical comfort, mental refreshment, and ensures a safer and more enjoyable travel experience for everyone involved. For people who are neurodiverse, it allows for a much needed injection of sensory time in wide open spaces.
Set Goals for the Drive and Keep it Lively (Tip 2)
Having a goal or something to look forward to at each stop can make the journey more enjoyable, particularly for children. Depending on where your road trip takes you, you might find yourself at the majestic Yosemite National Park, or the luminous Zion National Park, or even somewhere as awe inspiring as Mount Rushmore. Whether it's a visit to a famous landmark, a fun destination like an amusement park, or simply reaching the cozy hotel or sleeping quarters, having a destination in mind keeps everyone motivated throughout the trip. For people with autism these goals are extremely helpful as it will allow them to plan out the trip. So much of a road trip is being on the road with time spent just taking in the scenery. Goals help give structure to this time, while also allowing there to be some predictability in the day’s travels.
In this information age, there’s always something to read or learn about whatever that day's stops or destinations offer. This will have the dual effect of creating learning moments and making anticipation for the goal being reached that much greater. Not every goal needs to be amazing, even a stop to get something to drink or a small snack is enough for many to look forward to as we are clocking miles on the road.
In addition to breaking up the drive with stops at interesting roadside attractions or scenic viewpoints, board or downloadable games (that people can play on their phones) will help keep things entertaining. Classic road trip games like “20 questions” or “I Spy” can also keep passengers engaged and entertained. Most cars come outfitted with ways to charge devices, however, you can also hedge your bets by bringing portable charging banks if there aren’t enough charging ports at a given time. (Just make sure to charge the charging banks when a port is empty for future use!) Another idea is to prepare an activity box filled with car-friendly items like coloring books, puzzles, and travel-sized games to keep children occupied during the drive.
Front Load Passengers for the Day Ahead (Tip 3)
Before hitting the road, it's beneficial to front load everyone on the places you'll be visiting. While this is a common tool used to assist people who are neurodiverse to know what’s coming next, it actually benefits everyone on the trip. Watching videos about the destinations, looking at maps, and using Google Earth to get familiar with the route and your surroundings can build excitement and anticipation for the journey ahead. Technology is so advanced these days, you can probably do this type of front loading before you leave and when you are on the road. By front loading travelers about the journey they'll be taking, that will help keep smooth and enjoyable.
This can be done very simply by providing information about the route (beginning with its overall length), including stops, attractions, and accommodations. Things like this help build anticipation and excitement among travelers, particularly children, as it gives everyone something to look forward to. It allows them to mentally prepare for the journey ahead and understand what to expect along the way. Moreover, familiarizing travelers with the places they'll be visiting through videos, maps, and online resources enhances their engagement and overall appreciation for the trip. For some people with autism, they might even benefit from a visual schedule of sorts that shows them what the day ahead is going to look like. It may not be possible to account for every little detail on the trip, as changes in plans will naturally present themselves, however, front loading will help provide a roadmap that should still prove beneficial.
This proactive approach not only minimizes surprises but also fosters a sense of involvement and ownership in the travel experience, ultimately contributing to a more fulfilling and memorable adventure for all involved. “When are we going to get there?” will quickly be replaced by, “What are we going to see when we hit the next stop?”
Comfort is Key (Tip 4)
To help create a relaxed atmosphere during the trip, bring creature comforts from home, such as pillows, blankets, favorite toys, and stuffed animals that provide comfort. If where you're staying doesn't have certain amenities like a microwave, consider bringing your own to make meals more convenient. This will also allow you to prepare meals for people who need or might only tolerate certain foods. Many people today follow various diets that might not be conducive to all the food you might find on the road. People who are neurodiverse sometimes have very specific dietary needs that should be adhered to. Bringing along essential items on a road trip can significantly enhance everyone’s enjoyment during both the journey and overnight stays, whether in a hotel or camping out.
Lastly, prioritizing safety with a well-stocked first-aid kit and adhering to hygiene practices (again, this is where those stops at parks and monuments prove very helpful), such as frequent handwashing, ensures a comfortable and worry-free road trip experience for all. To combat motion sickness, which is also very common on long drives, it's wise to bring things like Dramamine patches or gummies, have passengers sit/share the middle seat, roll down the windows for fresh air, stare straight ahead, and avoid excessive screen time, such as reading or using the iPad. During those moments, it might be better for them to play games or simply listen to relaxing music.
Amidst All the Fun Safety is Paramount (Tip 5)
Lastly, safety is extremely important, especially at gas stations, truck stops, parks, national monuments and anywhere else you will inevitably stop off on your journey. Always keep young children within the parent's line of sight, be cautious about what you touch, and make sure to clean your hands frequently. Having wipes at the ready, once people get back in the car, is another great way to do it. If you’re at a park or a monument, you can have them on you when needed. Stay vigilant and have your "antenna up" regarding the people and surroundings at ALL stops to ensure a safe and secure journey for the whole family. Remaining vigilant and aware of your surroundings (whether you are at a stop, on the road, or out and about exploring), including the people and vehicles nearby, helps mitigate potential risks and ensures a safe and secure travel experience on your journey.
There is also another layer to safety when traveling with somebody who is neurodiverse. We need to be extra vigilant should the person be non-verbal as they will most likely need somebody a bit closer to them when out of the car. In addition to this, making sure they have some form of identification on them, as well as an electronic device with GPS location just in case they get separated from the people they are traveling with, is a solid safety precaution.
Going on road trips with family, friends, or both is one of the most enriching and memory creating things you can do in your lifetime. It will truly allow you to see the world in ways you never have before, and often piques curiosity for a lifetime of travel. There’s what seems like neverending swaths of time to get to know people, and share in whatever activities happen to be on the docket for that day. The tips listed here will hopefully enhance your experience and make road trips a thing that is passed on from generation to generation. As great as technology is, there’s no substitute for getting in the car, hitting the open road, and exploring with people you care about. By taking into consideration the needs of everyone on the trip, it can also be an enriching and safe experience as well.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)