Every now and then, I offer a glimpse into my personal world.
Many of you know that I have an autistic son, and as half term draws to a close after our trip to Amsterdam, I wanted to talk about something that matters to us: travel.There was a time when travelling with my son felt impossible. As a young child, he was a runner, had communication difficulties, no sense of danger and sensory processing challenges. The idea of airports, new places and unpredictable routines felt impossible to navigate.
Over the years, though, we’ve found ways to make it work. It wasn’t one big leap, but small steps that built our confidence.
Here are a few things to consider:
1️⃣ Start small – local day trips first.
Trips to museums, cafes, cinemas or the beach helped us see what worked and what didn’t.
2️⃣ Try a short overnight stay.
An overnight trip in the UK, planned around a motivator. In my son’s case, theme parks. Peppa Pig World was a big hit!
3️⃣ Extend gently.The Isle of Wight came next: ferries, beaches, museums and, of course, the theme park, familiar anchors with a gentle stretch.
4️⃣ Go abroad when it feels right.
For some, that first trip might be a short flight away. As parents, we know when our child is ready. For us, I opted for somewhere completely different, as contrast actually worked better for my son.
5️⃣ Prepare, plan and anticipate.
I contact airlines and airports in advance, arrange support, use sunflower lanyards, and have his Access Card ready for attractions that recognise it. He likes to know the detail, so I involve him in the planning now that he’s older.
6️⃣ Think about food and accommodation.
If your child has ‘safe foods’, plan ahead.
Choose accommodation that supports routines. For my son, a swimming pool is essential as it’s calming, familiar and fun.
7️⃣ Balance comfort and challenge.
I plan holidays around what he enjoys (usually theme parks or immersive experiences) but always add something new whether it’s different foods, sensory experiences or culture but at a pace that feels manageable.
Over time, what once felt impossible became possible and that process of understanding needs, preparation, anticipating barriers and believing in possibility is exactly the same approach I use in my work at Talem Law.
Disability is part of my everyday life. The insight and empathy I hope I bring to my clients is shaped by personal experience as much as by legal knowledge.I don’t often post selfies here, but this one felt right. It was taken on a canal cruise in Amsterdam, I was cold but content after a day of adventure. This image reminds me that progress can feel beautifully ordinary when you’re living it.
If you’re a parent of a disabled child, I would love to hear your travel experiences, what’s worked, what you’ve learned, and what’s helped make it possible (and maybe even get ideas for our next break!).
#AutismFriendlyTravel #AutismAwareness #SENDParent #Disability #ReasonableAdjustments #ParentingJourney
