Let Their Beautiful Quirks Fly: Traveling With Neurodivergent Children.

Jan 18

When I was a young parent, I worried constantly about how my child looked to others, especially in public. If my son had a meltdown while we were out, I felt embarrassed. He would scream, cry, stim, and shut down, and I found myself more focused on the stares around us than on what he actually needed.

At the time, I didn’t realize it, but my discomfort wasn’t about my child at all. It was about perception. I was worried about judgment. And in doing so, I was unintentionally standing in the way of his natural way of self-regulating.

It took me a long time to truly embrace his beauty, his needs, and the way he experiences the world. Looking back now, I can see that I was almost stopping him from being who he was meant to be.

Learning to Work With My Child

Over time, I learned to work with my son instead of against him.

We shop early in the day, when stores are quieter and less overwhelming. We go to movies during non-prime hours, choose seats where he can move freely, or attend sensory-friendly showings when possible. I stopped forcing “normal” experiences and started shaping experiences that actually worked for him.

And that lesson didn’t stop at home.

Don’t Be Embarrassed When Traveling

Here’s the truth: don’t be embarrassed by your child when traveling either.

If your child has a meltdown, let them. Pause if you need to. Continue shopping if you can. Most parents are far more understanding than we give them credit for and many will quietly ignore what’s happening because they’ve been there too.

The only truly nasty or rude comments I’ve ever received have come from older generations. And honestly? I’ve learned to ignore them or respond with a little snark when necessary. Your child will calm down. This moment will pass.

Your child is not a problem that needs to be hidden.

Practical Travel Tips That Actually Help

When staying in hotels, request a bottom-floor or corner room if possible. This allows your child to run, jump, or pace without worrying about disturbing others below. Most hotels are surprisingly accommodating when you explain your needs.

We travel everywhere with Hot Wheels, and they are constantly being driven across hotel floors. And you know what? That’s okay. Familiar toys turn unfamiliar spaces into something safe.

Bring comfort items whenever you can. Keep extras in the car if you’re driving. Pack preferred snacks, even if they aren’t what other people consider “travel snacks” or “healthy enough.” Hunger combined with sensory overload is a rough mix.

Noise-canceling headphones, favorite blankets, fidget toys, music playlists, or tablets can all help create small pockets of calm in overwhelming environments.