Welcome to My Travel Blog

Elopement and Compliance: Understanding the Psychology Behind Behavior in Autistic Children Today, I want to discuss the topic of compliance—a term that often comes up among parents raising autistic children. "Non-compliance" is the label used when a child doesn't listen or follow through with instructions. I decided to write about this because compliance is at the heart of many challenges faced by parents of children with autism. These challenges include not only a lack of listening, but also behaviors like elopement (when a child leaves a safe area without warning) and defiance. In my experience, understanding the psychology of compliance in autistic children can help us address these issues more effectively. This is especially true when it comes to behaviors like elopement. So, What is Compliance? Compliance typically means obedience—doing as you were told. It’s often seen as a sign of being a “good” person or a “good” child. But it also carries an element of co...

Traveling with an autistic child comes with its own unique set of challenges, particularly when it comes to food. Many parents of children with autism worry about mealtime difficulties while traveling, from food aversions and sensory sensitivities to maintaining dietary restrictions. However, with a little planning and flexibility, it's possible to minimize the stress and ensure a smooth, enjoyable travel experience for everyone. Here are some tips to help parents manage food concerns while traveling with their autistic child. 1. Bring a Travel-Friendly Food Kit One of the easiest ways to manage food-related stress is to bring your own supplies. Having a portable cooler or insulated lunchbox on hand can help keep your child’s preferred foods fresh, especially if they have dietary restrictions. Stock it with snacks, sandwiches, or ready-to-eat meals they enjoy. For times when you’re on the go, pack non-perishable snacks such as granola bars, crackers, dried fruit, fruit pouches, or ...

Traveling with an autistic child or spending time in public spaces can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. As parents, it's natural to care about how others perceive your child’s behavior, especially when navigating unfamiliar environments. Whether it's a community outing, a family vacation, or simply running errands, worries about judgment from others can create anxiety. However, understanding why these concerns arise and learning how to manage them can make all the difference. In this post, I’ll explore 10 common reasons why autistic parents care about others’ opinions and provide strategies for overcoming these concerns to create a positive, fulfilling experience for your family. 1. Fear of Judgment Many parents with an autistic child worry about being judged for their children’s behavior, especially in public spaces where autism may not be understood. The fear of others thinking their child is misbehaving due to a meltdown, stimmin...

10 Ways to Help Your Child with Autism Sleep Better When Traveling Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but for children with autism, particularly those with attachment issues, it can also present significant challenges. New environments, unfamiliar sights and sounds, and changes to routine can all create anxiety—especially when it comes to sleep. Children with autism often find comfort in predictable routines and familiar surroundings, so leaving the comfort of home can feel overwhelming. When traveling, sleep can quickly become a stressful process for everyone involved. If your child isn’t getting enough rest, it can affect their mood, behavior, and your ability to enjoy the trip. But with the right strategies, you can help ease your child’s transition into new sleeping environments and ensure everyone gets the rest they need. Here are 10 Ways to Help Your Child with Autism Sleep When Traveling. 1. Bring Familiar Comfort Items from Home For children with autism, familiar item...

April is Autism Awareness Month I am dedicating this month to helping parents, caregivers, and families with neurodivergent children travel. But before I dive into that, let me share my story so that what comes next makes more sense to you. I didn’t know what "neurodivergent" or "autism" meant until my children had them. It was difficult to conceptualize what it looked like living with someone who, in many ways, looked like any other child yet carried the label of autism. Initially, I found myself misled by various pieces of information, all because, as a parent, I simply wanted the best for my children. Uncertainty can be overwhelming, and it creates a lot of anxiety. But over time, I learned some important truths that helped me navigate this journey with more clarity and understanding. What I’ve Learned About Autism Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a person's ability to communicate, interact socially, and inter...

It’s April Fool’s Day, and did you know that in French, it’s called Poisson d’Avril , or "Fish of April"? I first learned about this quirky tradition while studying French, and it’s always stuck with me. How Did It Get Its Name? The story behind Poisson d’Avril (April Fish) is a bit fuzzy, but there are some interesting theories about how the tradition came to be. Most of them tie back to ancient customs or the arrival of spring. One popular explanation goes back to 1582, when Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar, moving the start of the new year from April 1st to January 1st. Not everyone immediately adopted the new calendar, though, so those who did would playfully mock the ones who still celebrated on April 1st by pulling pranks, calling them “April fools.” One of these pranks is believed to have involved taping a fish to the back of someone’s coat, symbolizing someone who was easily fooled or slow to catch on. Another possibility links the tradition to an ...