Elements that could make a holiday or outing autism-friendly include:

• a place that meets the environmental needs of the child, for example the chance to get away from busy-ness and noise;
• an element of familiarity, for example going to the same place each year or being able to stick to some familiar toys, equipment and routines;
• general disability-friendliness, for example with accessible facilities;
• an environment accepting of the communicative and behavioural characteristics of the child;
• environments that allow vulnerable children (including older children) to be safe and free at the same time, and to be adventurous without being over-stimulated;
• opportunities for siblings to have a good time as well.

Many parents would also like the opportunity to leave the child in other safe hands for periods of time.

Not many facilities in the UK are especially designed for autism. Many families prefer to find ordinary, less specialised places to go that will still be comfortable for and with the child, and some offer special deals for people with a disability and those accompanying them. Booking a quiet self-catering place is a solution for some.Where there are queues for rides and other attractions, they will often allow children who need to, to jump the queue and have easier access in other ways (ask at the entrance first, as there might be a special ticket). Facilities might ask for written evidence of disability.

Handling Outings

There are a few things that might make outings easier, depending on how the specific child’s condition affects them:

• Planning in advance with the child, knowing what to expect – maps, aspects of the environment, social stories;
• Letting the venue know, getting their advice, letting them know about any special diets or ingredients, and enabling them to put their own special arrangements in place;
• Going at quieter times;
• Going out for shorter periods of time;
• Allowing plenty of leeway in the day’s schedule – not packing too many plans into one day, and including relaxation breaks in the day;
• Having a plan for if the child gets lost (for example, using a child safety temporary tattoo);
• Checking out noise levels and avoid noisier areas. There may also be specific spots that upset a child if they are associated with other sensory input that they dislike.

Behaviour

A combination of crowds, waiting, sensory issues such as background noise, unfamiliarity and the different expectations of behaviour in a public place can all lead to difficulties for a child with ASD, and a stressed reaction. Training, preparation and “social stories” to help the child understand in advance can be helpful. More details in an NAS factsheet about shopping and the links at the end of it.

An OAASIS (Office for Advice, Assistance, Support and Information on Special Needs) factsheet on “ASD and motivation” includes days out as an important part of the life of a child with ASD.

Dealing with reactions of the public to behaviour

No-one has found a complete solution to the reactions of the public to the sometimes odd and disruptive behaviour of children with ASD, although there are many accounts of the difficulties faced by families in this respect. It is easy for people who are unfamiliar with ASD to jump to the conclusion that the child is unacceptably naughty or unhappy, or both (especially as there are some children who genuinely are). Some strategies:

• Preparation and handling to minimise stress for the child as above.
• Asking for understanding: an explanation may help sometimes.
• Written clarification: an ASD identification card is available from the National Autistic Society for a small fee (see the link from the shopping factsheet, above). Carrying a letter or official document from health or psychology services referring to it may also come in useful, for example if a child’s behaviour is extreme enough to prompt a member of the public to express a concern about their welfare. Or, for some leisure venues, to confirm that the child is entitled to special facilities like jumping the queue for rides.
• Counselling / support for you: some families find that this issue is putting a significant strain on them, and they are therefore avoiding public places to the extent that this is in itself a strain. If a stress counselling service would be useful, UK parents are welcome to use Cerebra’s specialist stress helpline, 0800 043 9385.