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Why Family Vacations Feel Hard with Autistic and ADHD Kids (And What Actually Helps) | Ep. 171
Description
Download the Guide to Raising Your Neurodivergent Child: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/
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Samantha and Lauren discuss how to help vacations go more smoothly for neurodivergent kids by prioritizing safety, predictability, and regulation over nonstop activities.
They explain how vacations disrupt routine, sensory input, and expectations (new places, foods, people, airports, planes, theme parks, beaches), which can overwhelm autistic and ADHD children. They recommend preparing kids in advance with photos, maps, videos, itineraries, visual schedules, and honest communication about uncertainty; using supports like airport assistance (Sunflower lanyards, practice tours, early boarding); and building recovery time with hotel breaks, quiet spaces, and rest days.
They suggest creating an escape plan or safe word, avoiding forced socialization, packing sensory tools and familiar items, watching early signs of overload, and adjusting parental expectations so everyone ends the day regulated, safe, supported, and connected.
00:00 Vacation Reality Check
01:17 Why Vacations Overwhelm
03:19 Sensory Overload Hotspots
06:11 Chill Trips Still Hard
08:04 Boost Predictability
11:44 Over Communicate Plans
13:06 Build Recovery Time
17:39 Create an Escape Plan
21:56 Pack Sensory Supports
24:25 Adjust Vacation Expectations
25:55 Bring Familiar Comforts
27:13 Spot Overload Early
28:06 Wrap Up and Recap
29:33 Resources and Farewell
Connect with Samantha Foote!
Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/