# Why Family Vacations Feel Hard with Autistic and ADHD Kids (And What Actually Helps) | Ep. 171

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/autistic-and-adhd-kids-parenting-strategies-every-brain-is-different-6469310/why-family-vacations-feel-hard-with-autistic-and-adhd-kids-and-what-actually-helps-ep-171
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/autistic-and-adhd-kids-parenting-strategies-every-brain-is-different-6469310/why-family-vacations-feel-hard-with-autistic-and-adhd-kids-and-what-actually-helps-ep-171.md
Podcast: [Autistic and ADHD Kids Parenting Strategies: Every Brain is Different](https://stenobird.com/podcast/autistic-and-adhd-kids-parenting-strategies-every-brain-is-different-6469310)
Published: 2026-06-22T04:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://EveryBrainIsDifferent.castos.com
Audio file: https://cdn.simplecast.com/media/audio/transcoded/88d0ba76-111a-4570-a33d-bffe2d697727/79fa0ed6-93fc-4f80-b5ca-315276326132/episodes/audio/group/b906182d-dbe1-42e8-9250-daa79a603ce5/group-item/4e8edcd8-b6bd-4394-8cde-c3f54d5507f1/128_default_tc.mp3?aid=rss_feed&feed=1_fWTntN
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Duration seconds: 1775

## Resource

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.

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## Transcript

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