Sensory Support Kit for Autistic Travel

Really looking forward to almost a full day on a plane

[laurencewinch-furness]

I've generally been okay with planes, but I've found airports super stressful. I had a funny autistic experience flying to America when I was twelve, though - I stim with unwound paperclips, and back then, I insisted I was going to learn how to pick locks. So, of course, when my paperclip set off the metal detector and security asked me what I had on me I nonchalantly replied "oh, just a lockpick". Luckily this was before 9/11, so they saw the funny side!

[KatjaTheAutiArtist]

I would add my neck pillow and bunny squish mallow, I can usually tie her ear together onto the backpack. I also dress in layers so I can take things off or put things on. (this saves space in you bag as well.

[KatjaTheAutiArtist]

Every single thing you are packing are things I also would pack- FOR THE EXACT SAME REASON. You are valid, Dana!

[fideovilm]

My top tip - on long haul flights you can usually go on the airline's website and browse what films/TV shows they're showing in advance, so you can make a wish list. That gave me something to actively look forward to rather than just dreading the length of my captivity. Also definitely get one of those neck cushion things with a nice velourish fabric on - I always thought they were totally pointless until I actually used one and it made such a difference haha! They're really comfortable and comforting. Oh and if for some reason you lose/forget your toothbrush the air stewards have a stash of kits that they'll give you for free x

[butsoftwhatblight]

Lots of people brush their teeth on the plane, its a thing! Some planes even give you a little toothbrush.

Planes are super dry, glad you covered moisturisers and lip balm!

Wear your sunflower lanyard, the uk airports are good about it and let you skip all the queues. Maybe even consider getting wheelchair assistance, they just whizz you exactly where you need to go, saving you a long long long walk and stressful navigation

[kenhensch]

People in the U.K. must think about sunglasses differently than they do most other places. I've lived in California my whole life and have worn sunglasses nearly everyday I've been outside. No one has ever commented or found this weird. Even when I'm wearing sunglasses on cloudy days people don't think much of it because they are so normalized. People do notice if you wear them a lot indoors or at night though... Haha!

[Felice_Enellen]

I find a nice deep hoodie with headphones or earbuds to be nicely isolating. That black mask looks very cool too!

[alvaronavarro]

Slightly off topic, one the many random culture shocks I experienced in America was the lack of quality facial tissues, especially the apparent absence of pocket packs. In Spain they’re everywhere. I usually carry several packs when I travel but I regretted not bringing more, because the only ones available in the US are the extremely thin ones in a box.

[daviniarobbins]

I hate brushing my teeth. Always have. Never liked the taste of toothpaste either. I brush my teeth everyday, NOW but when I was a young child I could go a week without brushing my teeth to the point that my dad would say to me your teeth are green go brush them. I find toothpaste burns my mouth if I use too much. To be honest I am amazed and surprised I still got teeth at age 50 nearly what with the abuse I have put them through.

The airport will have plastic bags to put your shampoo, soap, toothbrush/paste in. A lot of flights they will give a wet wipe pack to refresh your face with towards the end of the flight. You can buy small plastic bottles that you can fill with shampoo/conditioner.

On my last flight I took my 8" tablet loaded up with audio books to listen to on the plane to help pass the time.

They give you a pillow and a blanket on the flight. The plane can get cold especially if it is an overnight flight. Which coming back from the US can be.

[stephenie]

A lot of planes have little air vents above the seats that you can aim at yourself if you’re hot - they help a lot!

[emilyglonek]

I have a tip for flying, try to sit upright and lean a bit forward it helps blood flow to your legs and stops them getting all weird and achey (it works for me at least) - also, when you go to the toilet, use the standing up time to stretch your legs a little bit because that will also help with the blood flow

source: I've traveled (airport, plane, airport, plane, car) for around 30 hours staight and did not have a good time, learn from my mistakes haha

[justinh]

I remember now how loud planes are. It didn’t take me long to buy noise cancelling headphones and then also realising these help all the time to remove all unwanted noises 😊. I found also I could then watch a downloaded movie to take myself off into my own bubble/world. Sunglasses yes I think I may have sensory issues to light and need to look into that more.

[laura.bseyoga]

Nice Young Ones jumper! I hope your flight went well - I haven't flown in years & only 1 long haul to Australia in 2020

[paunesjourney]

Great video! I’m the same as you; I’ve never flown more than 4 hours and I’m going to Bali in June so a bit nervous 😅 I use the same Simple moisturiser you showed in the video although not everyday cause the smell & feel on my face are a bit much. You mentioned Cerave and I thought I’d let you know their products aren’t vegan just in case you didn’t know! I liked their products but I stopped using them for that reason… anyway, safe travels and have fun! ❤

[quarkonia_autismus_adhs]

Just love your videos and I am really thankful for this one ❤

[DJwarthog]

To my bff I say, “I’ve got a touch of the ‘tism” lmao a nepotism joke would be a good one. Keep workshopping that lol I can’t help xD
That’s all good stuff to bring and I don’t think you’re high maintenance, just taking care of your sensory needs. Would playdough or something similar to *squish* be helpful for you? I have a sand filled pig (but you have to be a little gentle… I did already break one) but maybe something rubbery or a putty?
I’m excited for you. You got this!

[jonasandersen]

I really ate flying and my fiancé is scared to try, so when we visit the UK we are gonna go from denmark to London by train.
We both love travelling with trains, so long as they are not overcrowded that is lol.