Travels with Autism

Sounds like a good book title, right?

I was traveling on the southbound Adirondack, Amtrak's train from New York to Plattsburgh, when I wrote half this blog entry. The train was very empty on Tuesday, and I had a window seat all to myself and I never got a seatmate. The train shook and rocked, but I've come to not mind it, if not have embraced it. But I've learned a few things from traveling in general over the years, applicable to all but especially if you have autism or someone you care about is on the spectrum:

1. Always arrive early, even if the departure is going to be late. The airlines won't let you board late, as far as I am aware, even if the plane has boarded and the flight is delayed. And you're still going to want time to wind down a little before you board your train/plane/bus.
2. Use your travel time to the MAX! Read, write, watch a movie you've been dying to see. Make that travel time YOUR time! (Of course that's obvious, but I thought I'd remind folks anyway.)
3. Plan your mealtime on the train. For instance, I had lunch before noon, I am going to finish my lunch in a few minutes and then I'm going to work on other things. Since it's an eight hour ride, I'll eat around 6PM.
4. Be prepared for delays. They happen, and they're an unavoidable part of traveling.
5. If you feel like looking at the scenery, do so. It isn't going to kill you to do so, unless authorities tell you otherwise.
6. (Here comes the practical stuff for parents) : Have extra time ready for traveling if you are traveling with a child with an autism spectrum disorder. You might need extra time going through security, crowds, etc.
7. Travel at off peak times. You'll avoid crowds. Of course, there are times where this is just not possible, like during the holidays-something that leads me to:
8. If possible, travel through smaller hubs, non-stop and consider smaller airports, unless unavoidable. It's less overwhelming to fly into, let's say, Westchester County Airport than Newark or La Guardia airports. Yourself or your child won't be overstimulated by the crowds. And to boot, you'll probably be closer to your final destination.
9. Using a bathroom on any moving mode of transportation isn't easy. For instance, I have found using the bathroom on a train difficult, unless you really have to go.

Follow these tips and you should have not a problem in your travels. Or you might. Traveling these days isn't as glamorous as it once was, but it shouldn't have to be as crappy as people make it out to be. And there are some of us weirdos who like to get out and see the world around us.

EDIT [3/31/13]- I forgot to mention, if anyone steals my title, I'll be very unhappy. I plan to write a book about my experiences traveling on the autism spectrum.