Step 6: Neurodivergent Travel

Traveling can be stressful for everyone. For travelers with Autism, schedule changes, new sights and sounds, airport delays, and unfamiliar foods can pose additional challenges. 

The travel industry has designed incredible programs to support neurodivergent individuals of any age in navigating airports, hotels, resorts, and attractions.  Look into special programs that may be of assistance to you, such as TSA Cares, Wings for All, a DPNA code on your ticket, or a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower worn on your jacket or bag.  

TSA Cares assists travelers with disabilities and medical conditions and others who may need additional assistance with screening. TSA Cares is staffed to provide travelers with information on what to expect during the screening process. Their telephone number is (855) 787-2227.  

A DPNA code, which stands for Disabled Passengers with Intellectual or Developmental Disability Needing Assistance, can be mentioned at the time of booking, and airlines will be more geared up to render them special assistance. This could include boarding first if long queues cause stress, boarding last if a degree of claustrophobia is present, receiving a hot meal on priority, window seats for those on the Autism spectrum if required, and/or children with Autism being able to be seated with their caregivers. The DPNA code originates from the International Air Transport Association. 

A Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple tool for an individual to voluntarily share that he/she has a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent – and that he/she may need a helping hand or more time in shops, at work, on transport or in public spaces.  A traveler can discreetly highlight the type of support he/she needs on a personalized Sunflower Card.