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

Download the Guide to Raising Your Neurodivergent Child: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ Connect with Samantha: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/   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/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferentYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent