Autism and Travelling – Strategies for surviving the event. Autistic people don’t always like change in routines and environments which can make events stressful, with expectations, real or perceived, from others not helping. And concerns how they will be seen, based on previous experience.
I have previously discussed travelling to events, and touched on what to do having arrived at the venue, and settled in your room. I will partially recap on the previous article.
Arriving in the room
It is important to feel at home, orientate yourself.
· Unpacking – putting everything where you can find them easily, including for settling down at night
· Drink – sit down and have a nice drink. After all you may not have wanted to drink too much in travelling, due to access to toilets. If you do have favourite teabags and snacks take them with you. Especially if you have intolerances and dislikes or have favourites
· Chill – Read, do a puzzle, meditate, listen to music. Do what you need to do to settle emotions. Invest in your own need
· Information – read the information on the event, decide where you need to go
Now hopefully you feel ready to face the world, comfortably.
Leaving the room
There is nothing worse than realising you have left something essential behind. And you can’t go back for, especially if it is the room key or event badge
· Clothes – wearing comfortable, appropriate clothes
· Keys, event badge – ensure you are wearing it, and you have your room key
· Other essential items – water bottle, snacks, lip balm, pen and paper, fidget toys
· Event information – including a map, and timetable
· Bag – appropriate for the activity, larger or smaller as required
· Mental preparation – take a deep breath, ready to meet other attendees. You are likely to meet them as soon as you leave the room
· Autism Alert – alert card or sunflower lanyard if you want to, near to hand
Once you have everything you can feel more comfortable, and able to settle in.
During the event
This can be uncomfortable until you know it. Is there a quiet place to go?
· Food – have you requested special food if you have allergens or intolerances, are these available during breaks?
· Time out – can you go to a quiet place or your own room if necessary
· Support – speak to the organisers if necessary. Is there a safe person to go to if you get stressed or worried. Someone who can tell, even if you can’t express it yourself? Can you find someone who can understand your needs? I found this helpful at more than one event, and it prevented me from a total meltdown once.
· Seating – at one event with regular sessions, and people sat in regular places, someone near me understood I need to sit in a certain area, to avoid certain bright lights
· Written information – ready to communicate if you feel you may go non-verbal
Just try to be yourself, don’t mask and manage your energy. It doesn’t always matter if you miss meetings, you can be updated if necessary.
Preparing to leave
The last day can be hard, a lot to think of. Have you packed everything? Is the transport all arranged if it is public transport, if it is by car, when to pack it? What do you need to have prepared for when you get back home.
· Packing – pack as much as possible the last night, leaving only the next day’s essentials to pack
· Check times – for leaving the room and breakfast. Plan
· Travel – keep information on times, tickets. Also ensure you have your water bottle, snacks, lip balm, and any other essential items ready, along with the travel bag
· Alarms – have them set in good time
· List – prepare one if necessary so you remember everything
· Mobile phone – charged up for the return journey
· Food – once you get home, consider what you will eat
With this done you should be ready to travel back home, with no last minute panic.
Final Message
Seek to enjoy yourself, as yourself, being as prepared as possible. Also ensure that you look after yourself and your needs, taking time out if necessary. Others there may also feel nervous. There will be support and understanding, just ask.
Events can be stressful for anyone, having a plan in place can help reduce the stress. Just take it step at a time, enjoy all successes. I look forward to hearing your ideas.
Footnote
Jo is a Featured Columnist for The Maverick Paradox Magazine. You can read all her articles by clicking below:
