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The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Lived Experience: Can an Autistic Adult Use Travel as Therapy? 

July 4, 2025 by lkarl

Aleks smiling and sitting on a cement block with a beautiful turquois ocean stretching out behind him

Alex Stratikis is the writer behind Autism Adventures Abroad. He invites readers to join him on his journey of self-discovery as he travels the world, finding himself and what it means to be human, while also understanding more about his autism and about the needs of neurodivergent individuals more generally.

In a recent article, Alex explores the idea of travel as therapy for an autistic adult:

Travel offers more than just a break from routine for autistic adults—it can be deeply therapeutic, fostering personal growth, emotional healing, and sensory exploration. While everyday life may feel rigid and overwhelming due to strict routines and heightened sensory sensitivities, travel provides a liberating contrast, encouraging flexibility, independence, and self-discovery. The author, an autistic solo traveler who has visited over 65 countries, shares how navigating unfamiliar places has strengthened their confidence and adaptability, while also offering moments of calm through sensory-friendly experiences like quiet beaches or cozy bakeries. They emphasize the importance of preparation, self-advocacy, and managing sensory input to create fulfilling and accessible travel experiences. Through both structured planning and spontaneous adventure, travel becomes a transformative tool—not just for exploration, but for understanding oneself and the world in new, affirming ways.

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Filed Under: Autism, Disability Advocates, Editorial, Lived Experience, Neurodiversity, Travel

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