When autistic travelers and their families plan a trip, even small details can make the difference between a stressful experience and a successful journey. From sensory environments to clear communication and predictable itineraries, thoughtful planning matters. At the 2025 TravelAbility Summit, Sarah Armstrong and Jenny Carwana from the Canucks Autism Network shared practical strategies for creating welcoming and inclusive travel environments, highlighting real-world tools, staff training tips, and small adjustments that can make travel accessible for autistic guests. Read our one-page recap of the session below.

Session Recap

Presenters: 

Who CAN is 

Nonprofit founded in 2008 (Vancouver, BC) with a mission to build inclusive communities where autistic individuals thrive. Programs (21k+ program spaces last year), training (tens of thousands trained), and partnerships across sport, recreation, travel, first responders, and employers. Learn more here.

Why this matters 

• Autism prevalence continues to rise (e.g., ~1 in 31 children in the U.S.; many adults remain undiagnosed). 
• Travelers on the spectrum and their families are a significant, growing market—but frontline behavior and predictability often determine whether they travel. 

Inclusive language (set the tone) 

• Many prefer identity-first (“autistic person”); others prefer person-first (“person with autism”). When in doubt, mirror or ask. 
• Avoid deficit/“functioning” labels. Use support needs (e.g., “needs high support with transitions”). 
• Replace stigmatizing terms: use “accessible,” “autistic,” “non-speaking,” “AAC user,” “wheelchair user.” 

Core characteristics to plan for

• Social/communication differences: literal language, directness, varied response times, alternate communication (AAC, sign, visuals). 
• Sensory differences: hyper/hypo sensitivities to sound, light, smell, touch; potential for sensory overload; stimming as regulation/joy—don’t discourage. 
• Preference for predictability: routines, clear expectations, low ambiguity. 

Common travel pain points 

• Sensory environment: crowds, PA announcements, bright/fluorescent lights, strong smells, tight spaces. 
• Unwritten rules & fast instructions: subtle social norms; multi-step verbal directions delivered quickly. 
• Low predictability: last-minute changes (delays/gates/rooms), unclear timing, complex transitions. 

Practical strategies (what to implement) 

1) Sensory-aware environments 

• Provide/mark quiet spaces (low light, comfortable seating, calm activities). 
• Offer sensory kits to borrow: noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, fidgets/comfort items, simple comm boards, venue map/ID bracelet. 
• Create sensory maps and clear signage that warn about loud sounds, bright areas, smells, crowding. 
• Aim for scent-reduced policies (including cleaners/air fresheners). 
• Schedule sensory-friendly hours (reduced sound/lighting, fewer triggers). 

2) Clear, direct, visual communication 

• Be explicit about expectations and “unwritten rules” (friendly tone, no idioms/jargon).
• Use the Rule of Three for instructions; pair with visuals (checklists, icons, short videos, live demos). 
• Allow processing time (up to ~10 seconds) before rephrasing more simply. ● Engage the person directly; respect AAC/non-speaking communication. 

3) Increase predictability (“front-loading”) 

• Share detailed itineraries with photos, maps, what to bring, what to expect, durations, wait times, transitions, and “what happens if plans change.” 
• Host practice/dress-rehearsal experiences (e.g., airport walkthroughs): check-in → security → gate → aircraft sit-down/taxi → deplane. 
• Put all resources on an Accessibility page (storybook guides, videos, checklists). 

Proven models & tools 

• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program to support self-identification (not mandatory). 
• YVR & Air Canada partnership: front-loading storybooks, videos, checklists, sensory kits, recurring Accessibility Tours (families reported this enabled their first successful trips). 

Staff training focus (what to teach) 

• Respect autonomy; never touch mobility/assistive devices or service animals without permission. 
• Ask before helping; don’t “police” disability. 
• Normalize stimming; it’s regulation or joy, not misbehavior. 
• Offer alternatives (quiet space, kit) when sensing overload; stay calm, kind, and patient.

Quick wins you can deploy this quarter

1. Add an Accessibility page: itineraries, visuals, sensory map, what to expect, contact.
2. Stock sensory kits at guest/concierge desks; train staff on when/how to offer them.
3. Pilot sensory-friendly hours and promote them in booking flows. 
4. Script frontline plain-language briefings + print simple visual checklists.
5. Plan a practice tour with local partners (airport/airline, hotel, attraction).
6. Book frontline training (CAN offers travel-specific courses; customize by role). 

Bottom line 

Predictability + Sensory Support + Direct Communication = Lower stress, higher satisfaction, and trips that actually happen. Accessibility here isn’t about costly build-outs—it’s about exceptional hospitality delivered consistently.