Skip to content
the autism kit
Guide

How do I plan a road trip with my autistic child?

A visual trip map, planned stops, a car kit, and keeping routines going away from home.

By The Autism Kit teamUpdated Sep 28, 2026 · 1 min read
Listen to this articleAbout 1 min
Read aloud · speed
A smiling family with a baby sitting in the front of a car
Photo: Kampus Production on Pexels
The short answer

Show the trip as a picture map: home, drive, stop, drive, arrive, with a token or picture to move along as you go. Plan stops every 1 to 2 hours, pack a car kit with snacks, headphones and favourite activities, and keep routines like meals and bedtime as close to normal as you can. Show photos of where you're going before you leave.

Key takeaways
  • Show the trip as a picture map.
  • Plan stops every 1 to 2 hours.
  • Pack a car kit.
  • Bring familiar things for the new place.

How do I show the journey?

Make a simple strip: home, car, stop, car, arrive. Move a clip or token along at each stage. It turns a long, abstract drive into steps your child can see.1

What goes in a car kit?

Try
  • Familiar snacks and drinks
  • Headphones and downloaded shows or music
  • Fidgets and small toys
  • Sunshade for bright windows
Skip
  • Surprise detours
  • Driving through naptime with no plan
  • New toys only at the end

How do I keep routines going?

  1. Keep meal and bed times close to normal.
  2. Bring familiar bedding, night light and bedtime books.2
  3. Show photos of where you'll stay.
  4. Plan a quiet first evening.
Free printable: waiting cardPDF · 1 page · count down the wait with tokens
Download Free printable: waiting card

What can I do before the trip?

0 of 3 done

Common questions

Every 1 to 2 hours works for many families. Plan stops with space to move.

Sources

  1. AFIRM (UNC Frank Porter Graham): Visual supports evidence-based practice brief. afirm.fpg.unc.edu
  2. NHS: Supporting an autistic child. nhs.uk

This guide shares general information and our team's perspective, based on the sources above. Every child is different, so please talk with your child's doctor or care team about what's right for your family. How we write our guides.

Was this guide helpful?
Share this guide with someone who'd find it useful
Listen

Keep reading

All guides and stories →

One small, useful tip a week

Practical ideas built on evidence-based practices, plus a free printable to start. Unsubscribe anytime.

We never sell or share your email.