For neurodivergent children who interpret information in different ways, experiences of venturing out and about, and away from their safe spaces, can feel very different to a neurotypical experience. Children and young people who have sensory difficulties can find some environments overwhelming, like a busy shopping mall with bright lights and loud noises. Others who have difficulties with change could find the anticipation of an event difficult until they know more information to ease the uncertainty.
As you get to know your child's preferences and challenges, you'll be able to plan ahead to anticipate some difficulties to make their experience better. Find out how you can plan ahead for adventures to make the experiences as joyful as possible.
By researching and planning your adventure, you'll be able to anticipate any difficulties that may arise and plan how you can support your child. As you learn more about your child's condition, you'll find it easier to understand their triggers and what tools, or strategies you can put in place to mitigate any worries or distress.
Researching the environment they will be attending can help you familiarise yourself with the venue. The benefits of researching your venue include:
Planning around your destination can involve having some strategies up your sleeve in case your child is having difficulties, or bringing along tools to help support your child. For example, a trip to the supermarket can be a trigger for some children, while other young people may enjoy it. To make the experience of going shopping easier you could:
You may notice that your child struggles with bathrooms in different settings. This could be because:
If you need access to disabled bathrooms and changing facilities you can apply for a special Changing Places Key which gives you access to Changing Places toilets and changing areas all around Norfolk.
Considering how you will travel to your destination can be a big part of your planning when researching a trip. Sitting still for long periods in a car can be difficult for some children, and others may find the hustle and bustle of airports challenging. Here are some things to consider:
Car Journeys
To keep safe during your car journey it's worth researching what car seats and adaptations are available to stop your child from wriggling out of their car seat.
Pre-test the locks on your doors to ensure your child locks are on to avoid your child fiddling with the doors while you are travelling.
If you are travelling on a long car journey, consider your route to be able to stop regularly so your child can stretch their legs and move around.
Find more car safety advice here
Airports & Flying
Consider using a sunflower lanyard to help avoid queueing at airports.
If you have to queue, have a bag of distractions, or self-soothe resources on hand to help ease the wait.
When you are on the plane, create a lucky dip bag with small treats, fidget toys, games, sweets etc which they can pick gradually during the journey to keep them amused.
Check the airport's website as they often have extra information to support neurodivergent children with the journey including photographs, maps and comic strips showing what will happen step by step.
Train Journeys
Consider using a sunflower lanyard to signify that you may need extra support with your child during rush hour or when queuing.
When you are on the train, create a lucky dip bag with small treats, fidget toys, games, sweets etc which they can pick gradually during the journey to keep them amused.
Consider booking 'passenger assist' to help you through the station to get to connecting trains. Each train service has bookable assistance to help people who may need extra support so you can concentrate on your child or young person.
There are various useful items that you can bring along on your trip to make things easier for both you and your child. Items that are familiar in an alien place can help soothe and regulate neurodivergent young people while keeping them fed and watered can help with their energy levels.
Consider packing some of these items:
Talking with your child can make a big difference in preparing them for what is to come. Being able to communicate your child's needs to a venue or event can support you both enjoying your experience.
Phoning Ahead
Phoning to speak to staff at a venue or event can be helpful to get more information about the place you are visiting and to let staff know of any additional things they can do to help your day go more smoothly. For example, if you are booking a table at a restaurant, you could be offered seats in a quiet or less busy area.
Social Stories
To support children with uncertainty and transitions between activities, social stories are a great visual way to communicate what will be happening and when. They are visual cues to help give an understanding of what will happen when, and what is expected from your child during the visit. They also provide reassurance that you will go home at the end of the trip.
Let us know what you think!
We've been working together in Norfolk and Waveney with families and professionals to put together information, advice and resources that are helpful to families. Let us know what you think, and anything we could change or add to make it even better.
If you live in Norfolk
You can contact the Healthy Child Service team by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 or texting Parentline on 07520 631590. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.
If you are 11-19 you can text ChatHealth on 07480 635060 for confidential advice from one of our team.
If you live in Waveney
Norfolk SEND Local Offer provide information and advice on services for young people with additional needs in Norfolk.
Suffolk SEND Local Offer provide information and advice on services for young people with additional needs in Waveney.
Mencap is a national charity who support people with learning disabilities. They offer a free Learning Disability Helpline with advice and guidance. Call 0808 808 1111 to speak to a trained professional.
Kooth offers online counselling, advice and emotional well-being support for anyone aged 10-18, seven days a week until 10pm.
Sunflower lanyards were designed as a voluntary visual clue that people with invisible conditions or disabilities might need extra support or more time. Neurodivergence is included as a hidden disability.
Condition alert cards are small wallet-sized cards that can be used when a young person is having difficulties.
If your child finds accessing a public toilet tricky, you may need access to disabled toilets or changing facilities. There are keys available for disabled people to access facilities while out and about. 
Various sensory apps have been developed for the neurodiverse community to help relieve stress and provide sensory stimulation.
