Supporting Neurodivergent Travelers: Challenges, Strategies, and Support

Travel can be rewarding and exciting—but for neurodivergent individuals, it can also introduce challenges like sensory overload, disrupted routines, and heightened anxiety in unfamiliar environments.

This topic resonates deeply with our Chief Medical Officer, who not only brings clinical expertise to the conversation but also personal insight as the parent of a neurodivergent teenager. In this post, she shares compassionate, practical guidance to help neurodivergent travelers feel more prepared, supported, and grounded in a sense of safety wherever their travels take them.

What Is Neurodivergence?
Neurodivergence refers to people with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodevelopmental differences who often communicate, socialize, and interpret things differently than the wider population.

Why Travel Can Be Especially Stressful for Neurodivergent Individuals
Fast-paced travel environments can lead to sensory overload, disrupted routines, and communication difficulties for all travelers.  Neurodivergent travelers can have more challenges in managing these changes. Airports and tourist destinations often lack quiet or low-stimulation areas, and constant changes—like gate switches or delays—can be particularly challenging.

Preparation Is Key
Planning ahead can help reduce the unpredictability of travel. Some simple steps to consider:

• • Research airport layouts and hotel quiet zones in advance

  • Choose direct flights or early departure times to avoid crowds and delays

  • Request support services from airlines or airports when available

  • Review travel plans with everyone going on the trip

What to Pack for Comfort and Control
Every traveler’s needs are different. Some helpful items may include:

• • Noise-canceling headphones, fidget items, or eye masks

  • Familiar snacks, music, or videos

  • A portable charger to keep calming apps and entertainment available-consider an alternative (such as a portable MP3 player) in case of limited Wi-Fi availability

Creating a Travel Routine
Maintaining regular routines during travel can reduce anxiety:

• • Plan structured activities for long flights

  • Use reminders for eating, stretching, or taking medication

  • Break delays into smaller, manageable time blocks

At The Destination
Think in time blocks rather than rigid schedules.

• • Build in buffer time between activities

  • Alternate intense activities with quieter ones

  • Focus on basic wellness: sleep, hydration, nutrition, and movement

  • Incorporate choices for all the members of the trip when possible

How Organizations Can Further Support Their Neurodivergent Travelers:

• • Encourage travelers to bring original documentation and a doctor’s note for prescription medications and know how to access necessary care in their destination countries.

  • Consider arranging for continued support from a mental health professional during travel.

  • Confirm your organization’s emergency assistance program includes telehealth and/or mental health support.

If your organization supports travelers with diverse needs, we also invite you to download our full resource, which offers detailed tips and strategies for neurodiverse travelers from Dr. Nathan. You can also contact us to learn more about our industry-leading emergency assistance programs, pre-trip planning services, and mental health support tools designed to safeguard your travelers and strengthen your overall duty of care.

About On Call International
When traveling, every problem is unique—a medical crisis, a political threat, even a missed flight. But every solution starts with customized care that ensures travelers are safe and protected. That’s why for over 30 years, On Call International has provided fully-customized travel risk management and emergency assistance services, protecting millions of travelers, their families, and their organizations. Visit https://www.oncallinternational.com and follow us on LinkedIn to learn more.