"This book fills a significant gap in travel guidebook literature. Awareness of autism, along with numerous other previously unrecognized childhood conditions, has outpaced well-researched assistance in book form by authors who have developed both expertise and empathy. Based on this book, Dawn Barclay has stepped up in ways that lessen the gap considerably."

Whether you’re planning a day trip or an extended vacation, Dawn M. Barclay’s Traveling Different: Vacation Strategies for Parents of the Anxious, the Inflexible, and the Neurodiverse will bring your family together. Filled with valuable travel tips and tools, this comprehensive guide will ease your travel worries with its thoughtful guidance surrounding numerous modes of transportation, special accommodation options, as well as suggested modifications, itineraries, and resources. So now go pack your bags – it’s time to make life-long memories together!

Barclay, a longtime travel agent and editor at Travel Agent magazine, found her life changed when she became a mother. She searched for a book to help her navigate traveling with two young neurodivergent children but came up empty-handed. Years later, she has created the book she once needed, with guidance from Certified Autism Travel Professionals, mental health experts, and parents of children on the spectrum. Starting from the premise that every family should be able to travel, Barclay’s book includes tips on packing a “go-to” bag, creating a relaxed vacation schedule that works for the entire family, preparing for a trip with bibliotherapy (including lists of books to read with children), and navigating TSA precheck and international travel. It also lists sites that are certified as accommodating for autistic people. Much of the book’s guidance will also be useful for families with neurotypical children as well.VERDICT An essential read, not only for parents of autistic or otherwise neurodivergent children but for all families.