Traveling with a neurodivergent child can feel overwhelming for many families… especially when sensory needs, routines, mobility challenges, or accessibility concerns are involved.

In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with Teresa Roddy, an accessible travel specialist and occupational therapy assistant, to talk about how families can make travel feel more realistic, supportive, and enjoyable.

Teresa shares how she helps families plan around real-life needs including sensory sensitivities, adaptive equipment, mobility accommodations, dietary restrictions, and communication supports. She also shares practical strategies families can use to reduce stress while traveling, including pacing vacations differently, preparing ahead of time, and building around a child's comfort needs rather than forcing packed schedules.

This conversation is a reassuring reminder that meaningful family experiences are possible… and that families do not have to figure everything out alone.

• Sensory-friendly travel planning for autistic children

• Accessible travel accommodations and adaptive equipment

• Vacation strategies for families with disabilities

• How to reduce travel stress for neurodivergent children

• Comfort items and regulation support while traveling

• Why slowing down can improve family vacations

• Practical ways to prepare children before trips

00:00 Introduction
02:30 Accessible travel and sensory accommodations
06:50 How Teresa plans trips around family needs
10:15 Common barriers families face with travel
13:05 Tips for avoiding overstimulation while traveling
15:20 Final encouragement for families

"Sometimes slowing down… taking breaks… and building around your child's comfort needs can completely change the experience for the whole family."

Teresa Roddy is an accessible travel specialist and certified occupational therapy assistant with over 25 years of experience working with pediatric populations. Through Accessible Travel with Teresa, she helps families plan vacations that consider sensory needs, mobility accommodations, adaptive equipment, dietary restrictions, and accessibility support.

Instagram: Accessible Travel with Teresa Instagram

Facebook: Accessible Travel with Teresa Facebook

• Autism on the Seas

Hosted by Brian Keene, occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy company providing home-based occupational, speech, and physical therapy services throughout Arizona.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.

Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast:
Autism Family Resource Podcast

Explore more resources for families at:
Pure Hearts Therapy