The holiday season is a time for family, fun, and travel, but it can also bring unique challenges for autistic children. To help make your journeys smoother and more enjoyable, we’ve compiled a list of free printable resources that are perfect for keeping kids engaged and comfortable while on the go. From sensory-friendly activities to visual schedules, these travel-friendly tools are designed to support your child’s needs and ensure a stress-free holiday experience. Let’s explore these resources and make this holiday season a memorable one for the whole family!
Calming Exercises
Calming exercises are essential for helping autistic children manage stress and anxiety, especially during travel. Our collection includes mindfulness flash cards, coloring pages, and color by number pages. These activities are designed to provide a soothing and engaging way for kids to relax and focus, making travel more enjoyable for everyone.
Mindfulness Flash Cards
(Parental supervision with scissors may be required. Use discretion.)
- Coloring Pages
- Color by Number Pages
- Trace and Color
Visual Schedules
Visual schedules can be a game-changer for autistic children, providing a clear and predictable structure to their day. Our visual daily to-do list helps kids understand and anticipate their activities, reducing anxiety and promoting independence. This tool is particularly useful during the holidays when routines can be disrupted by travel.
- Visual Daily To-Do List
Make sure to customize the to-do list to match your child’s preferences. Some children might appreciate having their entire morning routine detailed for the first item, while others may prefer just seeing the schedule for specific activities throughout the day.
Your child may prefer to contribute to their own schedule. You can have them fill in their to-do list with your help. This to-do list can also be seamlessly integrated with other visual schedules or token systems your child uses regularly.
Educational Games
Keep your child’s mind active and engaged with our educational games. From connect the dots pages and a dice game to activities that practice counting, these resources are both fun and educational. They are perfect for keeping kids entertained during long trips while reinforcing important skills.
Connect the Dots
Leaves and Ladders
(dice and token needed)
Activity Page to Practice Counting
Interactive Activities
Interactive activities are great for keeping kids entertained and engaged during travel. Our autumn “I Spy” page, scavenger hunt, and maze provide fun challenges that can be enjoyed on the go. These activities encourage observation, problem-solving, and creativity, making travel time fly by.
Autumn “I Spy”
Autumn Scavenger Hunt
Assemble the Turkey (3 pages)
(Requires scissors and tape or glue. May not be suitable for all skill levels. Parental supervision with scissors and glue may be needed. Use discretion.)
Maze
Fine Motor Skills
Developing fine motor skills is crucial for young children, and our activities are designed to make this practice fun. Many of the resources listed above also address honing fine motor skills. Finding their way through the maze, tracing pictures and completing the dot-to-dots, and even the simple act of coloring are all activities that help kids practice their fine motor skills and improve dexterity.
We hope these travel-friendly printable resources make your holiday journeys smoother and more enjoyable. By keeping your child engaged and comfortable, you can focus on creating wonderful memories together. Remember, preparation is key, and with these tools at your disposal, you’re well-equipped to handle any travel challenges that come your way. Safe travels and happy holidays from all of us at Autism Learning Partners!
Looking for a quick and easy way to access all these resources? Download the complete PDF with all the resources in one document.
