11 Tips for Vacationing with Picky Eaters: A Guide for Parents of Kids with Autism
Vacations are a time for relaxation, exploration, and creating lasting memories with your family. However, for parents of children with autism who are picky eaters, the idea of embarking on a vacation can be overwhelming. The thought of finding appropriate food options and managing potential meltdowns might dampen the excitement. But fear not! With some careful planning and consideration, you can ensure a stress-free vacation experience for the whole family. In this blog post, we will provide you with valuable tips and strategies for vacationing with picky eaters, enabling you to enjoy a memorable trip with your child with autism.
Follow a Consistent Routine
Children with autism often thrive on routine and predictability. While vacations can disrupt the usual schedule, try to maintain some elements of familiarity. Stick to regular meal and snack times as much as possible. This can provide a sense of comfort and security to your child during mealtime.
Utilize Visual Schedules
Visual aids and social stories can be effective tools to prepare your child for the vacation experience. Create a visual schedule that includes mealtime activities and dining out. Use pictures or drawings to depict various foods they may encounter during the trip. This can help alleviate anxiety and provide a clear understanding of what to expect. For help with visual schedules, check out @TheAutismConsultant on Instagram!
Locate a Few Local Restaurant Options
One of the keys to a successful vacation with a picky eater is planning. Research the destination and find out what food options are available in the area. Look for restaurants or accommodations that offer a variety of familiar foods or cater to specific dietary needs. Finding 2-3 solid options for your kiddo can help make spur-of-the-moment dining decisions that much easier!
Pack a Separate, Collapsible Suitcase Full of Preferred/Safe Foods
There will never be a guarantee that you will be able to find your child’s safe foods at your destination! Pack their shelf-stable items in a duffle bag or a collapsible suitcase so that you can pack it in your other suitcase on the way home after the food is used.
Schedule Grocery Pickup
If packing an extra suitcase for safe foods isn’t an option or if their preferred foods aren’t shelf stable, research grocery stores near your destination and place a pick up order with the foods you need for when you arrive.
Pack Items That May Make Mealtimes Easier
Consider bringing plates, cups, or utensils that your child regularly uses during their mealtimes, as this might make their mealtime experience on-the-go that much easier. You may also consider bringing their visual timer (if you use one) so that it can help with easier transitions to and from mealtime (and other activities, too!)
Book a Hotel or Airbnb with a Full-Sized Kitchen
This will give you flexibility to both store groceries and cook meals with ease. There is nothing worse than being stuck without a way to prepare your child’s favorite foods! Be sure that the kitchen has a full-sized refrigerator, a stovetop, oven, toaster, or whichever appliances you need to prepare your child’s meals and snacks.
Have At Least One Meal at “Home” Each Day
This will help give your child at least one time a day that is in a quiet, familiar space to get in a solid and nourishing meal. Of course, it would be great to get in more meals in a familiar space, but it’s helpful to be realistic and acknowledge that eating out or on-the-go during vacations is common.
Involve your child in meal planning
For older kids, engaging them in the meal planning process can empower them and increase their willingness to try new foods. Ask them to help choose restaurants or browse menus online together. You can also involve them in grocery shopping at the vacation destination, allowing them to select some items they feel comfortable with.
Remain as Flexible and Adaptable As Possible (Don’t Put Too Much Pressure On Yourself!)
Understand that your child's picky eating habits may not change overnight. Be patient and flexible during the vacation. If they are not comfortable trying new foods, respect their preferences and focus on ensuring they have enough familiar options to eat. Avoid placing unnecessary pressure or creating a negative atmosphere around mealtimes.
Focus on the Overall Experience
Remember that vacations are not just about food. While it's important to address your child's dietary needs, try to focus on the overall vacation experience. Engage them in activities they enjoy, explore new environments, and spend quality time together as a family. By highlighting the positive aspects of the trip, you can minimize the impact of picky eating on the overall enjoyment of the vacation.
Vacationing with a picky eater can present its challenges, but with careful planning, flexibility, and understanding, you can create a wonderful experience for your child with autism. By incorporating these tips into your vacation, you will set both yourself and child up for success and set the stage for a fun and memorable trip!
Meet The Author
This blog was written by Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD, CLT - the Autism Dietitian. She helps parents of children with autism expand their diets to help them get the nutrients they need to feel their best and thrive!
You can find her on Instagram at @AutismDietitian and join her membership, the Autism Nutrition Library to get more support.
