Both the physical act of traveling and the experience of a new destination involves all eight (not just five!) of our senses: sight, taste, touch, hearing, smell, vestibular, proprioceptive, and interoceptive.
What is Sensory Processing?
Sensory processing is how the brain registers input of sensory stimuli. Everyone has sensory preferences, but most of the population has a tolerance for sensory stimuli. For example, you might not like the noise of a vacuum cleaner, but you do not need headphones to complete the task.
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition that affects how the brain processes sensory information. SPD was recognized in the 1970s by Dr. A. Jean Ayres as sensory integration to describe children with atypical responses to sensory stimulus. To read more about the history of SPD, this is a helpful publication. For someone with SPD, sensory can trigger flight or flight responses. It is disruptive to everyday life. SPD is common in neurodivergent people, especially with autism and ADHD. As many as 90% of the autistic population and 40% of the ADHD population experience sensory differences.
SPD is not currently recognized as a standalone diagnosis in the DSM 5-TR (the most recent version of the clinical standard published by the American Psychiatric Association), but there is ongoing debate and research about adding it. Occupational therapists support SPD by helping those with SPD regulate and lower/raise sensory thresholds. For more thorough information about SPD, the award-winning Griffin Occupational Thearpy has a very comprehensive and helpful blog.
Subtypes of SPD
Under Responsive: Individuals with under responsive sensory profiles may seems unaware of stimuli, have a delay in responding, or have a low response to stimulation compared to others. Example: A fire truck drives by a jogger. The jogger doesn't notice the fire truck or merely glances at it despite the volume or flashing lights.
Over Responsive: Individuals with over responsive sensory processing experience input as overwhelming, react very quickly, or cannot recover from input that typically isn't too upsetting to others. Example: A janitor starts a vacuum in the hallway. The noise causes an over responsive child to run away or to meltdown
Sensory Seeker: Individuals who crave sensory input are driven by the stimulation often without regard to safety, but may be more dysregulated by the input. Example: Several classmates are jumping off the playground equipment. After a few tries, the other kids move on, but the seeker jumps the rest of recess and is upset when stopped
Mixed Threshold: An individual with mixed thresholds can display a combination of the above types depending on the type of sensory input. Example: A child loves to rough house, but hates to be touched. Or a person is highly responsive to everyday noise, but craves movement loving to bounce and swing
The Eight Senses
Visual/Sight: The visual system registers stimuli for sight like light and color.
Gustatory/Taste: The gustatory system is responsible for taste, both flavors (salty, sweet, savory) and food safety.
Tactile/Touch: The tactile system processes touch information and signals pain
Auditory/Hearing: The auditory system is responsible for hearing - the volume and frequencies or combinations
Olfactory/Smell: The olfactory system processes smell. It detects types of smells and sorts out odors
Vestibular/Balance: The vestibular system is responsible for balance and orientation in space
Proprioceptive/Movement: The proprioceptive systems identifies the position orientation, and movement of our bodies
Introceptive/Internal: The introceptive systems notifies us of our body's cues, like thirst, hunger, heartrate and breathing.
Travel IS Sensory
Everyday life provides constant sensory stimuli and travel is no difference. Travel produces more or at least more unusual sensory inputs which can be difficult for individuals with SPD. Good news! There are supports to handling sensory inputs on the go.
Sense | Travel Inputs | Supports |
|---|---|---|
Visual (Sight) | Bright or flickering lights, Rapid changes in light, Glare from screens and windows, Too much visual information | Wear sunglasses or bluelight reduction glasses, Request written instructions, Request seating away in the center of the aircraft |
Gustatory (Taste) | Unexpected food taste or texture, Changes in cuisine | Bring preferred snack and a meal onboard, Review airport restaurant menus, Research cuisine, Practice new foods before departure |
Tactile (Touch) | Jostling from other passengers, Security screenings | Alert staff of sensitivities, Sign up for TSA Cares, Dress in comfortable clothing, Bring tactile fidgets (sensory tape, putty) |
Auditory (Hearing) | Crowd Noise, Terminal and aircraft announcements | Wear ear defenders or noise reducing ear plugs, Request individual or written instructions |
Olafactory (Smell) | Odor of recycled aircraft air, Scent of cleaning products, Smell of other passengers | Pack an object with preferred smells, Wear a mask, Chew gum |
Vestibular (Balance) | Rocking from terminal shuttles, Bouncing during turbulence, Walking in the aircraft | Bring an exercise disk for wiggling. Stretch often. Take stairs instead of elevators or escalators. |
Proprioception (Movement) | Waiting in lines, Sitting for extended periods | Deep pressure like wearing a backpack, blowing bubbles, pushing carts or pulling luggage |
Interoception (Internal) | Jet lag (nausea, dizziness, fatigue), Being out of normal routines | Schedule travel with schedule and routines in mind. Maintain eating schedule. Dress in layers |
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but a collection of ideas. Talk to your occupational therapist for specific ways to support your unique needs on the go.
Other Supports
In addition to those above:
Sign up for TSA Cares
Wear a Sunflower Lanyard for Hidden Disabilities
Contact your airline for disability assistance
Know your rights! US Rights
Air travel can be a daunting experience for anyone, but especially for those with neurodivergent conditions such as autism or ADHD. There's good news, however. More and more airports and airlines are offering supports and accommodations to make the journey smoother. This post will guide you through the key elements you need to know to make your next air travel experience a positive one.
Notify the Carrier
The first step in ensuring a smooth journey is to inform your airline about your special needs. Airlines are legally required to assist disabled passengers with reasonable accommodations. Disabled Person, Needs Assistance (DPNA) is the code for a passenger with an intellectual or developmental disability needing assistance. By adding this to your reservation, you can ensure you don't face difficulties at the airport.
Request Seats
Seat selection can make a significant difference in your travel experience. Some airlines waive seat reservation fees in the same cabin for autistic passengers. Use SeatGuru to find the best spot for your sensory needs.
When choosing your seat, consider the following factors:
Try to sit away from the galley to avoid noise and smell.
Choose an aisle seat for frequent breaks.
A window seat can shield you from aisle activity.
A bulkhead seat allows for stimming without disturbing others.
The Sunflower Lanyard Scheme has been a game-changer for many neurodivergent individuals. Initiated in the UK in 2016, this scheme includes dozens of hidden disabilities including autism & ADHD and is now part of numerous airports and a few airlines. You can order a customized badge ahead of time with your preferred supports or request a lanyard at Guest Services.
TSA Cares is a free service provided by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the US. It offers additional support during the security screening process.
You can request support online at least 72 hours before your flight or call 855-787-2227. You can also text "Travel" to Ask-TSA (275-872) for any additional questions.
TSA Pre-check
Another service provided by TSA is PreCheck. This prescreening service streamlines security checks for approved travelers. No need to remove shoes, belts, light jackets, liquids, or electronics. Plus, enjoy short waits averaging around 5 minutes! Although it costs $85 for five years, many credit cards cover the cost. It is also automatic with Global Entry ($120). Per the TSA: "Children 12 and under may accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction. Children 13-17 may join enrolled adults in the dedicated lanes when traveling on the same reservation and if the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the child's boarding pass."
Sensory Spaces
More and more airports are offering sensory rooms to cater to neurodivergent passengers. Unfortunately, there isn't one source to locate them. You can check the airport website, the KultureCity app, or reach out to Guest Relations for information. In a pinch, interfaith chapel spaces in airports can be utilized. They offer quiet, serene places to reset.
Lounges
Airport lounges offer quieter and less crowded spaces than the concourse. Although entry fees can be steep, many credit cards offer access. Co-branded airline cards often come with a few passes a year, while other general travel cards partner with Priority Pass to give you club access.
Medical Pre-Board
A medical pre-board is for passengers who need assistance or additional time due to disabilities. Pre-boarding can be helpful for many autistic individuals thanks to fewer sensory inputs from crowds, less pressure to take your seat quickly, and ample time to settle into your space and engage in a preferred activity.
In conclusion, with the right planning and support, air travel can become a less stressful and more enjoyable experience for neurodivergent individuals. The key is to leverage the various supports and accommodations available, plan ahead, and communicate your needs clearly. Safe travels!
Originally published 02.27.23. Revised 04.10.24
Kommentare