Three years ago, my wife and I took our son to Cuba for a family vacation. There were several obvious reasons to go?it was February, Montreal and freezing?but our main one was to give our son, who?s on the autism spectrum, the opportunity to get on an airplane for the first time. We had never ventured more than a road trip, and when it comes to travelling, the parents of kids with autism too often end up limiting themselves. They let anxiety and stress turn a simple trip into the latest Mission Impossible sequel. Fortunately, there are ways to make your next getaway both possible and fun.

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6 autism-friendly airports parents and caregivers should know about 1. Call ahead and research like an FBI agent. When you?re booking a hotel, call ahead to see what accommodations can be made for your child. Is there a quiet time to check in" Is there a room available in a particularly quiet part of the hotel" Are there high locks on the doors (if your kid is a wanderer)" Do the same with amusement parks or other tourist-type attractions you plan to visit. See, for instance, if you can arrange for reduced wait times. And be sure to consult your child, while browsing the websites of possible destinations and attractions. That way they?ll also fee...