"Traveling Different," by Dawn M. Barclay: A New Book for Parents of the Anxious, the Inflexible, and the Neurodiverse
Traveling with children is always challenging, but, for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder and/or mood, attention, and distraction disorders, it can be especially intimidating. How should parents of children experiencing meltdowns deal with clueless and judgmental onlookers? What are the best methods to alleviate motion sickness, when your child might already be on a cocktail of drugs? Traveling Different: Vacation Strategies for Parents of the Anxious, the Inflexible, and the Neurodiverse answers these and many other questions parents may have when traveling with their children.
Dawn M. Barclay presents travel strategies and anecdotes from Certified Autism Travel Professionals, parents of special needs children, associations and advocates, and mental health professionals, broken down by mode of transportation and type of venue. The heart of the book outlines suggested itineraries for spectrum families as well as venues—such as museums—that cater to the unique special interests that are characteristic of individuals with autism. Less common accommodations, such as dude ranches and houseboats, are also included, as are vacations involving sports that might not immediately be associated with ASD, such as diving, skiing, and golf.
The book culminates with a resource guide of travel agents who specialize in special needs travel—as well as where to find other experts—and lists of organizations that advocate for special needs families. Noted mental health professionals offer advice throughout the book, and organizations that support the needs of this community are profiled in the resources.
Travel brings the world together, and now, thanks to a growing focus on the needs of those with special needs, it is more accessible than ever before. This book is an essential part of that effort, a resource designed to make the cultural, educational, and bonding benefits of vacations available to all.
About the Author
Dawn M. Barclay is an award-winning author who has worked in different aspects of the travel industry. She started as an agent with her parents’ firms, Barclay Travel Ltd and Barclay International Group Short-Term Apartment Rentals, and then branched out into travel trade reporting with senior or contributing editor positions at Travel Agent Magazine, Travel Life, Travel Market Report, and most recently, Insider Travel Report. She is a mother of two and resides in New York’s scenic Hudson Valley.
Praise for Traveling Different
“Whether you’re planning a day trip or an extended vacation, Dawn M. Barclay’s Traveling Different will bring your family together. Filled with valuable travel tips and tools, this comprehensive guide will ease your travel worries with its thoughtful guidance surrounding numerous modes of transportation, special accommodation options, as well as suggested modifications, itineraries, and resources.”
— Amy KD Tobik, Editor-in-Chief, Exceptional Needs Today CEO, Lone Heron Publishing
“In Traveling Different, Dawn Barclay provides essential strategies and tools to improve quality of life for families with autistic and neurodivergent loved ones that will enhance their ability to travel with confidence and joy. Drawing from her years of expertise in travel and as a parent, she opens up a world of opportunities for families who are understandably hesitant to explore all that travel offers. A truly unique book that will make a huge difference in personal growth for all family members.”
— Barry M. Prizant, author of Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism
“Traveling Different” was released on August 15, 2022.
Latest From Know Rare
Discover the latest treatments for IgA Nephropathy (IgAN), a rare kidney disease. Learn how current medications and emerging therapies work to slow progression, reduce proteinuria, and protect kidney function.
Discover how patient education empowers individuals with rare diseases to better understand their diagnosis, make informed decisions, and actively participate in their treatment plans. Learn why clear, compassionate communication is key to improving outcomes in rare disease care.
A heartfelt mother’s account on five years of navigating pediatric specialist waiting rooms with her medically complex child.
A powerful personal journey through Koolen-de Vries syndrome, ADHD, and neurodivergent parenting. Discover how one mother turned diagnosis into empowerment, embracing difference, healing guilt, and raising resilient, remarkable children in a world that doesn’t always understand.
Toni Roberts lives with Epidermolysis Bullosa, a rare genetic disorder that causes the skin to be extremely fragile and prone to blistering and tearing. Toni’s condition profoundly impacted her older sister, Cady Ward. Witnessing Toni’s daily struggles and challenges, Cady was inspired to become an advocate for rare disease and take on an extraordinary challenge—run an ultra-marathon.
Dr. David Fajgenbaum was in his third year of medical school when a rare and mysterious illness derailed his plans. Crushing fatigue, abdominal pain, and multiple swollen lymph nodes progressed rapidly, and he found himself in the ICU with multiple system organ failure. Recovering from the brink of death, he was diagnosed with Castleman disease (CD), a rare condition that at the time was thought to be a lymph node disease with similarities to cancer.
Learn about Dr. Rohit Aggarwal’s efforts in creating more centers of excellence for myositis, as well as educating, empowering, and connecting patients to clinical trials.
Recognizing the need for an effective way to treat becker muscular dystrophy, researchers have been studying the cause of muscle loss, and ways to stop it from happening.
After his diagnosis of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B at age 21, Chris initially opted for a safe career path, choosing jobs with steady income, benefits, and predictability. However, this decision made him feel like something was missing. Find out how Chris was finally able to follow his heart, finding purpose and contentment in becoming a writer.
Learn more about CureGRIN, founded in 2018 by parents of children diagnosed with GRIN Disorder to help find cures and therapies for people around the world suffering from these conditions.
Learn about the incredible story of Edward Gent, a Sports Nutritionist diagnosed with MMN, who decided to create an app to help others worldwide with their disease and symptom management.
Find out about 7 research areas identified as priorities in Sickle Cell Research and about a sickle cell disease drug, which was originally approved for treatment, that has been taken off the market.
It’s no secret that it is difficult to get to a pain medicine specialist. There are just so many people in pain who cannot find relief, and are looking for help. Learn about Bliss Health, which provides access to pain management services through virtual consultations, through a dedicated team of medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of various types of chronic and acute pain conditions.
There are over 50 million people in the United States that live with chronic pain. However, researchers studying pain have learned something important: perception of pain is personal, and may have more to do with other factors than just the physical cause of the pain.
If you are coming across high copays and struggling to afford your treatment plan, here are a few options that may help you reduce the costs of your medications.
At age 15, Becca Salky became her own medical detective, playing a key role in uncovering her diagnosis. Now, as a Clinical Research Coordinator at Massachusetts General Hospital, she focuses on spreading awareness about MOG, finding better diagnostic tools, leading clinical trials, and fighting gender disparity.
On the “Rare Insights” podcast we bridge the gap between those living with rare diseases and the biopharmaceutical industry.
Why Men’s Health Week (June 10-16) matters for the Rare Community, and how you can take part.
June is Pride Month, and at Know Rare, we are committed to celebrating the rich diversity within the rare disease community.
Journalist Lindsay Guentzel describes navigating a diagnostic odyssey and how she manages day-to-day life with myositis in an impactful webinar.
When you live with a rare disease, the joyful experiences risks can bring are all the more valuable.
This summer, NMOSD and MOGAD patients, caregivers, clinicians, nurses, researchers, and advocates are invited to join The Sumaira Foundation at Emory for TSF's Atlanta Patient Day.
Know Rare writer Gina DeMillo Wagner’s new memoir, Forces of Nature explores powerful themes related to caregiving and rare disease.
Journalist Lindsay Guentzel offers an inside look at life with the rare muscular condition.
This May, Know Rare is shining a light on myositis, a group of rare autoimmune muscle diseases that can have profound effects on daily life. This is an important time for the myositis community and the rare disease community at large: a time to share stories from those living with the condition, share more information about the current state and future of the disease, and advocate for better treatments that will ultimately enhance the quality of life for those impacted by it. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or advocate, join us in raising awareness and supporting those affected by myositis.
Author Chris Anselmo explains why being mindful of your pace can have major benefits for your health and well-being, and offers some tips to help.
