Navigating Walt Disney World with autism can be a sensory nightmare, but we’ve learned to love it. I’m Dr. Caitlin Goodwin, an autistic (AuDHD) nurse and mom to four neurodivergent kiddos. This firsthand sensory review of Disney’s Old Key West Resort is rooted in evidence and personal experiences from autistic individuals. We’ve learned so much…
Planning a trip to South Florida with a neurodivergent child means looking for low-sensory escapes, reliable accommodations, and predictable spaces. West Palm Beach offers a fantastic mix of coastal calm and local culture without the overwhelming chaos of Miami or the packed theme parks. Here is your streamlined guide to where to stay, where to…
Dining at Walt Disney World while managing a gluten-free diet, especially with Celiac disease, can be extremely stressful. As an advanced practice nurse with Celiac disease, I find the magic in Disney’s gold-standard allergy safety protocols. This guide breaks down exactly how to navigate the allergy process, manage the sensory-dining paradox, and keep your stress…
🩺 Medically Reviewed by Dr. Caitlin Goodwin, APRN, CNM, LSSBB, an autistic nurse and mom of four neurodivergent children who has navigated Walt Disney World with her autistic family over 20 times. When you love Disney World, it always starts innocently. A coworker asks how to save money on a Disney trip. Your child sees…
Spend a layover at MSP International or arrive early to board a flight with plenty of kid-friendly options to enjoy. The Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) airport is ideal for families with children and individuals on the autism spectrum. Let’s check out the best things to do at the airport for families. Disclosure: I may make a…
Christmas is my favorite time of year (especially in Disney!) The jubilant decorations at Walt Disney World appear overnight, changing an already magical landscape into a winter wonderland. These are our most festive (or nostalgic) attractions, decorations, and exhibits decked for the holidays in Walt Disney World. One of the most fun things about the…
Planning a family trip to visit Niagara Falls, NY, can feel overwhelming when traveling with autism. Most guides focus on the Canadian side or assume you’re visiting in the peak summer season. This guide is your shortcut to stress-free fun year-round on the U.S. side, packed with sensory-friendly activities, kid-approved attractions, road trips, and free…
Western New York is one of the most family-friendly regions in the Northeast, home to Niagara Falls, Buffalo museums, state parks, historic trains, and easy road trip stops. This guide brings together itineraries, sensory-friendly activities, and family-tested trips for our gluten-free and autistic family! Keep reading for our tested family-friendly, five-night, six-day sensory-friendly itinerary from…
Navigating Walt Disney World with an autistic child shouldn’t mean constant sensory overload. Disney offers some of the best sensory-related and neuroaffirmative accommodations I have seen in the travel industry. As an autistic nurse and mother to four neurodivergent children, I’ve mapped out the quiet areas for decompression across all four parks. Disney requires intentional…
I’m an autistic nurse and mother to four neurodivergent children who love going on vacation. Our family finds comfort in the hometown feel of Jekyll Island when traveling with autism. Jekyll Island is truly a jewel in Georgia, with over 26 miles of flat, shaded, and paved paths. The island is a nature preserve full…