Typically Twitterpated: A Guide to Autism Family Travel

What is Twitterpated?

Twitterpated is a term coined by Walt Disney Studios’ Bambi in 1942 to explain the animals becoming smitten with a love interest.

Owl: Nearly everybody gets twitterpated in the springtime. For example: You’re walking along, minding your own business. You’re looking neither to the left, nor to the right, when all of a sudden you run smack into a pretty face.

ˈtwidərˌpādəd/ adjective twitterpated; 

infatuated or obsessed; the happy, jumpy feeling that causes you to smile uncontrollably.

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Fun fact: There was a deleted Bambi song called “Twitterpated,” composed by Frank Churchill, Helen Bliss, Robert Sour, and Henry Manners. It was meant to be sung by Bambi during the spring scene, but Disney removed it because they felt the forest animals shouldn’t have musical numbers. You can hear it on the 2011 and 2017 Blu-ray editions!

Meet Dr. Caitlin Goodwin: Expert Knowledge & Parent Experience

I am Caitlin Goodwin, a Doctorate-prepared Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and Certified Nurse-Midwife with 14 years of medical experience. While my professional background is in maternal-child health, my most important role is being a mom to four beautiful children.

My two sons with autism are the heart and inspiration behind this blog. I actually realized my oldest son was autistic while I was teaching a maternal-child health course to student nurses!

Many people told us that traveling with a child on the spectrum would be too hard. Add gluten-free needs and a strict budget into the mix? Practically impossible… or so we thought.

Our Journey: Budget Travel, Autism, & Gluten-Free Life

We don’t claim to experience life as someone with autism; we share our journey as a family navigating the world with sensory considerations. We’ve learned through trial and error that it is possible to establish a routine on vacation while remaining flexible through the unknowns of travel.

Why I write this blog:

  • To Stop the Overload: Providing practical, sensory-friendly itineraries.
  • To Start the Magic: Helping you find budget-friendly ways to see the world.
  • To Share What Works: Dedicated reviews of restaurants and destinations that actually “get it.”
Four children in train station restaurant booth
Couple on large red chair in Niagara Falls, NY

Ready to Start Your Adventure?

If you love to travel, laugh, and focus on family, you’ll feel right at home here.

Critical Disclaimer: Every autistic individual is unique. “If you know one person with autism, you know one person with autism.” What works for our family may not work for yours, but we hope our stories provide a helpful roadmap for your own journey.Save

If you found this article helpful, share it with a friend or take our “Choose Your Adventure” to find your family’s next perfect sensory-friendly destination. Join our community for more autism-friendly resources and family travel tips. Let’s build a more inclusive world—one child, one family at a time — on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, with more autism-friendly parenting tips.