As the holiday season begins, families are starting to plan their travels, which can be particularly challenging for those with disabilities.

For the Connally family, preparation is essential. Lisa Connally, whose youngest daughter Coco is neurodivergent, uses social narratives to help Coco anticipate what might happen during trips.

“Any time we go anywhere new, we have to prepare by creating social narratives for her,” Lisa said. “These can range from a simple one-page story to a more elaborate four or five-page narrative.”

This approach stems from a past experience during a hotel stay when Coco was overstimulated by noise and couldn’t sleep.

According to a recent CDC study, nearly one in six children in the U.S. have a developmental disability, making travel challenging for many families.

Coco finds comfort in using packing lists and bringing her favorite items, such as stuffed animals, to help manage anxiety during trips.

Lisa emphasizes the importance of kindness and inclusivity: “Be kind and inclusive to everybody, regardless of who they are or what their needs are.”