15 Essentials to Pack for a Neurodiverse Family Day Out - (The Autism Travel Kit)

As Robert Baden-Powell once said, and Scar from The Lion King once sang.

Be Prepared.

But it can be hard to strike a balance between travelling light and not being caught out.

Here's what I manage to squeeze into our backpack for our family walking days out.

---

What's the best backpack for family days out?

I have no preferred brand, mostly because I can't afford to go around buying them all to try them. But we are currently using the Pro-Action 35L backpack.

Buy Pro Action Xtreme 35L Backpack - Black | Backpacks | Argos

This is not an ad for this bag. I'm sure there are many like it, but the features of this type of bag we've found useful are;

• Large main compartment capacity - For all of our nonsense.

• Plenty of good-sized outer pockets - Easy to access on the move, for all of our smaller nonsense.

• Rainproof flap - Secures over the top to stop the oh so frequent UK weather from dampening our nonsense.

• Hip Belt - Helps distribute the weight of the backpack across your whole torso, and not just the shoulders. This has been a game-changer for Dad and me with our rusty, achy backs.

• Padded shoulders and straps - For comfort.

• Generally lightweight - There's nothing worse than picking up a backpack that weighs 11 stone before you've even put anything in it.

We've debated in the past whether it's better to go for 2 x smaller backpacks, or 1 big backpack.

We've settled on one big one, as it leaves one adult physically uninhibited to deal with child wrangling, navigation, scouting ahead, etc.

We ensure to swap the carrier at least once per walk to minimise the risk of a back going out.

---

What to Pack

There was a time when it would have been easier to list what wasn't in the bag, but I have managed over the last couple of years to refine it down to something we can manage.

• Picnic Blanket - A roll-up blanket with a waterproof backing is essential if you plan to eat Al fresco. If you get one with a handle, it can hook around a part of your backpack and not take up space inside.

  
  

• First Aid Kit - We bought a ready-made one for kids from Boots, but all you really need is a a cosmetics sized pouch with some plasters, antiseptic wipes, bite cream and painkillers. As well as any bespoke meds, like hay fever tablets, inhalers, etc.

Tip - Stickers

The ready-made kids' one came with a sheet of "Aren't you Brave" type stickers. At first, we felt patronised on Boy's behalf, but they've actually proved really helpful for calming everyone down. Some knee scrapes have been so dramatic that even Dog got a sticker.

• Wet Wipes - For all the mud, blood, sweat, tears and jam.

• Water Bottle(s) - We carry 2 x 500ml Stainless steel water bottles, one in each mesh pouch at the side of the backpack, and they tend to be enough. On a longer or more arduous walk, we may need a 2-litre bottle, but that will need some prioritisation with the other items in the main compartment of the bag. Boy will usually have a separate beaker to use to reduce the likelihood of spillages.

  
  

Tip - Mini Squash

To avoid carrying separate drinks for the Boy and Dog, we bring a couple of mini On-The-Go Squash bottles so we can make the water more interesting in his beaker without contaminating the dog's water supply. They take up next to no space, and if you have a selection, your child can feel like a fancy fine-diner, reviewing the wine list.

• Food - I may do a separate post on what we pack here, as packing a picnic for a family of neurodivergent folk is a logic puzzle of such intensity that not even Mensa would touch it.

  We have found some staples we can all get on with, pizza, garlic bread, crisps, fruit and cake seem to be the standard. The key is separation, each item in its own compartment, and then combining all the items into one space. We have a large Tupperware in which we put everything in smaller Tupperware boxes or freezer bags. That way, it all stays protected and is easy to remove and repack.

Tip - Layering

If you are bringing sweet things, try to put them at the bottom of the box/bag. That way, when you unpack, you are not waving a lemon drizzle in a child's face, then removing it from view and trying to push them towards a salad.

Let it be a surprise grand finale.

• Snacks - Yeah, alright, technically food too, but keep it in small quantities scattered throughout the outer pockets for easy access. Perfect for energy boosts, luring, bribing and occupying a complaining mouth.

• Elastic Motorbike Seat Cover - Universal-sized ones can be picked up for around £5 and can be folded/rolled up to take up little space. It's also worth bringing a flannel/small towel for wiping down benches and playground equipment, but these are great for comfortably sitting on those wooden surfaces that stay damp or mouldy.

• (Winter) Gloves, Hats, Scarves - Seasonal preparation! Especially important if going up hills, along the coast or walking later in the evening when the elements are out to get you.

  
  

• (Summer) Sun cream, Sunhats, Sunglasses - Other Seasonal preparation! Very important to stay safe, and to help with any light aversions during those 38 minutes of sun the UK gets a year.

  
  

• Tablet - Telling an autism parent to "remember the tablet" is like telling Taylor Swift to "remember your microphone." Sure its possible she may forget, but she's not going to get far before she realises.

  One thing to consider, though, is to get them playing some offline games before leaving, as venturing out into the countryside doesn't always come with 4G, and if the walk means stopping them mid-game or video, the screams can echo backwards through time.

  
  

• Portable Power Bank and Charging Cables - Charge up a portable power bank before leaving and bring the relevant charging cables for the aforementioned tablet and at least one phone (for emergencies)

  
  

• Waterproof Schemas and Puzzle Toys - These have been a mainstay in all of our bags for years now, mostly for Boy, but I once watched Grandad play with an IQ noodle puzzle for a solid 25 minutes at Bluebell Railway.

  Sometimes the tablet is not available, or has lost its novelty, and idle hands are doing something they shouldn't. We pack various sets of IQ puzzles, or colourful sets of things that Boy can play with or arrange for ages.

  They can be very soothing and help him refocus, especially if he's overtired or just entered somewhere new, e.g. just sat down at a pub or café.

  We favour ones that are made from plastic or silicone and can therefore be used outside as well as in, and due to the precise nature of their placement in their containers, it means it is easy to ensure you have all the pieces before you move off.

  
  

  

  
  

  If Boy sees a set of schemas that have a bit missing, he will want to dedicate the rest of his and our lives to finding it. Which is understandable but impractical, as we've occasionally got other stuff to be getting on with.

• Ear Defenders - Have you heard the world? Urgh, it's so loud. Ear defenders can vary by requirement, but our ones don't block the world out; they just soften it. They can hear the important stuff, but it just cuts out the background noises that some may find overwhelming.

  For Boy, these can stay in the bag for the most part, but if we try to enter somewhere with lots of screaming children, for example, he may ask for them before he can happily step inside.

  
  

• Chew Toys / Necklaces - Chewing is a common stim for people with autism or ADHD, and is a prominent one for Boy. To reduce the likelihood of him putting a sleeve, his scarf, a twig, a rock or a nesting house sparrow in his mouth, we stock up on chewable silicone necklaces. These are widely available for under £10 for a pack of 5 on Amazon, and are quite hard-wearing, though not indestructible. They also come with easy break-away backs to ensure there's no strangling risk.

  
  

  

• Spare Clothes - We only bring clothes for Boy (not for us) for space-saving purposes mainly. This was especially important back when he was still in pull-ups and not toilet-trained, but even now, if he is too wet or muddy, it can cause a lot of discomfort, and a change of clothes is the way to go.

Tip - The Freedom of Choice

Where possible, bringing a mini selection of tops or socks is beneficial. If the change of clothes has been triggered by a fall or accident, giving Boy a choice over what colour socks or t-shirt he now puts on can help him feel like he's regained a little bit of control and calm back from a situation that may have felt chaotic.

---

What to Pack (Dog Add-on)

• Treats - Because they are the bestest boy/girl 🐶. Also good for recall, distractions and pub patience.

  
  

• Thick Blanket - Our dog has hip dysplasia, a genetic condition that means his hip ball and socket joint don't fit together well. As a result, he struggles to sit, stand or lie on hard flooring.

  The thick blanket does take up a bit of space, but it is necessary for him. If you have a more physically able dog, you may be OK with just a 2nd light picnic blanket.

• Collar Light - Nothing fancy, just a little flashy light that clips onto their usual collar. These are available from places like Pets at Home for around £3. Especially important if they are likely to walk off lead later in the day.

• Foldable water bowl - Also available from most pet shops for under £5, these are great if your dog hasn't mastered cups, bottles or straws, which I'll go ahead and assume they haven't. Space-saving, but most come with a clip so they can be attached to the outside of your trusty backpack.