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Here we share real stories, travel tips, and resources to help you dream bigger, explore the world, and discover what's possible while walking the autism journey.

The autism journey looks different for every single family — and I never forget that. High support needs, low support needs, verbal, nonverbal, nonspeaking — they all matter here. Every edition, I write with all of you in my heart, because every person on the spectrum deserves to be included — in this community, and in the world. 💙

We had just finished a cruise I planned for twenty-two — yes, twenty-two — family members. Everyone was flying home from Copenhagen. Beautiful trip. Incredible memories.

And then the craziest thing happened.

My husband and son were not allowed to board their flight.

We were stuck at the airport for hours. After about four hours on the phone with customer service and a missed flight — we finally figured it out. The names. Airline systems had flagged them because they share the same name, just different middle names. After everything got straightened out, we were finally on our way home.

My tip for you? Don't name your kid the same as any potential travel companions! Or just book them on different flights. 😂

Joking aside — that day taught me things about travel documents I want to pass on to you right now.

Because here is what I need you to hear: that trip is still one of my favorite stories to tell. The chaos, the phone calls, the missed flight — all of it. We made it home. And we are already planning the next one.

The hard moments do not disqualify your family from travel. They become the stories you tell for years.

Let's make sure the only surprises on your next trip are the good ones. 💛

Before any international trip, every single member of your family needs their own documentation. No exceptions — not even for infants.

Your baseline:

✅ A valid passport for every traveler
✅ A certified birth certificate (needed when applying for passports)
✅ Visas if required by your specific destination

Processing takes longer than most families expect.
Routine processing currently runs 6–8 weeks. Expedited runs 2–3 weeks and costs more. Neither estimate includes mailing time. Start at least 3 months before your travel date — even before you have a trip fully booked.
📌 Always verify current times and fees at travel.state.gov — they change regularly.

Children's passports expire faster.
Passports for children under 16 are valid for 5 years, not 10. If your child got their passport when they were small, check that expiration date today. Right now.

Both parents must appear in person for children under 16.
For a first passport, both parents or guardians should appear in person with photo ID. If one parent cannot be present, the absent parent must provide Form DS-3053 — a notarized Statement of Consent.
📌 Exceptions exist. Full details at travel.state.gov.

Step 1 — Locate every family member's birth certificate. Need certified copies? Order them from your state's vital records office now.
📌 Find your state's office at cdc.gov/nchs/w2w

Step 2 — Get passport photos. Most pharmacies offer them for approximately $15–$20.

Step 3 — Find your nearest passport acceptance facility — post offices, libraries, and courthouses often process applications.

Step 4 — Download the correct form:

Step 5 — Budget for fees and confirm current amounts at travel.state.gov before you apply.

Open a drawer, a folder, a box — wherever documents live in your home.

Find every family member's passport and birth certificate.

That is it. Just find them.

If anything is expired, missing, or has an error — write it down. Now you know exactly what stands between you and your dream trip. And knowing is the first step to fixing it.

You are building something real here. One step at a time. ✈️

If Copenhagen taught me anything, it is this: it is never the thing you planned for that gets you. It is the thing you assumed was fine.

Here are three mistakes I see traveling families make — and how to get ahead of all of them.

✈️ Mistake 1 — Same Name, Different Systems

If two travelers share the same first and last name, do not assume every system has their middle name on file. Different airports, different kiosks, and different airline databases do not always sync with each other — and that mismatch can stop a boarding pass from printing.

Before you travel: Call the airline directly and flag that two passengers share an identical first and last name. Ask them to confirm it is noted across all systems. Carry a secondary ID that clearly shows each traveler's middle name, just in case.

📋 Mistake 2 — Not Knowing Your Destination's Rules for Minors

Every country sets its own entry requirements for children traveling without both parents. Some require nothing. Some require a notarized consent letter. Some have specific rules if the child's last name differs from the traveling parent.

Before you book anything international:

🔗 Find foreign embassy contact information at usembassy.gov

📱 Mistake 3 — No Digital Backup

Before your next trip, photograph every passport, birth certificate, and ID for every traveler in your family. Store them in a password-protected folder — Google Drive, Dropbox, or your phone's secure folder.

Digital copies do not replace originals — but if documents are ever lost or stolen abroad, they can save you critical time at the nearest U.S. Embassy.

Ten minutes today. Potentially trip-saving later.

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