# Days out, travel and holidays with an autistic child > To plan a day out or holiday with an autistic child, prepare them with photos and a simple picture plan of the day, go at quieter times, and pack ear defenders, snacks and comfort items. UK schemes and rights can help, including the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, the CEA Card for cinemas, free assistance at UK airports and Passenger Assist on trains. Agree a plan for when it gets too much. - Canonical page: https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/days-out-and-holidays - Publisher: Rocks Make Pebbles (https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk) - Topic: Everyday life - Applies to: UK - Last updated: 28 September 2026. Checked against sources: 28 September 2026 - Professional review: Not yet reviewed (waiting for review by a parent of an autistic child) - Drafted with the help of AI tools and checked against the sources listed below. Editorial policy: https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/editorial-policy ## Key points - Show your child photos, a picture story and a simple plan for the day before you go. - Flying from a UK airport, your child is legally entitled to free assistance, including for hidden disabilities such as autism. - Rail Passenger Assist is free and needs no more than 2 hours' notice. - The Sunflower, CEA Card, Max Card and Merlin's Ride Access Pass can make days out easier. - Pack ear defenders, snacks, comfort items and a quiet activity, and agree what you will do if it gets too much. ## How do I prepare my child for a day out or holiday? Start with pictures. Seeing where you are going and what will happen makes a new place easier to predict. The National Autistic Society (NAS) suggests making a schedule, previewing the place with pictures, videos or maps, and counting down to the day ([NAS](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/going-out-leisure-and-travel/going-on-holiday-tips-for-autistic-people-and-families)). 1. **Look at photos and videos together.** Many places show photos, videos or maps online. Civil Aviation Authority guidance says airports should use "videos, photos and pictures" of airport processes, and consider visits before you travel ([CAA](https://www.caa.co.uk/publication/download/15697)). 2. **Make a picture story.** A short [picture story](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#social-narrative) with photos of the real place can explain what will happen, what your child might see and hear, and what will help. 3. **Make a picture plan for the day.** A simple [visual timetable](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#visual-timetable) shows the order of the day: car, train, zoo, lunch, home. Try our [printable visual timetable](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/printables/visual-timetable), and see our guide to [visual timetables](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/visual-timetables). 4. **Count down.** Cross off the days on a calendar so your child can see when the trip is. 5. **Practise the new parts.** NAS suggests practising new situations, such as airport security or checking in at a hotel ([NAS](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/going-out-leisure-and-travel/going-on-holiday-tips-for-autistic-people-and-families)). 6. **Plan for changes.** NAS suggests a plan B and a plan C, and adding extra time to your plans ([NAS](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/about-autism/preference-for-order-predictability-or-routine)). If something changes, show it on the picture plan as early as you can. > **Evidence check:** Picture stories are widely used, but research on them is mostly small studies with mixed results ([Kokina and Kern 2010](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/20054628); [Karkhaneh et al. 2010](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/20923896)). Treat them as a helpful way to prepare, not a guarantee. ## When is the best time to go? Choose quieter times if you can. Going when a place first opens, or on a weekday, usually means fewer people, shorter queues and less noise. Ask the venue when it is quietest. This is practical experience rather than research. Look out for relaxed events. Many cinemas run autism-friendly screenings, where "low lights are left on inside the auditorium, the volume of the film is reduced", there are no trailers, and people are "free to move around, make a noise or take a break" ([NAS](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/going-out-leisure-and-travel/cinemas/families)). Some theatres and attractions also advertise relaxed or quiet sessions. What they include varies, so ask what will be different before you book. It is also worth asking what else a venue can offer, such as a quiet room or a different way to queue. NAS points out that UK service providers "have a legal duty to make [reasonable adjustments](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#reasonable-adjustments)" for disabled people ([NAS](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/going-out-leisure-and-travel/going-on-holiday-tips-for-autistic-people-and-families)). ## Which access schemes can help? Several UK schemes can make days out easier. Each has its own rules, so check before you go ([Sunflower](https://hdsunflower.com/uk/); [CEA Card](https://www.ceacard.co.uk/eligibility); [Max Card](https://www.mymaxcard.co.uk/); [Alton Towers](https://www.altontowers.com/plan-your-visit/before-you-visit/accessibility/accessibility-theme-park/ride-access-pass/); [Changing Places](https://www.changing-places.org/); [GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/blue-badge-can-i-get-one/can-i-get-a-blue-badge)). | Scheme | What it does | How to get it | |---|---|---| | [Hidden Disabilities Sunflower](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#sunflower-lanyard) | Shows that someone has a disability that may not be obvious and may need help, understanding or more time | Voluntary: you choose whether your child wears a lanyard or badge | | [CEA Card](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#cea-card) | One free cinema ticket for someone going with a disabled person aged 5 or over | £6.50 a year; apply with evidence such as a DLA award | | Max Card | Free or discounted entry at venues for families of children with additional needs | From a local distributor, such as a council or charity | | Merlin Ride Access Pass | A virtual queue at Merlin's UK parks for the holder and up to three others, one aged 14 or over | Free to apply online through Access Card (Nimbus); a full Access Card is optional (£15 for 3 years) | | Changing Places toilets | Larger toilets with a ceiling hoist and an adult-sized changing bench | Find one with the map on the Changing Places website | | [Blue Badge](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#blue-badge) | Parking closer to where you are going | In England, apply to your council; some non-visible disabilities qualify | **The Sunflower.** Wearing one is voluntary. For individuals, the scheme says "choosing to wear the Sunflower is all you need to do" ([Hidden Disabilities Sunflower](https://hdsunflower.com/uk/faq)). **The CEA Card.** NAS says around 90 per cent of UK cinemas accept it ([NAS](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/going-out-leisure-and-travel/cinemas/families)). Cinemas must still make reasonable adjustments whether or not you have a card ([CEA Card](https://www.ceacard.co.uk/faq)). **Merlin's Ride Access Pass** covers Alton Towers, Chessington, LEGOLAND Windsor and THORPE PARK ([Merlin](https://www.merlinannualpass.co.uk/important-information/passholder-help/passholder-accessibility/)). It is free to apply, through the Access Card system run by Nimbus Disability, and upgrading to a full Access Card is optional ([Merlin](https://www.accessibility.merlinentertainments.biz/ride-access-pass/registration-faqs/)). The Access Card symbols Merlin accepts include "Difficulty with Crowds" ([Merlin](https://support.merlinannualpass.co.uk/hc/en-us/articles/33695852276125-Ride-Access-Pass-Changes-to-Nimbus-Symbols)). In February 2026 Merlin paused a planned trial that would have stopped accepting that symbol on its own, and said "we will continue to accept the Difficulty with Crowds access symbol for RAP" ([Access Card](https://www.accesscard.online/news/2026-02-12-merlin-rap-eligibility-update/)). As of September 2026, Merlin says it will update the pass "from the end of this year", with "a new virtual queuing system, no changes to eligibility criteria and the intention to phase out the pre-booking requirement" ([Merlin](https://www.merlinannualpass.co.uk/important-information/passholder-help/passholder-accessibility/)). Apply well before your visit, and check the park's page for the latest rules. **Changing Places toilets.** In a House of Commons debate on 16 July 2026, MPs heard that "the number of active and registered Changing Places toilets stands at 2,665" ([Hansard](https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2026-07-16/debates/F29A635E-7217-4602-9B6A-DA94EAA8CCCB/ChangingPlacesToiletsCapitalFunding)). ## How do we get help at airports and on trains? When you fly from a UK airport on any airline, you are legally entitled to free assistance, and this includes passengers with hidden disabilities such as autism ([Civil Aviation Authority](https://www.caa.co.uk/air-passengers/assisted-travel/your-accessibility-rights/)). Help can cover arriving at the airport, security, boarding, the flight, changing planes and the airport at the other end. Civil Aviation Authority guidance says airports should consider a quiet area and a quiet route, for example one that avoids the shops. It also says people with hidden disabilities "must never be separated" from the people with them while they get assistance, for example during a security search ([CAA](https://www.caa.co.uk/publication/download/15697)). Ask for assistance when you book, or contact your airline or the airport as early as you can, and check how much notice they need. On trains, Passenger Assist is free help for anyone who needs it because of a disability. Since 1 April 2022, you need to give no more than 2 hours' notice when you book it. You can also turn up and ask, but help then depends on staff being available ([Office of Rail and Road](https://www.orr.gov.uk/monitoring-regulation/rail/passengers/passenger-assistance/passengers-disabilities)). The Disabled Persons Railcard costs £20 for a year or £54 for three years, and gives the holder and one adult companion a third off train tickets. Children of any age can get one if they meet the criteria, for example getting [DLA](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#dla) at the higher or middle care rate or at either mobility rate ([Railcard](https://www.railcard.co.uk/disabled-persons-railcard/eligibility/)). > **Good to know:** The Railcard's rules are due to widen in late September 2026 to include "neurodiversity where it has a substantial impact on a person's ability to travel by train" ([Railcard](https://www.railcard.co.uk/disabled-persons-railcard/eligibility/)). The new details were not yet published when we checked on 28 September 2026, so check the current rules before you travel. ## Is there help with the cost of breaks and days out? [Family Fund](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#family-fund) gives grants to families on a low income raising a disabled or seriously ill child. Your child must need a high level of support in at least three of seven areas, such as communication or supervision, and getting DLA does not decide whether you qualify ([Family Fund](https://www.familyfund.org.uk/eligibility)). Its list of things families can apply for includes family breaks and days out ([Family Fund](https://www.familyfund.org.uk/grants/what-can-i-use-the-grant-for/)). In England, from 24 September 2026 until the end of March 2027, its Support for Families with Disabled Children programme is open only to families applying for the first time ([Family Fund](https://www.familyfund.org.uk/eligibility)). In England, councils must provide a range of [short breaks](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#short-breaks) for disabled children, including services during the school holidays, and publish who can get them ([Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children Regulations 2011](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/707/made)). Search your council's website for its short breaks statement, or look in its [Local Offer](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#local-offer). For more on grants and benefits, see [money and practical help](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/money-and-practical-help). ## What should we pack? Pack for comfort, waiting and the unexpected. NAS suggests taking familiar things from home on holiday, such as bedding, toys and snacks ([NAS](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/going-out-leisure-and-travel/going-on-holiday-tips-for-autistic-people-and-families)). - **Ear defenders or headphones** for noisy places. NAS notes that using them a lot may increase sensitivity over time, so plan when to use them ([NAS](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/about-autism/sensory-processing)). - **Snacks and drinks your child likes**, in case the food is new or the queue is long. - **Comfort items**, such as a favourite toy or blanket. - **A quiet activity** for waiting, such as a book or a fidget toy. If you use a tablet, see our guide to [screen time and apps](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/screen-time-and-apps). - **The picture plan and picture story** for the day. - **ID for your child**, such as a card with your phone number, and a [one-page profile](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/printables/one-page-profile). ## What if it all gets too much? Agree a plan before you go, so everyone knows what to do if your child becomes overwhelmed. NAS suggests having a calm plan for holidays ([NAS](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/going-out-leisure-and-travel/going-on-holiday-tips-for-autistic-people-and-families)). 1. **Find a quiet spot when you arrive**, such as the car, a quiet room or a calm corner outside. 2. **Agree a signal** your child can use to ask for a break, such as a card, a sign or a word. 3. **Use fewer words.** During [sensory overload](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#sensory-overload), NAS advises keeping "speech and information to a minimum" and offering sensory tools ([NAS](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/about-autism/sensory-processing)). 4. **Give time.** NAS notes that it can take a while to recover from sensory overload, so do not rush your child after a [meltdown](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#meltdown) ([NAS](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/behaviour/meltdowns/all-audiences)). See our guide to [meltdowns and shutdowns](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/meltdowns-tantrums-and-shutdowns). 5. **Leave early if you need to.** A short visit that ends calmly is a good day out. > **Get help now:** If your child goes missing on a day out, call 999 straight away and tell staff. The Metropolitan Police says you do not have to wait 24 hours to report someone missing ([Metropolitan Police](https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/missing-person/missing-persons/what-to-do-when-someone-goes-missing/)). Our [safety guide](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/keeping-your-child-safe) explains what to tell the police. ## How do we cope with Christmas, Halloween and Bonfire Night? Plan each celebration like a day out. For Christmas, NAS suggests planning each day, including when you will leave or when visitors will leave, and showing a schedule or pictures of new places. It also suggests telling relatives what helps, keeping usual food and mealtimes where you can, letting your child know what presents are coming, and not expecting them to react to presents straight away. Keep lights steady rather than flashing, and have a space without lights and decorations ([NAS](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/going-out-leisure-and-travel/christmas)). We found no research or official guidance on Halloween or Bonfire Night, so these are practical ideas: - Look at pictures of costumes, pumpkins and fireworks together beforehand. - Let your child choose whether to dress up, and try the costume at home first. - Trick or treat early, at a few houses you know, or hand out sweets at home instead. - Watch fireworks from a window or the car, or try a small, early display with ear defenders. Our guide to [sensory differences](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/sensory-differences) has more ideas. ## Where can I get more help? These organisations and services can help you plan and pay for days out: - **The [National Autistic Society](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/where-to-get-help#nas)** has holiday, Christmas and cinema tips for families. - **[Family Fund](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/where-to-get-help#family-fund)** for grants, and **[Contact](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/where-to-get-help#contact)** for advice on benefits for families with disabled children. - **Your council** for short breaks and Blue Badges. Its Local Offer lists local support for disabled children. - **[Hidden Disabilities Sunflower](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/where-to-get-help#hidden-disabilities-sunflower)** for how the scheme works. - **Our guides** to [transitions and change](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/transitions-and-change) and [DLA for autistic children](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/dla-for-autistic-children), since DLA is evidence for several schemes. > **Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland:** Family Fund's first-time rule above is for its England programme, so check its eligibility page for your nation. The short breaks duty and the Blue Badge guidance described here are for England. In Scotland, Child Disability Payment can be used instead of DLA for the Railcard and the CEA Card ([Railcard](https://www.railcard.co.uk/disabled-persons-railcard/eligibility/); [CEA Card](https://www.ceacard.co.uk/eligibility)). ## Where our app, Pebble, fits You can write a picture story about the trip in Pebble's Stories and set out the day, step by step, in My day. Pebble works offline after the first visit, so both still work on a plane or where there is no signal. A printed picture story or timetable works just as well. Pebble by Rocks Make Pebbles is our free app for autistic children, used together with a grown-up. This guide is written to be useful without it. More: https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/pebble ## Questions parents ask ### Do I need a diagnosis for a sunflower lanyard? No. Wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is voluntary. It is a way to show that someone has a disability or condition that may not be obvious, and may need a helping hand, understanding or more time. The scheme says that for individuals, choosing to wear the Sunflower is all you need to do, and it does not ask for proof or a diagnosis. It is a signal rather than a pass, so it does not guarantee any particular help, but staff who recognise it may offer more time or a quieter way through. ### Does autism count for the Alton Towers ride access pass? It can. Merlin's Ride Access Pass, used at Alton Towers and other Merlin parks, is free to apply for through the Access Card system run by Nimbus Disability. The symbols Merlin accepts include Difficulty with Crowds, which many autistic visitors rely on. In February 2026 Merlin paused a plan to stop accepting that symbol on its own. In September 2026 it said an update due from the end of the year would bring no changes to eligibility criteria. Check the park's accessibility page before you book. ### Can we get help at the airport if my child doesn't use a wheelchair? Yes. The Civil Aviation Authority says you are legally entitled to free assistance when flying from a UK airport on any airline, and this includes passengers with hidden disabilities such as autism. Help can run from arriving at the airport, through security and boarding, to the airport at the other end. Ask when you book, or contact your airline or the airport as early as you can, and check how much notice they need. ### Will airport security separate me from my autistic child? They should not while your child is getting airport assistance. Civil Aviation Authority guidance says people with hidden disabilities must never be separated from the people travelling with them while they receive assistance, for example during a security search. Book assistance in advance, tell security staff that your child is autistic, and ask them to explain what will happen before the search starts. ### Can my autistic child get a Disabled Persons Railcard? Possibly. Children of any age can get one if they meet the criteria, for example getting Disability Living Allowance at the higher or middle care rate or at either mobility rate. It costs £20 for a year and gives a third off train tickets for the holder and one adult companion. The criteria are due to widen in late September 2026 to include neurodiversity that has a substantial impact on travelling by train, so check the current rules first. ### Are there holiday grants for autistic children in the UK? Family Fund gives grants to families on a low income raising a disabled or seriously ill child, and its list of things you can apply for includes family breaks and days out. Getting DLA does not decide whether you qualify. In England, from 24 September 2026 until the end of March 2027, its Support for Families with Disabled Children programme is open only to families applying for the first time. In England, council short breaks can also include school holiday activities. ### Can I get a free cinema ticket as my child's carer? Often, yes. The CEA Card costs £6.50 a year and gives one free ticket for someone going with a disabled person aged 5 or over who needs to be accompanied at the cinema. You apply with evidence such as a DLA award letter. The National Autistic Society says around 90 per cent of UK cinemas accept the card. Many cinemas also run autism-friendly screenings, with low lights left on and the sound turned down. ## Sources 1. [Going on holiday: tips for autistic people and families](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/going-out-leisure-and-travel/going-on-holiday-tips-for-autistic-people-and-families), National Autistic Society 2. [Preference for order, predictability or routine](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/about-autism/preference-for-order-predictability-or-routine), National Autistic Society 3. [CAP1411: Guidance for airports on providing assistance to people with hidden disabilities](https://www.caa.co.uk/publication/download/15697), Civil Aviation Authority, 8 December 2016 4. [Your accessibility rights](https://www.caa.co.uk/air-passengers/assisted-travel/your-accessibility-rights/), Civil Aviation Authority 5. [Social Stories and behaviour in children with autism: a meta-analysis of single-subject research (Kokina and Kern)](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/20054628), Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders (via Europe PMC), 2010 6. [Social Stories to improve social skills in children with autism: a systematic review (Karkhaneh et al.)](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/20923896), Autism (via Europe PMC), 2010 7. [Cinemas: a guide for families](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/going-out-leisure-and-travel/cinemas/families), National Autistic Society 8. [Hidden Disabilities Sunflower (UK)](https://hdsunflower.com/uk/), Hidden Disabilities Sunflower 9. [Frequently asked questions](https://hdsunflower.com/uk/faq), Hidden Disabilities Sunflower 10. [CEA Card: eligibility](https://www.ceacard.co.uk/eligibility), CEA Card 11. [CEA Card: frequently asked questions](https://www.ceacard.co.uk/faq), CEA Card 12. [Max Card](https://www.mymaxcard.co.uk/), Max Card 13. [Accessibility and Ride Access Pass](https://www.merlinannualpass.co.uk/important-information/passholder-help/passholder-accessibility/), Merlin Annual Pass 14. [Ride Access Pass](https://www.altontowers.com/plan-your-visit/before-you-visit/accessibility/accessibility-theme-park/ride-access-pass/), Alton Towers Resort 15. [Ride Access Pass: registration FAQs](https://www.accessibility.merlinentertainments.biz/ride-access-pass/registration-faqs/), Merlin Entertainments 16. [Ride Access Pass: changes to Nimbus symbols](https://support.merlinannualpass.co.uk/hc/en-us/articles/33695852276125-Ride-Access-Pass-Changes-to-Nimbus-Symbols), Merlin Annual Pass support 17. [Merlin RAP eligibility update](https://www.accesscard.online/news/2026-02-12-merlin-rap-eligibility-update/), Access Card (Nimbus Disability), 12 February 2026 18. [Changing Places Toilets: Capital Funding (debate)](https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2026-07-16/debates/F29A635E-7217-4602-9B6A-DA94EAA8CCCB/ChangingPlacesToiletsCapitalFunding), Hansard, House of Commons, 16 July 2026 19. [Changing Places toilets](https://www.changing-places.org/), Changing Places Consortium 20. [Who can get a Blue Badge?](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/blue-badge-can-i-get-one/can-i-get-a-blue-badge), GOV.UK, 10 August 2021 21. [Passenger assistance: passengers with disabilities](https://www.orr.gov.uk/monitoring-regulation/rail/passengers/passenger-assistance/passengers-disabilities), Office of Rail and Road 22. [Disabled Persons Railcard: eligibility](https://www.railcard.co.uk/disabled-persons-railcard/eligibility/), Rail Delivery Group (Railcards) 23. [Are we eligible?](https://www.familyfund.org.uk/eligibility), Family Fund 24. [What can I use the grant for?](https://www.familyfund.org.uk/grants/what-can-i-use-the-grant-for/), Family Fund 25. [The Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children Regulations 2011](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/707/made), legislation.gov.uk, 2011 26. [Autism and sensory processing](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/about-autism/sensory-processing), National Autistic Society 27. [Meltdowns](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/behaviour/meltdowns/all-audiences), National Autistic Society, 14 August 2020 28. [What to do when someone goes missing](https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/missing-person/missing-persons/what-to-do-when-someone-goes-missing/), Metropolitan Police 29. [Christmas: tips for autistic people and families](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/going-out-leisure-and-travel/christmas), National Autistic Society --- General information for families in the UK, not medical, legal or financial advice. If you are worried about your child's health, contact your GP or call NHS 111 (in Northern Ireland, your GP out of hours service). In an emergency, call 999.