EXPOSURE IS KEY! Dr. Temple Grandin, "Exposing children with autism to as many experiences as possible will give them the best chance at success".

    Welcome to my site. I'm Christine Berridge, a Certified Behavior Management Specialist, Certified Autism Travel Professional, and a proud mother of two amazing boys with Autism. Over the past decade my family and I have traveled by land, sea, air and rail all over Canada, United States, Mexico, Alaska and the Caribbean. 

   I have combined my professional expertise with my personal travel experiences to create enriching and accessible vacation solutions for all.  As a Behavior Therapist, I have spent years working closely with children and adults on the spectrum, developing tailored strategies that support their unique needs. I am offering extra consultation services in the trip planning process if needed and I will provide you with personalized strategies, materials, and resources. We will incorporate a plan that includes  sensory integration  activities, communication strategies, behavior and safety supports.

   Travel has so many positive benefits for us all, physically and mentally. It can create strong family bonds, make you feel less isolated, and help you recharge.  But despite the many benefits of family travel, recent data shows less than 15 percent of parents that have a child with Autism travel. For many families with Autism, travel can seem far from an enjoyable vacation. Traveling comes with challenges that can be extremely overwhelming. The thought of unfamiliar places, changes in routine, fear of wandering/elopement, and an unstructured environment seems so far out of reach. Then, adding all the loud noises, long lines, crowds, bright lights, strong smells, and temperature changes is enough sensory stimuli to overload a typical person's system. So families don't even bother; who can blame them? 

   Traveling can be difficult, but the benefits far outweigh the risks or validated fears one may have. Traveling exposes us to all sorts of new sensory experiences, which helps us understand how our body feels and what we need to make our bodies feel better. We see different people, cultures, foods, and backgrounds. Travel is a hands-on learning experience you can not teach in a classroom. You are spending time together as a family and enjoying the moment; time is invaluable. 

   As a mom of 2 boys on opposite sides of the  spectrum, I know the constant demands of everyday life can be utterly exhausting. Each day comes with its own set of challenges. There is very little help, and often this leads to burnout, isolation, anxiety, and depression.  Finances can also be a barrier to accessing specialized travel services so for a limited time I have  implemented  a "pay what you can"  fee structure for our customized trip planning services and consultations.  This approach ensures everyone can benefit from our specialized trip planning services regardless of their finances.  I hope to empower individuals and families living with Autism to explore the world confidently knowing they have access to accessible accommodations, supports, and guidance.

    Let me create your unique pathway and remove those barriers so you can explore the world without limits. Time is all we have, and there are infinite possibilities to explore. There is no "one size fits all" approach. True inclusion starts with a unique, accessible design.  Lets find your unique design.!

Christine Berridge/Lutz C.Y.C, A.B.SC.A.T.P. 

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