The Challenges of Neurodiversity-Travelling with ADHD

As someone diagnosed with ADHD, I’ve experienced first-hand the challenges of travelling—from grappling with disorganisation to dealing with sensory overload. Each trip brings its own hurdles, but these challenges have pushed me to find solutions and advocate for more inclusive environments.

Being neurodivergent permeates every interaction, every task, every moment. It's like operating on a different wavelength in a world tuned to one standard frequency. Societal norms that guide most people's behaviours often feel misaligned with how my brain works, making ordinary situations—like a meeting at work or a trip to the shops —uniquely challenging. There's a constant effort required to adapt to any given situation. I struggled with this a lot in my younger years, but over time, by understanding my ADHD traits better, I've developed strategies to manage, especially when it comes to travel.

Strategies for Managing the Journey

With a scatter brain and forgetfulness topping the list of challenges when I travel, detailed planning has become my anchor. I delve into travel apps and use Google extensively, mapping out all aspects of a trip—from understanding the layout of my destination to researching local customs, key phrases, and even where the nearest Tesco is so I can buy a new toothbrush when I inevitably forget mine.

Establishing a routine is crucial. I ensure my sleep pattern is consistent before and during the trip. Being tired exacerbates my symptoms making everything more difficult, so getting enough rest is essential. Eating well and regularly can be hard and trips away always cause anxiety leading me to skip meals or seek out quick, unhealthy food. While the occasional treat is fine, maintaining a good diet and regular mealtimes helps me feel better and keeps my routine intact.

I try to mirror my habits at home to reduce disorientation. Packing needs to be methodical; I make a checklist of essentials. Lists are a theme throughout my trips. Having a step-by-step itinerary knowing where I’m going and what my times of arrival are mitigates anxiety. For when things do get too much, I seek out quiet zones. Whether it's a secluded corner in an airport lounge or a quiet café. Knowing I need this space when I’m worked up is half the battle, so it’s always something to keep in mind.

Additionally, when it comes to where I’m staying during a trip, I've learned that communicating my needs early to accommodation providers leads to a much smoother experience.

Despite meticulous prep, unexpected changes are inevitable. Delays, complicated directions and logistical hurdles can be overwhelming. This often leads to feeling distressed—something many neurotypical people experience when things don’t go as planned. However, the intensity far exceeds the typical frustration or stress others might experience.

For me, overly wordy or complex instructions aren’t just inconvenient—they can feel like reading an indecipherable language. It’s a significant barrier for myself and many others. Understanding these challenges is half the battle. Property partners and travel businesses can take meaningful steps to accommodate guests. Neurodiversity is a spectrum. There's no one-size-fits-all solution. However, by acknowledging the unique potential needs a guest might have, serviced apartment providers can take meaningful steps towards inclusivity and accessibility.