Travel days can be a hassle for anyone, but families of children with autism can face additional challenges. 

“We travel a lot with both our kids,” said Tess Sisson, whose eleven-year-old son is on the autism spectrum. “Luckily, he's gotten a little better with age. He loves travel, he thinks it's an adventure, but there's still little things that just pop up during travel that tend to trigger.”

Sisson spoke with 21 News at the Fueling For Inclusion car show in Howland Township Sunday afternoon. The car show was the first event ever held by nonprofit Logan’s Landing, started by Carrie Biery of Trumbull County this year. 

Biery is the mother of Logan, a child with autism, and she's also the general manager of the Residence Inn in Niles. She told 21 News she was inspired to create Logan’s Landing from her own experiences traveling with her family. 

“I thought to myself, ‘What can I do to change things?’” Biery said. “Since I know tourism and I know hospitality, this is what I chose to do: let's make travel and play more accessible for all.”

She also said she was driven by what she sees as a lack of assistance in Trumbull County. 

“This area does not have a lot of resources when it comes to autism. I have to take my son to Mahoning County for a lot of things,” Biery said. “He goes to school at the Rich Center, therapies are based out of Mahoning County, so I just want to bring more awareness and more here.”

Every child with autism has different strengths and struggles, but according to Sisson and Biery, some of the common travel challenges they face are disruptions to their routine, sensory overstimulation and frustration with waiting in lines. Being in an unfamiliar place can also contribute to stress. 

“My son is very big on routines, so if you mess with his routine, then he could throw what appears to be a tantrum, but it's really a sensory meltdown,” Biery said. 

Both mothers said their families navigate these obstacles with a variety of tricks and tools, whether that means boarding a flight early, wearing sound-blocking headphones, or using screens and toys to calm their kids. According to them, patience from other families goes a long way. 

“Just be a little understanding,” Sisson said. “Teach your kids that different is okay.”

Biery told 21 News Logan's Landing has put sensory support kits in 9 hotels across Ohio, as well as other businesses, schools and organizations. The organization also focuses on community spaces: at Tiger Town in the Howland Township Park, it’s hoping to add a fence and some sensory-friendly play equipment, plus some more ramps for wheelchairs.