Travelling can be challenging for children and adults with autism. The changes in routine, unpredictability, crowds, new noises and sights can make the experience difficult for people with autism and their families. With the right support from family and friends though it can be a warm, welcoming experience as seen from the eyes of a young person with autism.
On February 10th 2021, I sat on the airplane with my mom and my dad. First, we went to Dubai. Then we went to the Lahore Airport but there was fog on it. So, the captain drove us back to Dubai. We spent the whole night at the Dubai Airport. I did my math homework there and also read about Rosa Parks. Then finally, we went to the Lahore Airport. Now there was no fog there. My TayaAba, my Papa’s brother, came to pick us up and take us to Dado’s House. Then over there, I met all my cousins and grandparents, and uncles and aunties. Fatima and Aiza, my cousins gave me welcome cards. That made me very happy.
The next day, we went to the park with Fatima, Aiza, and Ahmed. We played races, musical chairs, and tag. Then we came home, and Mama and Papa played Luddo with Phuppo, and I watched Shrek with my cousins. That night, Mama and I went to Nano’s House. Over there, there were wedding lights. My aunties Soo Khala, Sa Khala, Az Khala, Honey Khala, Noo Khala, Pinky, and D Apa were all there. We all danced and ran and skipped a lot. My cousins, Areeba and Awais played with me, and Awais showed me videos of BTS songs.
On February 20th, we all went to Dustoor Wedding Hall. It was a beautiful place.
It was covered with flowers and decorations and shiny lights. Then came the bride, my Soo Khala. She was wearing a red dress, and she looked pretty beautiful just like Az Khala. The groom was wearing a yellow turban on his head and he looked pretty beautiful, just like my Papa. I also met my cousins, Fatima, Aiza, and Imi Api at the wedding hall. That made me feel very happy.
I also danced on the drum a lot! That was fun. My favorite part of the wedding was the Dustoor Wedding Hall. I think it was the best! Then, the wedding ended. After that, we all went to Amna Phupho’s house. There, I went upstairs on the roof with Iboo and D Apa. That was so much fun. It said, written on the paper “Welcome to Amna Phupho’s House.” It was my Spring Garden Party. I also saw A.J. Chachu in the garden. He gave me Dairy Milk chocolates.
Then finally, Mama, Papa and I went to get our Covid tests done. A man came and poked a stick in my nose.
I felt so scared, but then it was all done. Then on the last day, Nano and Nana Jee came to Dado’s House to say bye bye to us. They also went with us to the Lahore Airport. My TayaAbu sat in the car with my Papa. I sat in the car with Mama, Nano and Nana Jee. Then it was time to say bye bye to everybody. It made me feel really sad. But now it was time to go back to Dubai and then to Boston.
The author is a second grader with autism
