The Neurodivergent Experience
Episode: Travelling as a Neurodivergent Adult: Airports, Advocacy & Accommodations
Hosts: Jordan James & Simon Scott
Date: February 26, 2026
Episode Overview
In this candid episode, Jordan and Simon share lived experiences, practical advice, and insightful reflections on traveling as neurodivergent adults—covering airports, self-advocacy, changing accommodations, and the sensory and emotional navigation involved in long travel. They focus on recent travel stories, especially Jordan’s trip to New Zealand, how airport accessibility is evolving, and the challenges (and joys) of balancing structure and flexibility during trips abroad.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Travel Anxiety and The Reality of Airports
- Jordan details how international travel, particularly layovers in the U.S., can be nerve-wracking due to the added steps at customs and heightened anxieties around unfamiliar procedures.
- Positive sensory experiences, such as comfort food (e.g., Panda Express at LAX), serve as grounding rituals in otherwise overwhelming environments.
- [02:38] “No one has lived until they've had Panda Express, my friend.” — Jordan
2. Accommodations for Invisible Disabilities
- Jordan recounts a sharply contrasting experience with British Airways: his previous negative encounter, where staff poorly handled requests for accommodations, directly led to advocacy and systemic change. This time, he highlights visible signage for invisible disabilities (e.g., Sunflower lanyards) and seamless access to pre-boarding.
- [09:36] “They've got the disability sign, … but next to it they've got a sunflower with a green background. It’s for invisible disabilities… I just felt so comfortable.” — Jordan
- [11:06] “Literally... the whole experience was absolutely fantastic as far as my invisible disabilities were concerned. I actually didn’t really feel like my neurodivergent disabilities were disabling me.” — Jordan
- Encouragement for self-advocacy—asking for accommodations confidently changes the travel experience.
- [13:22] “You just have to advocate for yourselves. … If you can always ask because most people are absolutely lovely if you just approach them.” — Jordan
3. The Emotional Impact of Being Accommodated
- Simon is genuinely surprised and heartened by Jordan’s positive experiences, discussing how rare it is to move through travel spaces without confrontation or feeling out of place.
- [16:07] “I am really relieved about it, but I'm also kind of, like, in a little bit of shock because … when it actually happens, I'm sometimes taken a little bit aback. … I'm so used to fighting that … Change!” — Simon
4. Managing Energy, Routine, and Jet Lag
- Jordan describes the effect of major time zone changes (UK to New Zealand/LAX layover), the resulting jet lag, and the need for flexibility in plans.
- [21:10] “It was like having double ADHD and then forgetting all your methylphenidate.” — Jordan
- Both hosts discuss the need for “recovery days” amidst jam-packed itineraries; Jordan shares a key moment of self-regulation when he decided to forgo a trip to Mount Doom for the sake of rest.
- [25:59] “I literally got halfway up the road and I said, Sylvia, this is a really, really stupid idea. … I was pushing myself too hard. But I recognized that.” — Jordan
5. Balancing Special Interests With Enjoyment
- Jordan discusses the interplay between his love of photography, his impulse to capture everything, and learning not to let special interest hyperfocus detract from the present moment—or burden companions.
- [39:10] “It’s nice to not let your special interest, your hyper fixation, ruin things for others around you. … I was able to enjoy moments and enjoy things without the need to involve a camera.” — Jordan
- Reflection on societal changes—how the omnipresence of phones and “content” can pull even neurotypical people out of present, sensory moments.
6. Travel as Restoration vs. Exhaustion
- The hosts reflect on the post-travel “down” and how, after decompressing, travel experiences bring lasting joy—especially through photography and memories.
- [36:39] “Initially, I feel quite down because I'm like, oh, yeah, I really, really, really like having zero responsibilities. … But once that initial … back to the usual routine kicks in, I do feel good.” — Jordan
7. Future Travel Plans & Integrating Hobbies
- Jordan shares his anticipation for a family trip to Japan in 2028, and an increased interest in exploring the UK domestically, using new car adventures for photography.
- Simon details an upcoming stag trip to Italy and his excitement for “hobby-led” breakaways, like group golf trips.
- Both reflect on the importance of aligning travel with their passions to make it less daunting and more fulfilling.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On overcoming negative airport experiences:
“The last time I shouted at British Airways was because I had a terrible experience... they actually ended up contacting me because I'm just that famous.”
— Jordan [08:36] -
On using accommodations without shame:
“Now she's literally pushing me. And she's like, go and tell the lady. We need to go on first.”
— Jordan, describing his wife’s advocacy evolution [15:00] -
On FOMO and self-care while traveling:
“If I've traveled somewhere really far with the intention of doing something... I would really struggle with the battle ... but then I've also got to live with the internal anguish of missing out.”
— Simon [27:58] -
On shifting priorities in travel:
“This time it was completely different. It was, oh, I can take pictures when I take pictures… enjoy things without the need to involve a camera.”
— Jordan [38:28 – 40:18]
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Timestamp | Topic/Segment | |-----------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 05:43 | Framing the Neurodivergent Travel Experience (flying, airports, reframing challenges) | | 08:36 | Shout out to British Airways: Past Bad Experience Versus Current Positive Change | | 09:36 | The Sunflower Lanyard & Modern Accommodations for Invisible Disabilities at Airports | | 11:06 | Advocacy Tips: How to Request and Use Accommodations | | 15:00 | Evolution of Sylvia’s (Jordan’s wife) Attitude to Self-Advocacy and Using the Law | | 16:07 | Simon’s Reaction to Genuine, Proactive Accommodations (from “shock” to hope) | | 21:10 | The Sensory and Mental Impact of Jet Lag | | 25:44 | Building In “Recovery Days” and Making Decisions to Skip Activities for Wellbeing | | 27:58 | FOMO, Flexibility, and Letting Go of Rigid Plans | | 32:28 | Sensory Impressions: Auckland at Night, Sports Events, Feeling “Not Disabled” on the Road | | 36:39 | Holidays: Restorative or Exhausting? | | 39:10 | Special Interests and Not Letting Them Consume the Whole Experience | | 42:12 | Planning Domestic/UK Travel; Simon’s Upcoming Italy Trip | | 44:33 | Hobbies as Hyperfocus Tools for Travel Comfort |
Takeaway Insights
- Self-advocacy is key – Know your rights, ask for accommodations, and expect to be treated with dignity. Systems are improving, but individuals still need to “claim the space.”
- Structure and flexibility can coexist – It’s possible to plan full itineraries while leaving room for rest, adjusting plans without guilt if energy runs out.
- Travel is not just about distance but about sensory and emotional navigation – Neurodivergent travelers must balance excitement, FOMO, and the unique needs of their brains.
- Progress exists – From airlines to airports, awareness and flexibility are improving, making travel less daunting for those with invisible disabilities.
- Bring your joys along – Integrating hobbies and special interests can provide comfort and a “hyperfocus” anchor amidst the uncertainty of travel.
Closing
Jordan and Simon close the episode by encouraging listeners to share their own travel tips, advocate for themselves, and make travel work for their neurodivergent needs—Panda Express optional but highly recommended.
For more relatable neurodivergent conversations, tune in weekly to The Neurodivergent Experience.