Awesome!
We are so inspired! What a great blog, Avery!
About Avery
Avery’s journey with autism began when she was just 3 years old. Even before her diagnosis, we noticed some curious behaviors—like the way she’d line up her toys perfectly or sort M&Ms by color instead of playing with or eating them. Our fridge magnets were always arranged in neat rows, and everyday outings, like going to a restaurant or talking on the phone, felt overwhelming. When Avery started walking on her tiptoes, we finally took her in for an assessment, confirming what we had begun to suspect: autism.
That official diagnosis changed everything we thought we knew about the future. Suddenly, it was uncharted territory with no clear map. Everyone had advice, “cures,” and fixes, and the sheer amount of information was intimidating. But over time, after experimenting with various therapies and diets, we realized that the approach didn’t have to be about “fixing” Avery. Instead, just deciding to try new experiences together—some she loved, some she didn’t, but each attempt taught something new about how she engages with the world.
Eventually, adventure, exploration, and travel became an outlet. We discovered that pushing beyond a rigid routine opened doors to growth and connection. “No, thank you bites” helped Avery try new foods, and found that exploring parks, places, cultures, and new environments became her own special form of curiosity and delight. Instead of dreading challenges, we learned to embrace them, and in doing so, we learned to thrive.
Our hope is to inspire other families who might feel uncertain or overwhelmed by a new diagnosis. You don’t have to live in fear or focus only on survival. With patience, openness, and a willingness to explore, you can create a life filled with learning, joy, and discovery. We’ve learned that together, you can find a way to not just survive in this world—but truly thrive.
We are doing this blog together for fun, to inspire families, and to create more visibility for autistic teens and adults in the world of travel! Every experience, photo, and story shared on this blog is 100% authentic, capturing our real adventures. Avery uses AI tools to help bring to life the text for her blog posts based on her personal experiences and highlights. Any profits raised through our website shop go to funding Neurodivergent Navigators, our new nonprofit dedicated to helping other neurodivergent families experience the joy of travel!
In partnership with other families of neurodivergent teens and adults, we’ve created Neurodivergent Navigators, a nonprofit dedicated to becoming a trusted space for travel and experiences resources shared by and for the neurodivergent community. By highlighting providers and programs available, we empower individuals to embrace new adventures and lead deeply fulfilling lives. Through this initiative, we hope to raise money for families who might not otherwise have the means to explore, find the support they need to see the world and truly thrive.
Get to know Avery
Favorite Food:
Spaghetti Bolognese
Favorite Character:
Joy from Inside Out
Favorite Zoo:
Safari Park in San Diego
Favorite Place to Ski:
Palisades, Tahoe
Favorite Cuisine:
Sushi
Favorite Country (so far):
Croatia
Messages that make my day!
