I travel quite frequently, and it's tiring and often overwhelming, but frequently fun when I get where I'm going (I've never traveled alone though, only with my family. The thought of navigating an airport on my own makes me anxious). Things that help me are:
Having a step by step list of how things will go in the airport (i.e, check baggage, security, find my gate, etc.)
Having easy but secure access to all my documents (passport, ID, etc.)
Wearing comfortable, sensory-friendly clothing that doesn't have a lot of metal (so it doesn't set off the metal detectors)
Having my electronics (phone, tablet, 3DS etc.) fully charged in case there ends up being a delay and I'm stuck at the gate for a while
Noise-cancelling headphones and my ipod
Cash on-hand for snacks, etc (both domestic and foreign currency for when I'm traveling internationally, so I can buy things regardless of which country I'm in.)
Security object that I can hide in or focus all my attention on in case of sensory overload or anxiety (I love my dinosaur hoodie because I can pull my knees and head into it and it becomes like a dark, portable shelter. I also never go anywhere without my stuffed dragon because the tactile input of his fur and his familiar smell make me feel safer.)
Sleeping medication or melatonin (I don't know how long the flight from New Brunswick to New York is, but sleeping on a plane is pretty much impossible, no matter how exhausted you are.)
Little things in your hand-luggage to keep you occupied (books, colouring supplies, aforementioned electronics, etc.)
A couple pieces of advice I have as far as traveling: It feels kind of crappy physically; you feel exhausted but too wound up to sleep, and it's often really hard to tell if you're hungry or not. I always either feel hungry but don't want to eat, or I want to eat but don't feel hungry. This feeling does a number on your sensory issues, and you might find yourself getting snappy and irritable or more easily overwhelmed without being aware of why.
No matter how warm it is where you're coming from or going to, always bring a sweater and wear long pants. The recycled air on planes is frequently cold, and the aforementioned exhaustion can cause you to get cold more easily too. Plus for me, layers of clothing feel like a buffer against the crowds of people. In this same vein, always wear comfortable shoes, preferably sneakers. You're going to be doing a lot of standing and walking around at the airport.
Read up on the rules concerning what you can and can't bring on board a pane (e.g more than three ounces of liquids, fresh fruits and vegetables, etc.) Having a run-in with security because you accidentally brought something you weren't supposed to can be frustrating and anxiety inducing. If you're not sure about something, you can always call the airline and find out.
It depends on the airport, but many have services for people with disabilities if you call in advance, things like expedited passage through security lines and pre-boarding for the plane. I personally take advantage of the pre-boarding when I fly because trying to find my seat and get settled in surrounded by so many noisy strangers all jostling for space is too much for me sensory-wise, and by that time, my patience has dropped considerably, making me more vulnerable to frustrated outbursts.
Anyway, that's all I have for the time being, sorry this got so long! Hopefully you find some of it useful, and have a good trip!
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"Survival is insufficient" - Seven of Nine
Diagnosed with ASD level 1 on the 10th of April, 2014
Rediagnosed with ASD level 2 on the 4th of May, 2019
Thanks to Olympiadis for my fantastic avatar!