Navigating Sensory Needs on Family Vacation

Tracie Smith

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Tracie's teenage son Halen sits comfortably in a Nashville bar, wearing noise-canceling headphones and a striped casual shirt. The warm lighting and brick walls of the music venue are visible in the background, demonstrating how adaptive equipment can make busy environments accessible.

Happy New Year’s Day from Nashville, Tennessee!

Despite having an autistic son with high needs who does not currently speak, I always try my best to include him where I can even though it may take a lot more planning and patience and courage.

Here is my son being successful in loud bars doing Nashville in his own way, watching the local talent with his family.

Tracie's son Halen watches a live performance in a Nashville music venue on New Year's Eve, wearing noise-canceling headphones and a blue cap. In the background, a musician performs on stage with a red-decorated bass guitar under purple stage lights, showing how adaptive strategies enable inclusive family entertainment.From over Halen's shoulder, wearing his blue cap and striped shirt, we see a musician performing on stage with a bass guitar decorated with red ribbons. The purple stage lights and intimate venue setting show how close-up views can be made comfortable with the right accommodations.Tracie's son Halen takes a quiet moment in a Nashville bar, wearing a warm olive-green winter coat and baseball cap, using his hands to cover his face while seated against an exposed brick wall. TV screens and purple lighting are visible in the background, showing the sensory-rich environment of Music City venues.

When we got out of the uber the very first day downtown in music city Halen enjoyed outside more than in but by NYE afternoon he was able to be in the venues and the music was LOUD!!!

Now, I could not have done this without the patience of my teenage daughter and help of my husband because with two teenagers it is hard to be in two places at one time (when my son wants to leave or not going into the band but my daughter’s favorite song is playing and she wants to dance - there is a lot of swapping adults to make that happen!)

A highlight of my night was when a lady came up to me (and Halen) and said “i just wanted to tell you I’m a kindergarten teacher and I’ve been watching you with your son and wanted to say “you are so attentive to him and it’s so great to see you are having fun and enjoying having your best life.” Well I gave her a hug and thanked her for stopping by and I’m still thinking about her kindness this morning.

A lot of people do not know just how challenging it is to even be successful in a family trip like this and what goes into it and, for a stranger to notice and come over to say so was my new year’s gift❤️ 🙏.

I had a lot to be thankful for last year and thinking about this stranger’s kind words started my day in 2025 with a smile and with continuing gratitude.

Happy New Year everyone from Nashville, the music city!