Travel Tips for Autistic Adults with Embroidery Designer Krista West

In this episode, Wendy speaks with Krista West about being formally diagnosed with autism at age 50, building a successful global business as an autistic entrepreneur, and traveling without burnout.

Krista long suspected she was autistic but assumed her quirks came from growing up with an autistic parent. When her father was identified as being on the spectrum in hospice, she realized she had spent her life acting as his social translator. Despite career success, she struggled with overstimulation and exhaustion from masking. After restructuring her business and creating sensory-friendly travel systems, Krista shares practical tools for autistic adults navigating work, creativity, and the world.

Takeaways:

• Wear wired headphones to manage auditory sensitivity (no need to power off for takeoff and landing)
• Use sunglasses to reduce visual overstimulation in airports and airplanes
• Request preboarding and use a TSA disability card to avoid overwhelming crowds
• Give yourself permission not to socialize while traveling. Use a communication app to display typed messages when speech feels inaccessible
• Some airports recognize the sunflower lanyard as a symbol for an invisible disability. Hopefully, someday, all airports will use them
• Reframe your narrative. Replace self-judgment with self-compassion
• Don't ask "What's wrong with me?" but rather "What's right with me?"
• Let your quirky out! Don't be afraid of your passion and enthusiasm
• If you have faceblindness, acknowledge it upfront. This will eliminate future awkwardness
• Explore embroidery or other handcrafts for emotional regulation

About Krista West:

Krista West brings ancient beauty to the modern world through embroidery designs inspired by traditional Mediterranean folk textiles. Introduced to them in Greece, she fell in love with the vibrant colors and historic motifs and later founded Avlea Folk Embroidery. Her patterns and kits are sold online and in over 200 brick-and-mortar shops.

Website: avleafolkembroidery.com

Instagram / Facebook / YouTube: @kristamwest

About Your Host:

Wendela Whitcomb Marsh, MA, RSD, is an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and host of Amplifying Autism. Though not autistic herself, Wendy has dedicated her career to supporting and advocating for the neurodivergent community. She is the founder of Adulting While Autistic and helps late-diagnosed autistic adults find clarity, self-understanding, and community.

Website: wendelawhitcombmarsh.com

Books Available on Amazon

Instagram: @wendela.w.marsh

Newsletter: https://forms.aweber.com/form/49/591191449.htm

Thank You for Listening:

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YouTube: @AmplifyingAutism