Episode 15: What Travel Can Teach Us About Building Flexibility and Confidence in Kids-Expert Interview with Developmental Pediatrician, Cheryl Tierney, MD

In this episode, I sit down with developmental pediatrician Dr. Cheryl Tierney to explore how parents can use travel and everyday adventures to help kids become more comfortable with change. We discuss why new experiences can feel overwhelming, how to break big challenges into smaller steps, how to build trust through successful outings, and how to recognize when a child needs a break.

Dr. Tierney also shares practical strategies for building flexibility into everyday routines, preparing for moments when things go sideways, and knowing when to gently push outside a child's comfort zone.

Topics Covered:

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 00:50 – Welcome to Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety
• 02:08 – Meet our guest, Dr. Cheryl Tierney
• 04:43 – Understanding flexibility as a skill
• 09:01 – How travel can amplify challenges
• 22:11 – Making room for downtime
• 23:28 – Handling unexpected challenges
• 29:43 – Why vacations don’t have to be perfect
• 33:19 – Turning travel into opportunities for growth

Mentioned Links:

• TSA Cares provides assistance and information for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, and other special needs.
• Sensory friendly airport resources:    
  • https://senseationalyou.com/blogs/resources/autism-friendly-airports-and-airlines-for-easy-and-safe-travel
  • https://kidsclubaba.com/top-5-sensory-friendly-airports/
  • https://hdsunflower.com/us/insights/post/airports-around-the-world

About Our Guest:

Dr. Cheryl Tierney, MD, is a developmental-behavioral pediatrician, professor of pediatrics at Penn State College of Medicine, and Chief Medical Officer at EarlyPoint Health. With more than 26 years of experience in pediatrics, she specializes in supporting children with autism, ADHD, anxiety, executive functioning challenges, emotional regulation difficulties, and other developmental and behavioral differences.

Connect with Dr. Cheryl:

• Web: https://earlipointhealth.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-tierney-md-mph/

About Your Host:

Dr. Josette Bianchi is a board-certified pediatrician, mom of three, and a travel lover who believes families should feel confident exploring the world together. Through Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety, she shares practical tips, real-life experiences, and encouragement for families raising children with big feelings, sensory needs, or behavioral differences.

Connect with Dr. Josette Bianchi:

• Email: familytravelsupport@gmail.com; josettemarie@gmail.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/
• Instagram: @familytravelthatsupports 
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/familytravelsupport