When planning a vacation for individuals with autism, it’s important to consider destinations that offer a supportive and inclusive environment. Here are two types of autism-friendly places to visit: Certified Autism Centers and sensory-friendly attractions.
Several establishments have taken proactive steps to become Certified Autism Centers, ensuring that they provide specialized services and accommodations for guests with autism and other special needs. These centers undergo comprehensive training and meet specific criteria to create a welcoming and understanding environment. Some notable examples include:
Sesame Place | Certified Autism Center |
Six Flags Theme Parks | Certified Autism Center |
The Franklin Institute | Sensory-Friendly |
Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction | Certified Autism Center |
Knoebels Amusement Resort | Certified Autism Center |
These certifications ensure that staff members are trained to accommodate the needs of individuals with autism, and the facilities are designed to be sensory-friendly, providing a more inclusive experience for all visitors.
By choosing destinations that are Certified Autism Centers or offer sensory-friendly experiences, families and individuals with autism can have a more enjoyable and inclusive vacation. It’s always a good idea to check specific websites or contact the venues in advance to learn more about the services and accommodations they provide.
When planning a vacation for individuals with autism, it’s important to consider their unique needs and create an environment that is inclusive and supportive. Here are some key aspects to consider when planning an autism-friendly vacation:
Creating a routine can greatly benefit individuals with autism while on vacation. Establishing a basic routine can help them feel grounded and adjust more easily to new surroundings. For example, incorporating activities such as breakfast at the same time every day, followed by a planned outing or activity, and then returning to the hotel room before lunch can provide a sense of structure and familiarity. Having a predictable routine can help reduce anxiety and provide a sense of security.
In addition to having a routine, it’s essential to build in downtime and structure throughout the vacation. Allowing for quiet time each day provides an opportunity for individuals with autism to decompress and recharge. This can be especially important in busy or overstimulating environments. If returning to the hotel room for downtime isn’t feasible, look for quieter spaces within the vacation destination where the individual can relax and regroup.
Many airlines and airports offer support services to make traveling with an autistic child easier. These services can vary, but commonly include accommodations such as priority boarding, bypassing long security lines, and other considerations to ensure a smoother travel experience. Research and reach out to the airline in advance to understand the specific accommodations they offer and how they can best meet the needs of the individual with autism.
It’s also worth noting that certain airports have implemented sensory accommodations and support programs for individuals with autism. For example, Vancouver International Airport offers the I CAN Fly program in partnership with the Canucks Autism Network. This program provides resources and accessibility services, including expedited access through screening and US Customs. They also conduct accessibility tours to help families with autistic children practice the check-in process. Research the airports you will be using and see if they offer similar programs or services.
By considering the needs of individuals with autism and implementing strategies such as creating a routine, incorporating downtime, and utilizing available travel support services, you can help ensure that your vacation is autism-friendly and enjoyable for everyone involved.
When planning a vacation for individuals with autism, it’s important to consider destinations that provide a supportive and inclusive environment. Here are some autism-friendly places to visit that cater to the unique needs and preferences of individuals on the autism spectrum.
Theme parks have made significant strides in becoming more accessible and accommodating for individuals with autism and other special needs. Some notable examples include:
Traveling through airports can often be overwhelming for individuals with autism. However, some airports have implemented sensory accommodations to create a more comfortable experience. Here are a couple of examples:
In addition to theme parks and airports, there are other specialized attractions that prioritize the needs of individuals with autism. Here are a couple of examples:
When planning a vacation, considering these autism-friendly locations can help ensure an enjoyable and stress-free experience for individuals with autism and their families.
For families looking to visit autism-friendly places, inclusive amusement parks provide an environment that caters to the unique needs of individuals with autism. Here are two notable amusement parks that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility.
Located in Texas, Morgan’s Wonderland is the world’s first fully accessible amusement park designed with individuals with special needs in mind. The park offers a wide range of wheelchair-accessible rides, attractions, and activities that can be enjoyed by individuals of all abilities.
One of the highlights of Morgan’s Wonderland is the Sensory Village, a dedicated area that provides sensory play experiences for individuals with autism. This interactive space allows individuals to engage with various sensory elements designed to stimulate their senses in a safe and inclusive environment.
Beaches Resorts in the Caribbean has taken steps to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for individuals with autism. They operate the Caribbean’s first autism-friendly kids’ camps, where childcare staff receive specialized training in sensory awareness, motor skills, social skills, and communication related to autism. This training enables them to provide the necessary support and understanding to children with autism.
At Beaches Resorts, programming and meals can be customized to meet the specific needs of children with autism. The resorts also offer one-on-one care if needed, ensuring that children with autism have a safe and enjoyable vacation experience.
By offering sensory-friendly accommodations and trained staff, Morgan’s Wonderland and Beaches Resorts aim to make the amusement park experience more accessible and enjoyable for individuals with autism and their families. These autism-friendly places provide a sense of belonging and inclusion, allowing everyone to create lasting memories while exploring the joys of amusement parks.
Choosing autism-friendly places to visit can significantly enhance the travel experience for families with autistic children. Destinations that offer sensory-friendly environments, clear routines, and accommodating staff can make outings more enjoyable and less stressful. Whether it’s a quiet park, a museum with tailored programs, or a specialized amusement park, these thoughtful considerations help create positive and memorable experiences.
By researching and selecting autism-friendly venues, families can ensure a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere for their autistic children, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy their time together.