Hitting the road for a summer family vacation with children can be very stressful, but the intensity of preparation and the scrutiny over every detail is amplified when one of the kids along for the ride is on the autism spectrum.
As the father of an autistic daughter, planning autism-friendly vacations can present unique challenges, but thankfully travel brands and the supporting industries continue to focus on inclusivity.
Feeling accepted is important to impacted travelers, as Autism Speaks revealed that approximately one out of every 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and 31 percent of those kids have an intellectual disability.
With autism costing an estimated $60,000 a year through childhood, families are looking to get the most bang for their buck, while also getting a chance to mentally recharge as a coping mechanism for the everyday grind.
Here are some autism-friendly vacation ideas for the whole family this summer.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
For families looking to make the most out of their summer vacation, Visit Myrtle Beach and the communities along the region’s 60 miles of coastline have created an autism- and sensory-friendly destination.
In addition to a sensory-friendly pledge to be a welcoming destination for all, the city and its surrounding areas have introduced numerous initiatives to promote inclusivity, including the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program at Myrtle Beach International Airport and The Autism Travel Card, which allows visitors to “identify their family as one that includes someone with autism.”
“We believe that everyone belongs at The Beach, and our top priority at Myrtle Beach is to provide an inclusive destination for visitors of all abilities,” Visit Myrtle Beach CEO Karen Riordan said.
“Families with children diagnosed with autism often feel vacations are out of their reach, and we want to change that,” Riordan continued. “At Visit Myrtle Beach, we believe in the restorative and life-altering power of travel and continue to further our efforts to provide greater support and access to memorable vacation experiences for all.”
Legoland Theme Parks
As of this spring, Legoland Resorts announced that all its theme parks are Certified Autism Centers (CAC). The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards granted Legoland Florida and Legoland California autism certification in 2022, with Legoland New York officially becoming a CAC in March.
The three onsite hotels and Peppa Pig Theme Park at Legoland Florida have also been approved to be CAC, with all properties working with the board to train and certify staff in sensory, environmental and emotional awareness.
The properties offer preplanning resources, sensory guides at every ride, low sensory areas, quiet rooms, ear plugs and more to assist with overstimulation. Assisted Access Passes can be requested at guest services.
“Legoland Resorts are designed to inspire creativity amongst children of all abilities; our rides, experiences and entertainment all foster a child’s imagination through a lens of belonging,” Merlin Entertainments CEO Scott O'Neil said. “Through this certification, we’re providing our guests with more opportunities to create and play their way, while supporting parents through every step of the vacation planning journey.”
Other Autism-Friendly Ideas, Properties, and Destinations
- Elmwood Park Zoo: Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
- College Football Hall of Fame: Atlant
- AEW Wrestling Shows
- Mesa, Arizona
- Disney Cruise Line Voyages
- Beaches Resorts
- Visalia, California
- Delta Air Lines
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