For families with autistic children, the dream of a relaxing vacation can often feel out of reach. Imagine the weight of never experiencing a family getaway, not due to financial constraints or scheduling conflicts, but because of the overwhelming uncertainty surrounding whether a destination can adequately cater to your child’s unique needs. According to a 2019 survey, this is the reality for a staggering 87% of families with autistic children. The simple act of planning a trip becomes a monumental task, fraught with anxiety and potential pitfalls.
Nicole Thibault, a mother and certified autism travel planner, poignantly captures this sentiment, stating, "The thought of traveling with a child with autism can be too overwhelming for some." The fear of potential meltdowns in unfamiliar environments, coupled with concerns about encountering insensitive or unaccommodating staff, often leads parents to forgo vacations altogether. Instead of risking a stressful and potentially negative experience, they choose to remain within the safe confines of their familiar routines. Yet, the desire to explore and create lasting memories remains, with 93% of survey respondents expressing a greater likelihood of traveling if autism-certified options were readily available. This highlights a clear and pressing need for the travel industry to evolve and become more inclusive.
Fortunately, after years of dedicated advocacy and persistent effort, the travel industry is finally beginning to recognize and respond to the needs of autistic travelers. Theme parks, hotels, island resorts, and even entire cities are actively collaborating with disability advocates and organizations like the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to achieve autism certification and genuinely welcome neurodiverse travelers. This marks a significant shift towards a more inclusive and accessible travel landscape.
IBCCES, a respected organization with over two decades of experience, stands as the gold standard in autism certification. Their rigorous process involves multiple levels of training, ensuring that companies marketing themselves as autism-friendly genuinely deliver on that promise. This commitment to quality and consistency is crucial in building trust and providing families with the assurance that their needs will be met. The increasing adoption of IBCCES certification signifies a commitment to providing authentic and meaningful support for autistic travelers and their families. Let’s dive deeper into specific examples of how the travel industry is evolving to better serve this often-overlooked segment of the population, making How the Travel Industry Is Becoming More Welcoming to Travelers with Autism a reality.
Ultra-Accessibility Is the Future of Theme Parks
Theme parks, traditionally known for their sensory overload and unpredictable environments, are undergoing a transformation to become more inclusive spaces for neurodivergent children. For years, these entertainment hubs have been quietly implementing changes to provide greater accommodations. Quiet rooms and designated quiet areas have become increasingly common in parks like Universal Orlando, offering a refuge from the overwhelming stimuli. Disney World’s Disability Access Service (DAS) allows individuals to bypass long queues, a significant trigger for many autistic individuals. By minimizing wait times and exposure to crowded spaces, the DAS helps create a more manageable and enjoyable experience.
However, some theme parks are pushing the boundaries of accessibility even further, embracing a philosophy of ultra-accessibility that prioritizes the needs of all guests, regardless of their abilities. Peppa Pig Theme Park in Florida and Sesame Place San Diego, both opened as IBCCES Certified Autism Centers. This designation signifies a deep commitment to inclusivity, with at least 80% of staff members trained and certified to effectively support individuals on the autism spectrum. IBCCES collaborates closely with these parks to develop comprehensive sensory guides, providing families with detailed information about the sights, sounds, and smells associated with each attraction. This allows them to prepare their children in advance, reducing anxiety and promoting a smoother, more predictable experience.
Perhaps the most exemplary model of accessible theme parks is Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio, Texas. This groundbreaking 25-acre park stands as the first of its kind, meticulously designed to cater to individuals with disabilities. The park’s creation was inspired by the personal experience of Gordon and Maggie Hartman, whose daughter Morgan, who has special needs, faced rejection when attempting to play with other children during a vacation. Driven by a desire to create a truly inclusive space, the Hartmans dedicated four years to developing a theme park specifically designed for people with disabilities. Since opening its doors in 2010, Morgan’s Wonderland has garnered widespread acclaim, serving as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of inclusive design. Furthermore, plans are underway for another ultra-accessible park, Spirit of Discovery Park, slated to open in Missouri by 2025, further expanding opportunities for families to enjoy accessible and inclusive entertainment. This is just a snapshot of How the Travel Industry Is Becoming More Welcoming to Travelers with Autism.
Practice Flights Are Making Air Travel Less Scary
Airports, notorious for their chaotic atmosphere, sensory overload, and potential for unexpected delays, often represent a significant source of stress for autistic individuals. The cacophony of sounds, the overwhelming crowds, and the often-confusing security procedures can trigger meltdowns and create a deeply unpleasant experience. A survey conducted by The Points Guy revealed that 55% of travelers find air travel more stressful than going to work, while 44% consider flying worse than a visit to the dentist. The sheer complexity and unpredictability of air travel can be particularly challenging for autistic individuals, especially those who are new to flying.
Recognizing these difficulties, several U.S. airports, including Dallas-Ft. Worth and Boston Logan Airport, have implemented "dry run" programs. Since 2011, these initiatives have provided a low-stakes opportunity for autistic individuals and their families to practice the various aspects of air travel. Participants receive boarding passes, navigate security checkpoints, board a plane, and, in some cases, even taxi for up to 30 minutes to simulate a real flight experience. These events, typically held once or twice a year, address a genuine need and have proven effective in reducing anxiety and making air travel less daunting for autistic travelers.
JSX, an air carrier specializing in hop-on, hop-off jet service, is another pioneer in autism-friendly air travel. JSX offers dry runs and operates from private hangars, bypassing TSA lines and minimizing exposure to crowds. Witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by autistic customers, CEO Alex Wilcox partnered with Autism Double-Checked to make JSX the world’s first autism-certified air carrier. This certification encompasses various initiatives, including designated quiet areas in lounges and comprehensive training for front-facing staff to effectively assist customers on the spectrum. With one-way seats on their all-business-class jets starting at $199, JSX makes autism-friendly air travel more accessible. JSX is a shining example of How the Travel Industry Is Becoming More Welcoming to Travelers with Autism.
Destinations Leading the Charge in Autism Accommodations
While progress has been made in improving accessibility for autistic individuals in cities and theme parks, outdoor attractions have lagged behind. Despite the well-documented benefits of spending time in nature for autistic people, the inherent unpredictability of the outdoors can pose challenges. Loren Penman recognized this gap and sought to create a more accessible and predictable outdoor experience, leading to the establishment of a nature trail specifically designed for autistic individuals.
Consulting with renowned experts like Temple Grandin, Penman meticulously designed a one-mile loop trail in Letchworth State Park, which opened in October 2021. The Autism Nature Trail is wheelchair-accessible and features a variety of sensory stations, ranging from quiet resting spots to areas where children can run freely. The trail’s designers even incorporated subtle strategies to prevent elopement, a common concern for autistic children, by strategically leaving fallen trees and brambles in place as natural barriers.
Visalia, California, the gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, is another destination actively working towards autism inclusivity. The tourism board, Visit Visalia, achieved Certified Autism Center status and implemented the "Hidden Disabilities Sunflower" program. This discreet initiative allows visitors with special needs to self-identify through sunflower-emblazoned lanyards, bracelets, and buttons, signaling to trained staff that they may require additional accommodations.
Myrtle Beach has also been committed to becoming an autism-friendly destination, forging partnerships with organizations like Champion Autism Network and TravelAbility. Visit Myrtle Beach is developing sensory-friendly programming, including a children’s book, and encouraging businesses to pledge their commitment to welcoming guests with autism and other neurodiverse disabilities.
Beaches Resorts, a popular all-inclusive resort company, was the first resort company to be autism-certified by IBCCES and has now achieved Advanced Certified Autism Center status, valid through 2023. This rigorous certification process ensures that guests can expect a consistently supportive and accommodating experience at Beaches Resorts in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos.
However, the most exemplary example of an autism-friendly destination is Mesa, Arizona. Mesa stands as the first and only IBCCES Autism Certified City in the United States. Spearheaded by Marc Garcia, president and CEO of Visit Mesa, this initiative transformed the city into a welcoming haven for autistic travelers. Inspired by his son’s challenging experience during a trip to San Diego, Garcia embarked on a mission to ensure that Mesa visitors would not encounter similar difficulties. By late 2019, nearly 4,000 Mesans had completed or were planning to complete autism certification, and close to 60 businesses and attractions across the city had earned Certified Autism Center designations. This comprehensive training program provides employees with valuable insights into the autistic experience, enabling them to better understand and respond to the needs of autistic individuals. The success of Mesa’s autism certification program has not only enhanced the city’s reputation as an inclusive destination but has also yielded significant economic benefits. The mayor of Mesa, John Giles, noted that the certification has raised the city’s profile and boosted numerous businesses. The efforts in Mesa, Arizona truly exemplify How the Travel Industry Is Becoming More Welcoming to Travelers with Autism.
The Future of Inclusive Travel
Autism certification has demonstrated its profitability for businesses, with Marriott hotels experiencing a 32% increase in revenue in the two months following certification. Employee morale also saw a significant boost, and businesses reported a 54% increase in group bookings and a 45% improvement in guest satisfaction.
The growing interest in accommodating travelers on the spectrum indicates that truly inclusive travel is on the horizon. The travel industry is increasingly recognizing the importance of catering to the needs of all travelers, including those with autism, paving the way for a more welcoming and accessible world for everyone. As awareness continues to grow and more destinations and businesses embrace autism certification, the dream of stress-free and enjoyable vacations for families with autistic children will become an increasingly attainable reality.
