by Donald Wood
Last updated: 1:45 PM ET, Mon May 22, 2023
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
A family vacationing in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. (photo courtesy of Visit Myrtle Beach)
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
PHOTO: LEGOLAND New York Resort (Photo via LEGOLAND)
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 (IBCCES) 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
IBCCES to train and certify staff in sensory, environmental and emotional
awareness.
The properties offer pre-planning 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: Atlanta, Georgia
AEW Wrestling Shows
Mesa,
Arizona
Disney
Cruise Line Voyages
Beaches Resorts
Visalia,
California
Delta
Air Lines
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