by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 10:00 PM ET, Tue April 12, 2022
Beaches Resorts is the first company in the world to have completed IBCCES' international training and certification program towards becoming Advanced Certified Autism Centers (ACAC), and these are the only resorts in the Caribbean to achieve this status.
As such, families with members on the autism spectrum can enjoy a memorable family vacation knowing that staff members from the restaurants to the kids' clubs are trained and knowledgeable about guests with autism.
Special Services are offered for families with members on the spectrum, including private in-room check-in, sensory toys and pre-travel assistance. Families can request an IBCCES-certified One-on-One Beaches Buddy, who can provide personalized childcare for a few hours or for an entire vacation.
Beaches Resorts' Kids Camps are ACACs, allowing children on the spectrum to enjoy playing and learning according to their needs, with childcare staff continuously undergoing training on everything from motor skills to emotional awareness and bullying.
The resorts are also the only ones to feature Sesame Street characters, including Julia, the first character to have autism. Children can enjoy fun activities like Amazing Art with Julia as part of its Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children program. Other characters also offer fun activities, like a baking class with Cookie Monster.
A child poses for a picture with Julia, the Sesame Street character who has autism, during the Amazing Art with Julia program. (photo via Beaches Resorts) ((photo via Beaches Resorts))One of the special programs at a Beaches or Sandals resort is their PADI-certified diving lessons. These instructors have also been certified through IBCCES, so families with a member on the spectrum can enjoy a family scuba diving lesson knowing that the instructors will be knowledgeable about teaching someone with autism.
Additionally, dining can be customized at any of the up to 20 restaurants per Beaches resort by speaking with someone at the Culinary Concierge Desk, who can coordinate meals with chefs and restaurant managers for families with a child or adult with autism. Additionally, the Culinary Concierge can also help families navigate dietary restrictions and allergy-related questions.
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