Picture your child’s laughter echoing through the air as they delight in a new adventure. You can see it, can’t you? The joy in their eyes, the pure thrill of discovery. That’s the magic of vacations. But for parents of children on the autism spectrum, planning a holiday can feel like navigating a minefield. That’s where autism friendly vacations come into play. This blog post is your ultimate guide to planning vacations that not only accommodate your child’s unique needs but also ensure a fun-filled, stress-free experience for the whole family. We’ll explore top destinations, provide tips on travel and accommodations and even share insights from experts in the field. With the right planning and resources, you can create unforgettable memories on your next family vacation. So, buckle up and get ready to turn your dream vacation into a reality.
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Beach Resorts
When it comes to autism friendly vacations, beach resorts are a top choice. The soothing sound of waves, the feel of sand beneath your feet — it’s sensory heaven for many neurodivergent kids. However, not all beach resorts are created equal. You’ll want to look for resorts that offer quiet rooms, sensory-friendly activities, and trained staff.
- TradeWinds Island Resorts, for instance, offers a sensory-friendly experience with its “Autism Friendly” designation. They provide a social story booklet to help your child prepare for the vacation, and their staff is trained to understand the needs of kids with thinking and learning differences.
- Surfside Hotel and Suites in Provincetown, Massachusetts, is another excellent option. They offer autism-friendly accommodations and have a private beach — perfect for kids who might feel overwhelmed in crowded spaces.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is known for its stunning coastline, but did you know it’s also a haven for autism friendly vacations? The city has made significant strides in becoming sensory-friendly. From the Myrtle Beach International Airport, which offers a quiet room for passengers with sensory processing issues, to the Champion Autism Network (CAN) — an organization that works with businesses to create sensory-friendly experiences — you’re covered.
Read more: Accessible Travel Destinations for Families With Disabled Kids
Many attractions in Myrtle Beach, like the Ripley’s Aquarium and the SkyWheel, offer sensory-friendly hours. Moreover, several restaurants in the city have quiet dining options and provide sensory kits to help kids with special needs enjoy their meal.
Dollywood, Tennessee
Located in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, Dollywood is more than just a theme park. It’s a place where every kid, regardless of their neurodivergence, can have the time of their life. Dollywood offers a Calming Room — a quiet, relaxing space where kids with special needs can take a break from the sensory overload of the park. The park also provides a sensory guide, detailing the sensory impact of each ride and show, to help you plan your day.
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LEGOLAND Resorts
LEGOLAND Resorts take the cake when it comes to autism friendly vacations. They’ve partnered with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to provide a Certified Autism Center (CAC) at every LEGOLAND Resort. This means that at least 80% of the staff at these resorts have undergone specialized training in autism sensitivity and awareness.
Moreover, these resorts offer “Blue Hero Passes” that allow kids with special needs to bypass long lines. They also provide quiet rooms equipped with noise-cancelling headphones, weighted blankets, and squishy toys.
Mesa, Arizona
Mesa, Arizona, is the first-ever Autism Certified City, with over 60 businesses and organizations recognized as Certified Autism Centers. From the Arizona Museum of Natural History to the IDEA Museum, Mesa offers a plethora of sensory-friendly attractions. And let’s not forget the Mesa Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, which offers therapeutic recreation programs for kids with special needs.
Read more: My Child is Too Friendly With Strangers
Sesame Place, Pennsylvania
Sesame Place, located in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, is the first theme park in the world to be designated as a Certified Autism Center. The park offers sensory guides, quiet rooms, and noise-cancelling headphones. Plus, every corner of the park is designed to be wheelchair-accessible, ensuring that every child, regardless of their abilities, can join in the fun.
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In short, planning autism friendly vacations may require a bit more effort, but the reward is a relaxed, enjoyable holiday for the whole family. From beach resorts to theme parks, cities to attractions, there are numerous destinations that cater to the needs of neurodivergent kids. The key is to do your research, plan ahead, and choose destinations that align with your child’s interests and sensory preferences. By doing so, you’re not just planning a vacation — you’re creating an environment where your child can explore, learn, and create unforgettable memories.
FAQ’s About Autism Friendly Vacations
What are autism friendly vacations? Autism friendly vacations are trips planned with the needs of autistic individuals in mind, offering supportive environments, sensory-friendly activities, and accommodations. Why are visual schedules important for autism friendly vacations? Visual schedules help provide structure and predictability for autistic individuals, making transitions and new experiences on vacations more manageable and enjoyable. Can emotional regulation apps be useful on autism friendly vacations? Yes, emotional regulation apps are very useful on such vacations, as they offer tools and resources to help autistic individuals manage sensory overload and unfamiliar situations. What types of rewards work well during autism friendly vacations? Simple, consistent rewards that align with the child’s interests, like extra playtime or a favorite snack, are effective during autism friendly vacations. How do I choose an autism friendly vacation destination? Choose destinations that offer sensory-friendly environments, trained staff, and activities suited to the needs and preferences of autistic individuals.
Emily is a seasoned blog writer for Goally, leveraging her extensive background in child psychology and special education to provide valuable insights and resources for parents. Her commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of these children, combined with her expertise in educational strategies, makes her a credible and empathetic voice for families.
