Autism Awareness Month: Autism Friendly Travel

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, we at Macaroni Kid Family Travel want to share with you some awesome hotels, destinations and even an airline that are taking steps to create a more enjoyable travel experience for travelers on the autism spectrum. More resorts and family destinations seem to be taking the needs of guests with autism and their families into consideration. Here’s a few that are on point with this growing trend.

TRADEWINDS ISLANDS RESORTS, ST. PETE BEACH, FLORIDA

Hats off to TradeWinds for their thorough program welcoming guests with autism and their families. In 2010 the staff of TradeWinds underwent extensive training through the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities teaching them how to best welcome and accommodate guests with autism. Have special dietary needs? TradeWinds has you covered. Worried about the safety of your child during your stay? TradeWinds has created a safety kit with items such as hanging door alarms and outlet covers to let you relax a little while on vacation.

We are loving the TradeWinds Island Grand Social Book that families can use to help prepare for their upcoming trip. This 20-page book describes every aspect of the resort and includes pictures of activities, rooms, restaurants and more to familiarize guests with the property ahead of their stay.

Photo Credit: TradeWinds

LEGOLAND FLORIDA RESORT, WINTER HAVEN, FLORIDA

IN 2016, LEGOLAND Florida Resort partnered with Autism Speaks to improve its services available to those guests on the autism spectrum. The Blue Hero Pass was developed to assist those who have trouble waiting in line. With the pass, guests with autism and their party can bypass the regular standby line. Need a break? LEGOLAND Florida has created quiet rooms equipped with weighted blankets, soft toys, noise-cancelling headphones and more to allow you to take some time away from the noise and the crowds often found at amusement parks. All resort employees are specially trained on the needs of guests on the autism spectrum so don't hesitate to ask for assistance.

LEGOLAND Florida has also developed “social stories” that offer illustrated walkthroughs of its attractions, shows and more so guests will be aware of rides and attractions with periods of darkness, loud noises, bright lights or other elements that may be frightening or overwhelming. Just another way LEGOLAND is working to make visiting a great experience for all!

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Photo Credit: LEGOLAND Florida

EDAVILLE FAMILY THEME PARK, CARVER, MASSACHUSETTS

With autism hitting close to home for the owner of Edaville Family Theme Park, Edaville hosts an annual Sensory Awareness Weekend during April where the music is turned down and the train whistle is shortened and altered. But Edaville welcomes guests with autism year-round by transforming a railroad car into a quiet space with weighted blankets, toys and more. The park also offers fidgets toys for use while waiting in lines and has restrooms designed to accommodate those with sensory issues.   

Photo Credit: Edaville Family Theme Park

SURFSIDE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA

The town of Surfside Beach, South Carolina, worked to be the first “autism friendly family destination” in 2016. Upon arrival at the Myrtle Beach airport, you will find a quiet room in the baggage claim area where visitors can relax with a caregiver while awaiting baggage arrival.

If you have a child who is considered a “runner” and you worry about his/her safety while traveling, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce offers Project Lifesaver/GPS tracking bands that work in connection with the local police department to give you some peace of mind while traveling.

The Champion Autism Network, which helped to make all this happen, has created the CAN Card for families traveling with someone with autism. The CAN Card can be shown to local businesses to let them know you are an autism family. Many local businesses, including some hotels, have received training to better accommodate these families.

Photo Credit: Ocean Creek Resort

JETBLUE AIRWAYS and TSA

Over the past few years, JetBlue Airways has partnered with Autism Speaks to host events at airports across the country to provide travelers with autism and their families the chance to prepare themselves for air travel by experiencing what airport travel is like.

Don’t forget that TSA will accommodate you as well by not separating passengers with autism from their traveling partner. Just speak to the TSA agent or present them with a TSA notification card if you have one. Check out the TSA Cares website for more details.