Introduction
Travelling can often be a daunting task for neurodivergent individuals, particularly those on the autism spectrum. However, destinations worldwide are increasingly becoming more autism-friendly, offering accommodations to meet the needs of these travelers. From hotels and restaurants to entire cities, efforts are underway to make travel more comfortable and inclusive for everyone.
The Challenges of Travel for Neurodivergent Individuals
Traveling, while exciting, can also present many challenges. Long lines at security, delays in flights, crowded trains, and noisy environments can overwhelm anyone, but they pose even more significant difficulties for neurodivergent travelers. For individuals on the autism spectrum, issues such as navigating social interactions, sudden changes in routine, and sensitivity to sensory inputs make travel even more challenging.
Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning it affects each individual differently. Common challenges include differences in communication, social interactions, and sensory sensitivities. According to the World Health Organization, autism affects approximately 1% of children globally. Given the wide range of symptoms, the accommodations required by autistic travelers can vary significantly, further highlighting the need for tailored solutions.
Why Travel Can Be Beneficial for Autistic Individuals
Despite the challenges, traveling can be an immensely rewarding experience for autistic individuals when their unique needs are considered. Best-selling author and speaker Kerry Magro, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of four, highlights the importance of travel in helping to develop crucial skills. “Traveling allows us to expand our understanding of what autistic individuals are capable of,” he said. “It can help with social abilities, communication, adaptability, and self-awareness.”
When destinations provide appropriate accommodations, autistic individuals can experience personal growth while enjoying new environments, further underlining the importance of making travel more inclusive.
The Role of Autism-Certified Destinations
A growing number of businesses and cities are actively working to make their spaces more welcoming for autistic travelers. The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) plays a critical role in this movement. For more than two decades, the IBCCES has been offering training to hotels, travel professionals, and tourism boards to help them understand and meet the needs of autistic and neurodivergent individuals.
Currently, more than 300 businesses have earned the designation of Autism-Certified Centres, while a few select locations have been certified as Autism-Certified Destinations. Notable cities, such as Dubai and the Greater Palm Springs area, are currently undergoing certification to further enhance their ability to accommodate neurodivergent travelers.
What Autism Certification Entails
The certification process by IBCCES involves comprehensive training focused on sensory awareness and sensitivity towards autistic individuals. In some cases, on-site visits are conducted to identify further opportunities for improvement. The goal of this certification is to educate employees in the travel industry on how to better understand and address accessibility needs for all travelers.
Once training is complete, certified destinations are listed on Autism Travel, a website that compiles autism-certified businesses, attractions, and destinations. This platform allows families and individuals to easily find places that are committed to creating autism-friendly environments.
Autism-Certified Destinations: A Growing Trend
An Autism-Certified Destination is a place where the majority of tourism-related businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, and attractions, have undergone autism-friendly training. In contrast, an Autism-Certified City is a broader certification that extends across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and tourism.
Traverse City: A New Autism-Certified Destination
Traverse City, Michigan, is the most recent destination to receive certification, earning its status in August 2024. Known for its natural beauty and close proximity to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Traverse City has worked to ensure that its tourism offerings are accessible to all visitors, including those on the autism spectrum.
Whitney Waara, Chief Operating Officer of Traverse City Tourism, emphasized the city’s commitment to inclusivity. “We want to ensure that our destination is welcoming to all travelers, regardless of their needs,” said Waara. This initiative has been several years in the making, with a focus on making the city as accessible and inclusive as possible.
Autism-Friendly Attractions in Traverse City
The Dennos Museum in Traverse City has been a key participant in the city’s certification process. As part of its commitment to inclusivity, the museum offers several autism-friendly features, such as quiet spaces, sensory maps, and noise-canceling headphones. Additionally, the museum hosts events specifically designed to accommodate neurodivergent visitors, including sensory-friendly Halloween celebrations.
Craig Hadley, Executive Director of the Dennos Museum, expressed his pride in being part of the certification process. “It may seem like a simple thing, but it means a lot to families when the person they’re interacting with understands their unique needs,” said Hadley.
Inspiration from Mesa, Arizona
Traverse City’s initiative to become autism-certified was inspired by Mesa, Arizona, the first US city to receive this designation in 2019. What began as an effort by Mesa’s tourism board, driven by the CEO’s experience as the parent of an autistic child, quickly gained momentum and grew into a citywide movement.
Alison Brooks, Vice President of Destination Experience and Advocacy at Visit Mesa, explained how the project took shape. “It just organically grew,” said Brooks. “A lot of people are affected by autism in some way, and it was clear that this was the right thing to do.”
The Impact of Autism-Friendly Certification
In Mesa, the Autism Travel page on the Visit Mesa website features free sensory guides for the city’s most popular attractions. The city has also introduced a “Live Life Limitless” passport, which highlights autism-certified businesses, ensuring that visitors can easily identify autism-friendly establishments.
This certification not only benefits travelers but also instills a sense of pride among residents, many of whom are directly or indirectly affected by autism. “Whenever I talk to residents, there’s this sense of pride that our city is autism-certified,” said Brooks.
The Future of Autism-Friendly Travel
As more destinations adopt autism-friendly practices, the travel experience for neurodivergent individuals is steadily improving. For Kerry Magro, the growing willingness of cities and businesses to educate themselves about autism is a step in the right direction. “I hope this isn’t just a trend, but a lasting change,” said Magro. “Our community deserves to be embraced with open arms.”
Conclusion
Autism-certified destinations are paving the way for a more inclusive travel industry. By understanding the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals and offering tailored accommodations, these destinations are making travel more accessible and enjoyable for all. As more cities and businesses follow suit, the future of autism-friendly travel looks bright, offering opportunities for growth, understanding, and inclusion.
