Taking the Kids: Let's #CelebrateDifferences

Nicole Thibault, who lives near Rochester, N.Y., was prompted to start a travel agency, Magical Story Book Travels, to help families like her own with someone on the autism spectrum. After a disastrous theme park trip with her then 3-year-old son that led to his diagnosis, she said his behavior and reaction to crowds and noise “really brought things to a head.”

“Rather than about what your child cannot do, focus on what your child can do, “ suggests Sarah Marshall, owner of TravelAble Vacations, a travel agency for accessible travel, with a focus on families traveling with autism or medical needs. Marshall, the mom of a child on the the autism spectrum has produced a downloadable 2022 Autism Travel Guide,

But parents clearly need to do their homework ahead of time and speak up for what they need, said Christopher Banks.

For example, TSA Cares is a helpline that provides travelers with disabilities additional assistance, as long as you call (855-787-2227) 72 hours before your flight. Download a TSA notification card, which should help you get whisked through screening without waiting in long lines.

Now entire towns are becoming autism friendly. Visit Visalia, located near Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, is California's first destination marketing organization to become a Certified Autism Center by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), complete with a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program. Those with autism can wear a free sunflower lanyard, bracelet or lapel pin to indicate that they have a hidden disability and might need some support. They have worked with destinations throughout California to create an autism road trip that includes only places that are Certified Autism Centers, such as The Grammy Museum and the newly opened Sesame Place in San Diego.

Sandals’ Beaches resorts in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos have an array of assistance for these families, including sensory toys, a culinary concierge to support dietary restrictions, advanced training for staff, and an optional service of “One-on-One Beaches Buddy. The “buddy” is a staff member who is autism certified. Also present is Julia, "Sesame Street’s" first character on the autism spectrum.

Beaches Resorts was the first Caribbean all-inclusive resort company to attain the Advanced Certified Autism Center (ACAC) designation from IBCCES. “We remain committed to elevating the inclusive vacation experience at Beaches Resorts," said Adam Stewart, executive chairman of Sandals Resorts International.

Even adventure companies and cruise lines are committing to inclusiveness. Quasar Expeditions is hosting its first Galapagos cruise dedicated to travelers with autism and their families in collaboration with Denise Carbon, a special needs expert with 30 years of experience in the field.

Royal Caribbean has been certified by Autism on the Seas with an Autism Friendly Certification. That includes priority check-in, boarding and departure, special dietary accommodations, and flexible grouping by ability in Adventure Ocean programs.

Autism on the Seas, meanwhile, offers “staffed cruises” on Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruises, and resort stays, including Walt Disney World catering to families with children, teens and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Christopher O’Shea noted that with two children on the autism spectrum, he and his wife were reluctant to travel anywhere. Then they won a trip to Beaches. They have been returning every year in the decade since, thanks to all the accommodations and understanding from the trained staff. As a result, “Beaches has been a place where my son and daughter could start to explore their independence. We have had so many positive experiences.”

The key, he added, is for parents to be clear about their children’s needs. “I think many parents want to have their kids be seen as 'normal' and are worried about their kids being stigmatized,” he said.

“Every child deserves to travel,” said Dawn Barclay.

Every family too, no matter their special needs.

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(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow TakingTheKids on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments. The Kid’s Guide to Philadelphia, the 13th in the kid’s guide series, was published in 2020, with The Kid’s Guide to Camping coming in 2021.)