Autism can cause individuals to experience the world differently. Due to sensory sensitivity, they can face challenges traveling to and enjoying certain activities. Lights, sounds, crowds, and other factors can cause them to have adverse experiences in specific environments. But airlines, cruise ships, theme parks, and entertainment venues see the value of accommodating this untapped audience.
According to the International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is “a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by atypical abilities or differences in social interaction and verbal or nonverbal communication and repetitive, restrictive patterns and interests.” The Annals of Tourism Research Empirical Insights reports that “Participation in tourism is lower among families with a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder than among comparable families.”
Family-themed creator channels like The Gentle Life share information with families seeking guidance on navigating family travel and other activities.
Select airlines, theme parks, and entertainment venues are addressing this by implementing accommodations that allow everyone to enjoy the fun in a way that honors their experience.
They provide sensory kits, safe spaces, and altered versions of activities. Below are the changes being made to include autistic individuals.
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Air Travel
Emirates Airline is not just known for its premium seats and fine dining options. It is also celebrated for setting out to become the first global autism-certified airline. In 2023, Emirates Airline mandated that 23,000 staff members complete an education program called “Introduction to Autism and Hidden Disabilities Training.”
According to their website, “Emirates’ ground staff and cabin crew will undertake a new, focused training on autism and sensory awareness to equip them with the understanding and skills to address needs of travellers with autism and sensory sensitivities, along with their families.”
Multi-sensory rooms have been opened in airports across the country. Birmingham, Newark, Detroit, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, and San Diego offer these soothing spaces to comfort autistic people who might be overstimulated.
Wings for Autism permits families to schedule sessions to practice the boarding process.
Cruises
Several cruise lines offer accommodations for autistic individuals and their families. Royal Caribbean provides autism accommodations on select ships. Aboard these ships, there are “extra professionally trained staff in caring for individuals with developmental disabilities,” “specialized respite sessions,” and “private activities and sessions.”
Royal Caribbean offers “Expedited check-in, boarding, and departure,” “Special dietary accommodations,” “Autism-Friendly Toy Lending,” and “Autism-Friendly Films.” They also offer all guests access to a social story that can be downloaded before departure. Social stories are powerful intervention tools. They allow people to familiarize themselves with their surroundings before they arrive so that they know what to expect.
“The goals of social stories are to share accurate social information and to promote social understanding. These short, individualized stories provide support in new and sometimes confusing social experiences,” reports the Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences Journal.
However, Royal Caribbean provides Autism-Friendly accommodations to children, teens, and adults.
Celebrity Cruises “offers autism-friendly interactive initiatives for families, including sensory-friendly films and toys and dietary menu options.” Carnival Cruises also offers accommodations.
They are the “first cruise line to be certified ‘sensory inclusive’ by KultureCity®, a leading nonprofit for individuals with sensory and invisible disabilities.”
Disney Cruise Lines’ custom app allows users to contact counselors and obtain helpful information. The company also schedules sensory-friendly activities for all age levels.
Entertainment Venues
Concerts can be overwhelming. They often contain entertaining but shocking elements like flame projectors and fireworks. There has been a rise in sensory-friendly concerts that offer equally enjoyable but less stimulating experiences that don’t surprise people with random flashes of pyrotechnics.
Some musical and dance venues offer shortened performances, leave the lights up, and limit ticket sales to accommodate autistic people.
Movie theaters are expanding their efforts to be inclusive as well. AMC has partnered with the Autism Society to offer sensory-friendly screenings. The company is the largest movie theater in the United States, making its industry-shifting commitment significant. Regal Theatres developed the My Way Matinee program. During these screenings, guests can access “a safe space where our guests are free to express themselves by singing, crying, dancing, walking around, talking or shouting while enjoying Hollywood’s latest films.”
Amusement Parks
LEGOLAND® New York is a Certified Autism Center. Sesame Place provides noise-canceling headphones and the option to participate in a low-sensory parade viewing. Six Flags amusement parks honor the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards accessibility cards throughout their facilities.
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom offers sensory kits, sensory guides, and disposable ear protection at guests’ request. Their family care center is equipped with a multi-sensory and calming room.
