How to travel when your family isn’t ‘ typical ’
From selecting attractions to hotel choices, a mother of an autistic son shares how her family navigates their way to places where everyone feels welcome By Lisa Kadane THE AUTISM AWARENESS LOGO IS MADE OF COLOURFUL PUZZLE PIECES
When our son bawled for the entire flight between Puerto Vallarta and Calgary, I chalked it up to the terrible threes. Ditto for road trip tantrums and restaurant outbursts. But after he received an autism diagnosis at age four, I realized travel was going to be more difficult for the family. I was delighted when we discovered Morgan’s Wonderland on a trip to San Antonio, Texas in 2012. Not only does this theme park provide universal accessibility on its rides and playgrounds, it also has plenty of sensory activities that appealed to Bennett, including a music garden and waterpark, plus areas for chilling out if he got overwhelmed. I realized there were destinations out there that celebrated differences. In the decade since that vacation, there has been a groundswell of inclusion in the travel industry, making it possible to trip-plan with intention. Work with a travel professional to get expert advice on hotels, restaurants, attractions and destinations that make every effort to welcome all families. ACCOMMODATIONS Before checking in, make sure your overnight accommodation has amenities that will contribute to a successful stay. For our family, that means a quiet room away from the elevator or street noise, a fridge to store special food items, and a swimming pool and hot tub for our young water lover. 20 Ultimate Family Vacations | 2022
Most hotels are happy to accommodate requests, such as accessible rooms for wheelchair users. Some, like the Chelsea Hotel in Toronto, offer guests with autism a “fidget kit” at check-in that includes sensory toys for self-regulation. ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES Sensory stimulation can be overwhelming for kids with autism or cognitive differences. Bennett has bolted from museums and science centres after seeing or hearing something upsetting. Now, I prepare him by creating a visual story about the experience, or we choose attractions that offer sensory kits to help ease anxiety, or quiet zones for him to reset. The OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale, Arizona, for example, is accessible and sensory sensitive. It features lower sound volume in exhibit spaces, lights that fade down rather than abruptly switch off, and two quiet rooms for guests that need a break. In Park City, Utah, the National Ability Center offers adaptive recreation for kids with motor challenges or cognitive disabilities. With extra support, my son went rock climbing for the first time and he successfully rode an adaptive bike. RESTAURANTS There’s nothing worse than getting stink-eye from other diners when your kid smears ketchup on the white