Travel is part of a full community life and should be inclusive for all. Though visiting new places often can be overwhelming, for individuals with sensory needs, such as autism, there can be additional challenges — but also therapeutic benefits — with the right support. By starting the planning process with a knowledgeable AAA Travel Agent, an autism-friendly trip can be customized and made easier — particularly when working with one certified as a Certified Autism Travel Professional (CATP), such as Joe Zavesky of AAA The Auto Club Group in Brandon, Fla.
“Having been in the travel industry for 27 years, my CATP certification adds a specialized expertise within travel,” says Zavesky, who also once worked with AAA in New Jersey. He was one of the first agents in the AAA Northeast region to obtain that specialization.
Zavesky’s journey started in 2007 at a travel supplier conference, where he learned about the CATP program with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Once certified, Zavesky says travel professionals also have to take an annual refresher course.
The key to planning is to find accommodations and local attractions that offer accessibility, yes, but in particular, meet the special needs of the families traveling. Despite some differences, there are some established best practices to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for the whole family, and more research is being done every day.
According to “Start Here: A Guide for Parents of Autistic Kids” by the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN), parents should take into consideration support needs, aka “things autistic people need help with.” They can look for a sensory guide and prepare in advance if routines need to be adjusted for a child. This could include role-playing and preparing for a flight, discussing what to expect, or developing social stories — aka brief descriptions of a scenario, event or action, including what to expect and why.
To meet this growing demand, the travel industry is adapting and providing services for disabilities and sensory issues. (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted in 2020 that one in every 36 children was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.) Increasingly, there are guidelines and resources online, encompassingly flying with a disability and accessible attractions, such as a theme park or water park. Many are providing support like quiet rooms, staff training or other travel-related services for individuals who may experience sensory sensitivities and discomfort from loud noises or light. Autism-friendly destinations also may advertise special accommodations and easy access. However, with more information available than ever — narrowing down the most appropriate for a family vacation can be costly both in time and money, even for the most savvy traveler.
IBCCES, a training and certification organization that focuses on autism and cognitive differences, ran its well-known autism travel survey in 2022 to find out more about what expectations autistic family members might have or need regarding travel. Results from this 2022 survey show that 78% are hesitant to go to or visit new places because they or their child is autistic. This is down from 82% in other surveys but still shows there still is work to be done. In the same survey, respondents (94%) also said they would take more trips or go to more new places if there was extensive training and certified resources in place.
Traveling with AAA and working with a Certified Autism Travel Professional (CATP) can streamline and organize options. These extremely helpful travel agents are trained to create fully accessible itineraries tailored to the needs of those in the autism community and other family members. The goal is to minimize stress and maximize enjoyment, ensuring that the entire family can participate in and enjoy the magic of travel.
“Autism is a complex spectrum. It can be very specific, or a combination of several sensitivities,” says Zavesky. “Communication with a travel agent is the key. The more the agent knows, the better they can research the proper options. Each person is different, and no two trips will ever have identical scenarios.”
Read along for his thoughts on best practices and what you can expect from working with a AAA Travel Agent, particularly one with CATP certification. This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for length and clarity.
1. What should someone do as they start trip planning if they or a family member is autistic? Should they pick a destination first, or can you help them find accessible things to do where they go?
The best way is to talk to a CATP-certified agent like me first. Depending on the individual’s aversions or sensitivities, we have to make sure we match the right destination or setting to that individual. For example, if they have a fear of water, you’re not sending them to the beach. If they have an aversion to crowds, you’re not sending them to Disney. There is no blanket solution. Every individual is unique and has unique needs.
2. Why is that awareness so important?
Again, every person is different. One of the themes of training is [Dr. Stephen Shore’s quote], “If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.” Autism is a broad, general term. You have to find out the specifics. That would be akin to walking into a car dealership and asking, “How much is a car?” The dealer would have to ask you a bunch of questions first to make sure you’re getting what you need and not what you don’t.
3. Can you recommend any places to go that offer autism-friendly options and services?
More and more cruise lines, resorts and destinations are obtaining “autism-friendly” designations. The number keeps growing. Beaches Resorts, for example, has a dedicated staff devoted to the needs of autistic guests at their all-inclusive resorts. For autism-friendly cruises, Royal Caribbean also has dedicated personnel to start working with families before they even get on the cruise. Just to name two. There are many.
4. How can I communicate needs to airline staff, hotel staff members, and other travel providers to ensure a smooth and stress-free trip?
Most travel providers who are “autism-friendly” have special phone numbers for guests to contact to discuss any special requirements and requests and to address any specific questions or concerns.
5. What’s the best way to prepare for the sensory challenges of flying or visiting a new place?
Many airports have been developing programs to allow individuals to get through security easier. Most cruise lines have specially trained staff to assist with activities, and many resorts are now “autism-friendly.” It is a fast-growing feature that everyone wants to be a part of.
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