North America
1. Sesame Place – Langhorne, Pennsylvania, USA
A Theme Park Designed for All
Sesame Place is the first theme park in the world to be designated as a Certified Autism Center. The park offers:
- Sensory Guides: Detailed sensory guides for each ride and attraction.
- Quiet Rooms: Quiet rooms for children who need a break from sensory stimulation.
- Low-Sensory Areas: Designated low-sensory areas throughout the park.
- Trained Staff: Staff trained to support and assist guests with autism.
2. Morgan’s Wonderland – San Antonio, Texas, USA
A Park for Inclusion
Morgan’s Wonderland is an ultra-accessible theme park designed with inclusivity in mind:
- Accessible Rides and Attractions: All rides and attractions are accessible to individuals with various disabilities.
- Sensory Village: An area with interactive sensory experiences.
- Quiet Areas: Quiet spaces for relaxation and downtime.
- Trained Staff: Staff members trained to assist visitors with special needs.
3. LEGOLAND Florida Resort – Winter Haven, Florida, USA
Building Fun for Everyone
LEGOLAND Florida Resort is committed to providing an autism-friendly environment:
- Blue Hero Pass: A pass that allows guests with autism to skip the lines.
- Quiet Rooms: Quiet rooms equipped with sensory toys and calming areas.
- Sensory Guides: Guides that detail sensory information for each attraction.
- Training: Staff trained in autism awareness and accommodations.
Europe
1. Disneyland Paris – Paris, France
Magic for All Ages
Disneyland Paris offers several autism-friendly services to ensure a magical experience:
- Priority Access Cards: Cards that provide priority access to rides and attractions.
- Designated Quiet Areas: Areas throughout the park for quiet time and relaxation.
- Special Dietary Needs: Accommodations for special dietary requirements.
- Trained Staff: Staff trained to support guests with special needs.
2. Center Parcs – Various Locations, UK
Nature and Adventure
Center Parcs offers family-friendly holiday villages with a focus on nature and outdoor activities:
- Adapted Lodges: Accessible lodges equipped with sensory-friendly features.
- Sensory Activities: Activities designed to accommodate sensory sensitivities.
- Quiet Times: Designated quiet times and areas within the park.
- Support Services: On-site support services for families with special needs.
3. Adventure Island – Southend-on-Sea, UK
Fun by the Sea
Adventure Island is a theme park that has made efforts to be autism-friendly:
- Ride Access Passes: Passes that allow priority boarding for guests with autism.
- Sensory Spaces: Sensory spaces and quiet areas throughout the park.
- Training: Staff trained to assist visitors with autism and special needs.
Asia
1. Universal Studios Japan – Osaka, Japan
Universal Fun
Universal Studios Japan offers services to accommodate guests with autism:
- Guest Support Pass: A pass that allows for priority access to attractions.
- Quiet Areas: Designated quiet areas for relaxation.
- Dietary Accommodations: Options for special dietary needs.
- Trained Staff: Staff trained in autism awareness and support.
2. Sentosa Island – Singapore
Island of Fun
Sentosa Island offers various attractions that are autism-friendly:
- Universal Studios Singapore: Similar accommodations to other Universal Studios parks.
- S.E.A. Aquarium: Quiet areas and sensory-friendly experiences.
- Sentosa Nature Discovery: Nature-based activities with sensory-friendly options.
Australia
1. Taronga Zoo – Sydney, Australia
Wildlife and Adventure
Taronga Zoo is dedicated to being inclusive and accommodating:
- Access Taronga Program: A program that provides support for visitors with disabilities.
- Sensory-Friendly Areas: Areas designed to reduce sensory overload.
- Trained Staff: Staff trained to assist visitors with autism.
- Quiet Zones: Designated quiet zones throughout the zoo.
2. Sea World – Gold Coast, Australia
Marine Magic
Sea World offers autism-friendly services to ensure an enjoyable visit:
- Guest Assistance Program: A program that provides priority access and support.
- Quiet Rooms: Quiet rooms available for visitors needing a sensory break.
- Sensory-Friendly Experiences: Activities and shows designed with sensory needs in mind.
- Trained Staff: Staff trained in autism awareness and accommodations.
Traveling with a child on the autism spectrum can be a fulfilling and enjoyable experience with the right planning and destination choices. By selecting autism-friendly destinations, you can ensure that your family has a memorable and stress-free adventure. At Unity Behavioral Services, we are committed to supporting families in creating positive travel experiences. This is a critical part of Natural Environment Teaching (NET). Learn more about NET by clicking this link! Whether you are planning a day trip or an extended vacation, these autism-friendly places around the world offer a welcoming and inclusive environment for your child.
If you need further support or have any questions about traveling with a child on the autism spectrum, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Unity Behavioral Services. We are here to help you and your family enjoy every journey.