Bay Area Leads the Way in Autism-Friendly Travel

In recent years, the travel industry has started to pay more attention to the needs of autistic travelers and their families. In the Bay Area, innovative steps are being taken to make travel more accessible and less daunting for these individuals, a significant move considering the rising autism rates in the United States. As per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, about 1 in 36 children were on the autism spectrum in 2020, marking a significant increase since 2000.

Concord hotels initiated a commendable practice in December, offering free "practice stays" for families with autistic children. This initiative allows families to familiarize their children with the hotel environment, helping to reduce anxiety and stress related to new experiences. Additionally, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is now providing check-in and boarding "rehearsals" to help ease the travel process. San José’s airport has introduced sunflower lanyards for visitors requiring extra assistance, a thoughtful gesture that enhances their travel experience.

The benefits of autism-friendly travel options are twofold: they provide much-needed support for the neurodivergent community and also boost the travel industry's business. Meredith Tekin, president of the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), highlights the reluctance of families grappling with autism to travel due to the lack of friendly options. However, with more accessible travel choices, these families are likely to travel more, indicating a potential increase in business for the travel sector.

The personal experience of the German family from Concord exemplifies the positive impact of such initiatives. Their son Eli, who is on the autism spectrum, finds comfort and joy in the inclusive practices of these travel accommodations. The family's approach of gradual exposure to travel, such as showing Eli pictures of the hotel and familiarizing him with it through activities like counting room numbers, has shown beneficial results. Their experience at Hilton Concord, where they celebrated Eli's birthday, was particularly noteworthy for its accommodating and understanding environment.

To further support these initiatives, a $50,000 American Rescue Plan grant was allocated to the hotel program in Concord. This funding not only aids families but also provides valuable insights to hotels on how to offer inclusive and accessible hospitality. Strategies like early hotel check-in and allocating ground-floor rooms to families with special needs are practical steps towards this goal.

The airport sector is also adapting to these needs. San Jose’s airport, along with others like London Heathrow, offers sunflower lanyards to assist travelers with hidden disabilities. SFO's partnership with MagnusCards for an SFO-specific app, providing step-by-step guidance for families with special needs, is another significant step towards making air travel more accessible.

Training is essential in this process of adaptation. Programs like Connecticut-based Autism Double-Checked are pivotal in educating hospitality staff and certifying hotels, resorts, and airlines. These programs teach staff about environmental triggers and appropriate responses to specific situations involving autistic travelers.

Families like the Germans are embracing these changes, using industry adaptations like practice stays and airport tours to make travel more enjoyable for their autistic children. By preparing adequately, such as packing favorite movies and noise-canceling headphones, and being equipped with tools like Apple watches for safety, these families are finding new ways to enjoy travel experiences together.

The Bay Area’s initiatives in making travel autism-friendly are not just a boon for families with autistic members but a testament to the industry's growing understanding and inclusivity. These efforts are paving the way for a future where travel is accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their neurodiversity.