Accessible travel: A journey of inclusion and empathy for neurodivergent families

Traveling is often described as a journey of discovery, but for families with autistic children, it is first and foremost a journey of preparation. As a mother of two autistic children and a tourism professional, I’ve experienced firsthand how challenging—and transformative—travel can be when approached through an inclusive lens.

Last year, my family traveled by car to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, a destination recognized for its autism-friendly practices. My daughter Luiza, age 5, has autism, global developmental delay, and a rare chromosome 3 deletion. She typically struggles with long car rides, so we made planned stops and brought her favorite sensory toys. These adjustments helped regulate her mood throughout the journey.

Once there, we had wonderful inclusive experiences at Ripley’s Aquarium and the Broadway Grand Prix kart park—both of which we accessed with support from the Autism Travel app. The staff at both venues were welcoming and well-informed, and we found calm restaurant spaces that made our stay even more comfortable.

However, not all of our trips have gone smoothly. On an earlier visit to Orlando, we celebrated my son Benjamin’s 4th birthday at Magic Kingdom. Despite using videos to prepare him for attractions in advance, our first ride—Big Thunder Mountain Railroad—was overwhelming. The crowded line and the unexpected intensity of the ride triggered a sensory overload, and he cried the entire time. He didn’t want to go on any other rides that day. Even I was surprised by the emotional impact, despite our efforts to create predictability.

Later, we had a much more positive experience at LEGOLAND New York, using free passes provided by Merlin’s Magic Wand. The park is full of thoughtful touches: quiet areas, skip-the-line passes, shaded LEGO play zones, and staff trained to assist neurodivergent guests. It was a joyful and peaceful experience for the whole family.

These personal moments inspired me to become a Certified Autism Travel Professional (IBCCES). I’ve since made it a personal mission to help other families become aware of the many tools, services, and strategies that can support their journeys—such as Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS), TSA Cares, and the IBCCES Accessibility Card, which allows families to share their support needs with certified destinations in advance. Techniques like social stories, visual schedules, and sensory supports can also make travel far more manageable and empowering.

I also share guidance and lived experiences with other parents through conversations, local community initiatives, and presentations. Occasionally, I’m invited to speak to groups of caregivers and families about how inclusive practices can transform their approach to travel.

Recently, I had the opportunity to present a proposal at the Massachusetts State House, advocating for broader adoption of sensory-friendly tourism across the state. As a resident of Massachusetts and mother of two autistic children born here, I see firsthand how inclusive policies can impact families like mine. The plan includes expanded training for hospitality staff, a statewide certification seal, and the development of a public app to help families locate sensory-friendly spaces and services. These efforts are essential, especially considering that 1 in 31 children in the U.S. is now diagnosed with autism, and Massachusetts has one of the highest adult autism prevalence rates nationwide.

While much of my advocacy is focused locally, I also believe inclusive practices must be expanded to popular destinations across the country. One of my goals, as a tourism specialist with expertise in Orlando, is to promote sensory-friendly hours in all major attractions—offering reduced noise, smaller crowds, and better-trained staff. Whether at home or on vacation, neurodivergent families deserve environments where they are truly welcomed and supported.

As both a mother and a professional, I believe inclusive travel is not only possible—it’s essential. By sharing knowledge, encouraging preparedness, and advocating for inclusive policies, we help create a world where every family can travel with joy, comfort, and confidence.