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Have you ever wanted to take a family vacation but didn’t because you couldn’t find enough autism support? As a mom to an autistic son, I understand how complicated it can seem to take a vacation. However, as a travel advisor who specializes in working with autistic families, I can tell you that autism support is becoming more available. This is especially true down in Myrtle Beach. This beach destination has long been a supporter of autistic families like yours. And they continue to do what they can to ensure all autistic families enjoy their vacation in Myrtle Beach. If you would like to plan a vacation in Myrtle Beach, contact me today.
Autism Support is Available for Your Family Vacation in Myrtle Beach
First, Myrtle Beach was the first place designated as autism-friendly. Employees at numerous businesses in the area were trained to interact with families with autism. You will notice that training from the moment you arrive. Over at the Myrtle Beach International Airport, there is a quiet room near the baggage claim area. This is an excellent place to take an autistic child after a flight. The tranquility within the room will allow your autistic child to decompress after being around so many people on the plane and at the airport. You'll find that Autism Support is Available for Your Family Vacation in Myrtle Beach.
Myrtle Beach was also one of the first to utilize the CAN Card. This card was created for autistic families. Once you have your CAN Card, you can show it to participating businesses in Myrtle Beach so they are aware you are traveling with a person with autism. Your CAN Card will allow you to be seated in a quieter area at a restaurant. Certain businesses will provide you with a discount. Others will provide exceptional services. While the training and CAN Cards have been excellent first steps, Visit Myrtle Beach has not stopped finding new ways to help autistic families like yours. With the help of the Champion Autism Network (CAN) and TravelAbility,
Visit Myrtle Beach is expanding its autism awareness services.
The 3 New Initiatives by Visit Myrtle Beach
1. Sensory-Friendly Children’s Book: The first initiative
Visit Myrtle Beach is publishing a sensory-friendly children’s book. They partnered with Lynda Farrington, an author and illustrator. The fictional book will allow autistic families to discover the joy of family vacations and discuss the different challenges autistic families face when it comes to new experiences and environments.
2. Creating a Sensory-Friendly Advisory Panel
Visit Myrtle Beach’s second initiative is creating a sensory-friendly advisory panel. This panel ensures all autistic families understand that The Beach is for everyBODY. This advisory panel will include numerous experts. Some of those experts will be from the autism and sensory fields. Others will be people who have had direct experience with autistic people. The goal of this panel is to continue to increase the accessibility of Myrtle Beach. Regular meetings will be held beginning this summer.
3. Creating a Sensory-Friendly Pledge
The last initiative is creating a sensory-friendly pledge. The pledge is known as The Beach is for everyBODY. Local businesses will sign the pledge to show they understand why they should commit to welcoming guests with autism and other disabilities. The businesses that sign the pledge will need to ensure their employees have undergone autism awareness training. They should participate in the CAN Card while ensuring their business offers inclusive spaces. These three initiatives will ensure every autistic family can have a wonderful vacation in Myrtle Beach.
No family should have to avoid family vacations due to an autism diagnosis. Let me help you take a family vacation in Myrtle Beach. I can make all the arrangements for you and even ensure specific resources are in place. Contact me today, and you will see how vacations are possible for all autistic families.
