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Improving Travel Experiences for Neurodiverse Travellers
In 2018, Marc Garcia went on a family holiday and was appalled by how staff treated his autistic son. As the CEO and president of Visit Mesa, a tourism bureau in Arizona, he made a vow to provide better experiences for neurodiverse travellers visiting his city.
According to a survey by Autism Travel, an arm of the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), 87% of autistic families do not take vacations due to the stress and anxiety involved in travel. This stress is caused by sensory overload, loud noises, dietary changes, and disruption of routines. This can lead to discomfort and outbursts if not compassionately managed.
However, cities like Mesa are beginning to put measures in place to ensure that everyone can enjoy travel, not just those who are neurotypical.
Training and Certification for Neurodiverse Awareness
Garcia began by getting the entire tourism bureau trained and certified by IBCCES, an organization that provides cognitive disorder training and certification to professionals. This ensures that staff, particularly those in public-facing roles, understand what autism is and how to communicate more effectively with neurodiverse people.
For hotels, restaurants, and attractions, this means training staff to empathize with how autistic individuals experience the world, be aware of potential common sensitivities, and learn practical ways to better accommodate neurodiverse individuals.
The Growing Prevalence of Autism
The Centers for Disease Control reports that in 2020, one in 36 children were diagnosed with autism in the US. The World Health Organization estimates that one in 100 children have autism worldwide, and this number is increasing every year, making autism the fastest-growing developmental disorder in the world.
Alongside sharing statistics and education on autism, IBCCES training also provides guidance on practical ways to accommodate neurodiverse travellers to ensure that everyone can enjoy the benefits of travel.
