Travel for travellers with autism is becoming more accessible thanks to increased accessibility efforts and certification programmes. The number of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing worldwide, and for many, unfamiliar environments, loud noises or crowds can cause sensory overload, causing them to avoid travel. According to Autism Speaks, one in 31 children and one in 45 adults in the United States are affected.
The travel industry has responded to these challenges, with a growing number of venues and services offering options to help people with autism travel comfortably and stress-free. For more than 20 years, the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) has been working to improve accessibility for people with autism. They offer training and certification programs, such as Certified Autism Center (CAC) and Certified Autism Destination (CAD), that help venues and service providers prepare to welcome visitors with autism. The certifications ensure that 80% of venue staff receive training so they can better respond to the needs of travelers with autism. Emirates, for example, became the first airline to receive CAC certification in April 2024, demonstrating its commitment to accessibility in aviation.
CAD certification is awarded to cities and towns that offer a range of different autism-friendly attractions, accommodation and experiences. Examples include Greater Palm Springs, California and Traverse City, Michigan, which boast a number of CAC-certified hotels and activities. Such places ensure that travellers with autism can enjoy their journey in comfort and safety, without the risk of the usual sensory overload.
In addition, the Autism Travel Club’s (ATC) Autism Ready programme helps travellers with autism by providing participating businesses with training on the needs of people with autism. ATC certified businesses ensure that staff are aware of the challenges associated with autism and are able to provide appropriate assistance to visitors.
In the future, the travel industry will continue to work to make travel easier and more accessible for everyone. Certificates, training programmes and accessible services will appear in more and more locations, providing more choice for a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience (TravelPulse).