A resource for families visiting theme parks with children on the autism spectrum

If your child is on the autism spectrum, you might have hesitated to plan vacations, particularly to busy and chaotic places like theme parks. You are not alone; a study by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) reveals that 87% of families with autistic children skip family vacations.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that varies in severity and can lead to difficulties in social interactions, communication, and behavior. Common symptoms include heightened sensitivity to certain stimuli and challenges in adjusting to changes in routine, which can be an inherent part of traveling.

With around 1% of the global population being autistic, it’s uncommon to find someone whose life hasn’t been affected by this condition. In fact, in 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that one in 59 children is diagnosed with autism, an increase from one in 150 in 2002.

However, theme parks are increasingly making efforts to better accommodate their autistic guests.

Several parks are implementing autism training for their staff, offering sensory guides that specifically address triggers and provide various useful resources.

We consulted Stephen Shore, the author of "Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome" and an IBCCES-certified special education professor at Adelphi University, to identify the main challenges faced by individuals with ASD and their families when traveling.

He shared with TPG, "The absence of a quiet space for regrouping when necessary, particularly if a child has a meltdown, can be a major hurdle. Additionally, the disapproving stares from those lacking understanding, long waiting times for activities, and the journey itself can be challenging, highlighting the importance of educating individuals in all transportation sectors."

This is just a glimpse of the various factors to consider when visiting a theme park with a child on the autism spectrum.

Shore, who is also on the autism spectrum, travels globally to speak at conferences — sometimes as many as 100 each year — sharing his insights on living and traveling with autism, drawing from his extensive personal experiences on the topic.

"Travel can feel quite overwhelming due to the abundance of sensory experiences," he mentioned during an interview. "Despite travel often being meticulously planned, delays and unexpected changes are almost inevitable." This can be particularly challenging for someone on the autism spectrum who may struggle with sudden alterations to their itinerary.

Visiting theme parks and amusement parks can always pose certain challenges (especially with young children involved) — particularly now with new protocols due to COVID-19. However, as parks strive to accommodate autistic guests throughout the US, what once seemed impossible is now achievable. Just make sure to come prepared.

Essential Tips for Preparing for Your Theme Park Experience

It's crucial to recognize that autism manifests in various ways — hence it is classified as a spectrum. Understanding potential triggers for a meltdown before visiting a theme park is vital. Individuals with autism may have sensitivities to crowds, loud sounds, and disruptions to their routine — all common at theme parks.

Consider these steps to take prior to your journey:

• Prepare a visual guide to the park for your child
• Watch videos and view photos in the weeks leading up to your visit
• Share a proposed itinerary for the day
• Practice standing in line
• Get accustomed to wearing a mask if that's a daily challenge

Items to Pack for the Park

When packing your day bag for the park, include items such as earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, your child's favorite device or calming activity, preferred snacks, a sensory toy, and a comfortable face mask. The National Autistic Society recommends including glasses with tinted lenses and ear defenders. Playing soothing music through headphones can also help calm someone with autism.

Certain theme parks offer quieter, less crowded days specifically for autistic guests (listed below) along with designated sensory rooms. These sensory rooms are typically dimly lit, quiet, and air-conditioned spaces where individuals with autism can retreat from the overwhelming atmosphere of the busy park.

"Think of it as a quiet space," Shore mentioned. "It features low sensory stimulation. The lighting is soft, there may be comfortable seating, and various fidget toys available. It’s a sanctuary to help you escape from everything."

Finally, create a schedule with your child and try to adhere to it as closely as possible. TPG contributor Dan Miller mentioned that before traveling, he prepares a daily itinerary for family vacations with his children, some of whom are on the autism spectrum. "We typically start with a piece of paper divided into morning, afternoon, and evening, then fill in the known details," he shared.

Shore also recommended that if your child is nonverbal or struggles with reading, a picture-based schedule can serve as an effective alternative.

Once you've decided to take your child to a theme park, the next step is to choose which one.

Theme Parks Providing ASD Accommodations

Shore advised families with children on the autism spectrum to opt for theme parks that are IBBCES-certified. To receive this certification, a theme park must meet all the criteria listed below:

• At least 80% of the staff must be trained and certified in autism (this includes completing an online course and passing a standardized exam)
• Adhere to National Healthcare/Education Accreditation standards
• Commit to continuous autism training
• Meet HIPAA and ADA compliance standards

You can find a complete list of amusement parks that are certified autism centers on the Certified Autism Center (CAC) website here. We've also highlighted some popular parks below. Only Sesame Place holds CAC certification, but all the parks listed have programs designed to accommodate autistic guests.

Disney Theme Parks Across the US

Navigating the expansive Disney parks with a child on the autism spectrum can feel overwhelming, but Disney provides various tools and accommodations to help make your visit smoother.

Before your visit, make sure to review the Walt Disney World Resort visual guide or the Disneyland visual guide here.

Disney features designated quiet areas for downtime. These spaces are marked on the visual guides and are intended for individuals with autism who may need a break from the constant activity of the park. If you have trouble locating these areas, any cast member can assist you in finding them.

It's essential to register your child for the park's Disability Access Service. This service helps guests who may struggle with long waits at attractions by allowing them to set a return time similar to the current queue, enabling them to enjoy the ride without waiting in line.

Disney also offers a useful Rider Switch program, allowing groups of three or more to divide and alternate their spots on attractions, which means they don't have to wait in line twice if some members prefer not to ride.

For more details on how to get ready for a trip to Disneyland, click here, and for information on preparing for a visit to Disney World, click here.

Make sure to verify that these features are operational as theme parks start their pandemic reopening process.

Universal Orlando

The accommodation services at Universal Orlando closely resemble those at Disney, though there are some distinctions.

For instance, the park features Child Swap instead of Rider Switch. While it operates similarly to Disney's system, it's available on "most" attractions rather than all of them. In some respects, it may be preferable since there is often a waiting area for the rest of the family.

Universal also offers an Attraction Assistance Pass. This pass enables guests to schedule a return time that aligns with the current wait for a specific attraction, helping them avoid standing in line. Passes can be obtained at guest services, but be aware that you may need to provide a list or written justification for why your child qualifies for the pass. Additionally, purchasing a traditional Express Pass can help the day run more smoothly.

Check out the Accessibility Information Packet here. While there isn't a lot to explore, it can help you get acquainted with the maps and plan ahead for your visit.

Sesame Place

Sesame Place is recognized as the first theme park globally to achieve Certified Autism Center status, with a minimum of 80% of its staff trained and certified to engage with guests on the autism spectrum.

The park offers various accommodations for autistic guests, including Special Access Passes available at the welcome center upon arrival. These passes provide expedited access for guests and up to three companions to six dry rides and three wet rides.

The park features two sensory and quiet rooms, along with special areas for viewing parades and character dining experiences. These allow kids who cannot wait in line to still meet their favorite Sesame Street characters, although this experience comes with an extra fee.

Before visiting, be sure to download the park's IBCCES-approved sensory guide, which offers a ride-by-ride analysis of the specific challenges children with autism may encounter.

Legoland

Since 2016, Legoland has provided various programs and services for guests with ASD, including multiple quiet rooms throughout the park. These rooms are equipped with noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, squishy toys, and Lego building tables.

Legoland also offers "social stories", which are illustrated guides that walk guests through theme park rides and shows. This helps prepare them for experiences involving darkness, loud sounds, bright lights, or other possible triggers.

As an IBBCES-certified park, Legoland ensures that its staff undergo specialized training to effectively interact with and support guests (and their families) on the autism spectrum.

Dollywood

Dollywood features a "social story" page on its website that helps guests introduce their child with autism to the park ahead of their visit. Presented like a picture book, it guides visitors through the park in a storybook-style slideshow format.

Dollywood provides a ticketing program similar to other parks, allowing guests with autism to receive a boarding pass at the Ride Accessibility Center. This pass lets them (along with up to four guests) bypass the line by returning at a scheduled time. The park also offers a Parent Swap ride program, akin to Disney's ride switch system.

If the environment becomes overwhelming, Dollywood has a sensory Calming Room equipped with beanbag chairs, weighted blankets, a teepee, and fiberoptic lights.

Download the Dollywood app for attraction information, daily show schedules, personalized maps, and live ride wait times here.

Six Flags

Six Flags provides guests with autism a special Attraction Access Pass, enabling them to enter rides through alternate entrances without waiting in line. Upon arrival at an attraction with their pass, guests will receive a ride reservation time that is "comparable to the current wait time for the same ride/attraction." When their scheduled time arrives, they and up to three companions can board through the alternate entrance.

The park also hosts a designated Autism Day for visitors on the spectrum. According to Six Flags, this day is "sensory-friendly," featuring adjusted lighting, additional special education staff from the Gersh Academy, and designated calming areas throughout the park filled with sensory-friendly items like iPads, couches, and more.

They also offer an attraction-by-attraction sensory guide for guests. However, Autism Day is only celebrated once a year, so be sure to mark your calendars if you plan to take your family.

Cedar Point

In addition to hosting some of the most thrilling roller coasters in the US, Cedar Point takes significant steps to accommodate guests with autism. The park features both Boarding Pass and Parent Swap systems, as well as several quiet attractions and zones to relax in throughout the day. Recently, they introduced a new sensory room at FrontierTown First Aid, conveniently located near the Jitney Arcade. For more information, you can check out here.

Final Thoughts

Exploring new experiences can be daunting for anyone, particularly for individuals with ASD. However, enjoying a theme park visit can still be a reality—just make sure to verify that the necessary accommodations are available before heading out. If the parks mentioned don’t fit your travel itinerary, you can discover other IBBCES-approved parks here.

Thanks to Stephen Shore for the insights.