How the U.S. National Park System Is Embracing Neurodiverse Visitors

The tranquility along the Big Trees Trail in Sequoia National Park, California, is undeniable. Surrounded by ancient giant sequoias—some of the oldest and largest trees on the planet—my family finds solace in this mountain haven. My teenage son, Bennett, who has autism, also feels at peace here. While he may find it hard to express his emotions, his serene demeanor shows: instead of fidgeting, he enjoys sitting quietly on a bench, gazing at the towering trees above.

Traveling can be daunting with large crowds or extended waits. We come equipped with a sensory kit from our hotel in Visalia, the gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. This area is also recognized as a Certified Autism Destination, a designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards for venues that train staff to assist those on the spectrum. Fortunately, during this shoulder season, my husband, son, and I have the Giant Forest all to ourselves—leaving us without the need for fidget toys, as nature itself is a soothing presence.

Healing through Nature

From an early age, we recognized that outdoor activities had a soothing effect on our son. For those on the autism spectrum, connecting with nature has been proven to enhance focus and self-regulation. In Canada, where we reside, doctors can even recommend forest visits to improve overall health—time spent in nature has been shown to lower blood pressure, decrease stress, ease anxiety, and elevate mood.

Considering these health advantages, we prioritize outdoor time on every journey. We've observed sea lions and blue-footed boobies in Loreto Bay National Marine Park, Mexico, paddled through a cypress swamp near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and snorkeled off Jamaica’s Seven Mile Beach at Beaches Negril, an autism-friendly resort. Last year, while hiking in Haleakalā National Park on Maui, we discovered that having a permanent disability like autism qualifies Bennett for a free lifetime Access Pass from the U.S. National Park Service—an excellent motivation for us to explore America’s protected natural areas. (Although this pass is limited to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, my son, like me, holds dual U.S. and Canadian citizenship. At parks that charge per vehicle, the pass allows entry for the owner and all passengers. At locations with per-person fees, it covers the owner plus three adults.)

However, it’s not only nature working wonders in these parks: The National Park Service is also stepping up. Accessibility is a key focus at U.S. national parks, where inclusion is evolving beyond physical adaptations such as wheelchair ramps and ASL interpretation to encompass support for neurodiverse visitors through social stories, sensory guides, and staff trained to assist families by recommending calming areas or less populated trails.

“We’re noticing a significant increase in families and organizations supporting neurodiverse individuals visiting the parks and requesting [assistance],” shares Jeremy Buzzell, manager of the Park Accessibility for Visitors and Employees (PAVE) program with the National Park Service.

Parks are reevaluating how they interact with visitors and what support they can provide from an autism or neurodivergent perspective, according to Buzzell, who notes that hundreds of National Park Service employees have participated in online autism sensitivity training. This training equips them to recognize and assist individuals on the spectrum by asking families how they can help (rather than making assumptions) or suggesting quiet areas and paths.

How California parks are supporting neurodiverse visitors

Prior to our visit to Sequoia, we watched the park’s new accessibility film series to prepare Bennett for what he would encounter. To minimize exposure to crowds, which can be overwhelming for autistic individuals, we arrive early to explore popular sites like Tunnel Log before moving on to quieter locations. This strategy leads us to the Big Trees Trail instead of the General Sherman Tree, which park staff caution can become busy with long wait times for photos.

“Our best advice [for travelers with autism] is to visit a visitor center and communicate your needs,” advises Sintia Kawasaki-Lee, communications officer for Sequoia and Kings Canyon. “Our park team is eager to assist you in creating an itinerary tailored to your requirements.”

Families can also arrange a private tour with Sequoia Parks Conservancy, a partner experienced in conducting programs for families with neurodiverse members. These customized tours, priced at $125 per hour for groups of up to 12, focus on the park’s quieter areas or specific interests, such as exploring for insects along the Tokopah Falls Trail, explains program coordinator Rebecca Jones.

Channel Islands, one of the least frequented national parks in the state that we visited before Sequoia, features tactile exhibits in its visitor center, and the park’s online accessibility guide points out quiet areas for travelers to unwind. The park also alerts visitors to the loud sounds from seabirds and sea lions; instead of startling Bennett, the screeching and barking made him burst into giggles.

In Death Valley, a digital sensory guide evaluates how the park’s often harsh environments affect different senses. Additionally, there’s a collection of online “social stories,” which are digital booklets that prepare neurodiverse guests by outlining various aspects of the park so they know what to expect.

Death Valley also provides sensory kits equipped with items like polarized sunglasses, noise-canceling headphones, and cooling towels with squirt bottles to help sensitive visitors cope with the park’s intense sun, wind, and heat. During a prior visit, we came ready with hats, sunglasses, and water, and Bennett seemed unfazed by the gusts at Badwater Basin or the sand in his shoes at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.

Cognitive inclusion initiatives at other National Park Service locations

Awareness of cognitive accessibility extends beyond California's national parks. National historic sites and preserves nationwide are promoting neurodiversity across the country.

Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania hosted its inaugural “sensory friendly day” in 2023, where park staff muted the battle sounds, distributed fidget toys, and provided a quiet room for guests needing extra support in self-regulation.

“We’ve been amazed by the turnout,” remarks Christopher Gwinn, chief of interpretation and education at Gettysburg. Nearly 200 visitors took part in the two events held in 2024. Plans are underway to make this initiative a more regular occurrence.

At Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Illinois, guidance for visitors with cognitive or learning disabilities is available online, and sensory kits can be obtained at the visitor center front desk. In Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park prepares neurodiverse guests for the dark, crowded, and potentially claustrophobic cave tours by providing specific expectations through detailed online descriptions. (Those with cognitive disabilities are encouraged to inform rangers of any concerns.)

Visitors who rely on visual schedules will be pleased at Big Thicket National Preserve in Texas, where the visitor center offers Velcro task boards for families to organize their day while exploring the park’s forests, bogs, and bayous (sensory kits are also available). Similarly, Yellowstone National Park is introducing picture-based communication boards this summer to assist families with neurodiverse members in planning their park visit.

“We’re witnessing an increasing interest in these [types of resources] among parks,” states Buzzell. “We’re moving in a positive direction.”