The Characteristics of a Truly Autism-Friendly Resort

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 1 in 36 children is diagnosed with autism, and 1 in 6 individuals has sensory sensitivities. This highlights the growing necessity to cater to neurodivergent travelers.

Just this month, the 893-room JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa became the first JW Marriott and the inaugural hotel in Greater Palm Springs to earn the Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation, showcasing its dedication to neurodivergent guests. This designation guarantees inclusive amenities for visitors with diverse neurotypes and distinct requirements. The expansive 450-acre resort boasts stunning views of the Coachella Valley.

The certification was awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), an independent entity that accredits autism-friendly businesses and provides online training for cognitive disorders. This organization is the sole independent body that offers these accreditations and features an autism-informed certification program for travel advisors.

“Ultimately, families with autistic or sensory-sensitive children want the same experiences as everyone else,” stated Meredith Tekin, executive director of IBCCES, noting that the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is only the 35th hotel across the country to achieve the CAC distinction.

“Hotels that prioritize this are committed to going above and beyond to create a positive experience for all guests,” she stated.

Throughout much of 2022, the staff at JW Marriott Desert Springs took extra steps to support neurodivergent visitors, engaging in training sessions to gain insight into the challenges faced by autistic and ADHD guests.

Jan Hulahan, the resort's director of sales and marketing, expressed that the aim is to equip employees to assist guests based on their individual needs.

“Our slogan is, ‘One resort with 100 adventures,’” she remarked. “We host many families with varying needs, and we believed it would be beneficial to become certified to help everyone discover those adventures.”

Autism-Friendly Features at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

Beyond training its staff, the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa has implemented additional measures to ensure a successful experience for guests of all neurotypes, including those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, personality disorders, and bipolar disorder, among others. The primary focus is on helping guests manage their sensory environments, as many neurodivergent individuals may feel overwhelmed by sensory inputs.

Sensory Impact Signage

Signs placed across the resort assess sensory impact on a scale of 1 to 10, allowing sensory-sensitive guests to choose which areas and attractions to avoid. These signs provide independent ratings for each of the five senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. The ratings were established during an audit conducted by IBCCES earlier this year; the signage is akin to what guests might encounter at Legoland parks, which have also collaborated with IBCCES to enhance autism-friendliness.

Special Resort Map

After IBCCES evaluated the property for sensory impact, Hulahan and her team opted to include this information on a unique resort map. This map highlights resort activities, dining options, and meeting spaces, marking areas with the lowest sensory inputs. The putting green and grassy lawns are identified as the least sensory-stimulating spots, while the arcade and aviary are designated as high-sensory zones. Hulahan mentioned that sensory-sensitive guests can request the map at the front desk starting this week, and it will also be available electronically via a QR code.

Soothing Resources

In addition to enhancing communication about sensory impacts, the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa has invested in a range of sensory tools for families and individuals in need. According to Hulahan, the resort has acquired noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, weighted blankets, and other sensory aids. These items are stored in a bin near the front desk, and guests can borrow them upon check-in or anytime during their stay.

Greater Palm Springs Welcomes Autistic Travelers

Though the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is the first resort in the Palm Springs area to earn the CAC designation, the entire region is committed to establishing itself as autism-friendly.

Visit Greater Palm Springs became a CAC in 2022, and the destination marketing organization has motivated numerous attractions in the Coachella Valley to pursue individual certifications as well. To date, the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, and the Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory have all attained CAC status.

Davis Meyer, senior director of community engagement at Visit Greater Palm Springs, noted that these initiatives have significantly helped neurodiverse families feel welcomed.

“As a community, we prioritize inclusivity and aim to be a welcoming destination for everyone,” she stated. “Training businesses and employees to understand autism not only enhances the experience for these families during their stay but also fosters confidence and empathy among our staff when interacting with them, their colleagues, and the wider community.”

Across the nation, the movement for more inclusive travel is gaining momentum. Tekin mentioned that IBCCES is currently working on certifying an additional 35 resorts and hotels as CAC, which would effectively double the number of U.S. properties with this designation. Included in this group are Great Wolf Lodges located nationwide, which could receive their official CAC designation by year’s end, Tekin added.