Autism friendly holidays and outings

Elements that could make a holiday or outing autism-friendly include:

• a place that meets the environmental needs of the child, for example the chance to get away from busy-ness and noise;
• an element of familiarity, for example going to the same place each year or being able to stick to some familiar toys, equipment and routines;
• general disability-friendliness, for example with accessible facilities;
• an environment accepting of the communicative and behavioural characteristics of the child;
• environments that allow vulnerable children (including older children) to be safe and free at the same time, and to be adventurous without being over-stimulated;
• opportunities for siblings to have a good time as well.

Many parents would also like the opportunity to leave the child in other safe hands for periods of time.

Not many facilities in the UK are especially designed for autism. Many families prefer to find ordinary, less specialised places to go that will still be comfortable for and with the child, and some offer special deals for people with a disability and those accompanying them. Booking a quiet self-catering place is a solution for some.Where there are queues for rides and other attractions, they will often allow children who need to, to jump the queue and have easier access in other ways (ask at the entrance first, as there might be a special ticket). Facilities might ask for written evidence of disability. The section “Sources and services for holidays” links to lists of specific autism-friendly venues.

Acknowledgements:

National Autistic Society UK
Autism Speaks
Autism Society of America