Amazing Autism Friendly Resorts for Your Next Family Vacation

While traveling with an autistic child can be challenging, staying at a resort can make your time away from home much easier. Especially if you choose to stay at one of the amazing autism friendly resorts I have discovered. All these resorts offer several activities and restaurants within specific areas not too far from the guest rooms. Add in the spaces that prevent sensory overload and ample opportunities to stick to a schedule and your autistic child will thrive. As you are reading about some of the amazing autism friendly resorts I have found, you may find yourself a little overwhelmed when thinking about which one is best for your family. I am here to help you decide which option will be better for your autistic family when I plan your vacation. Keep that in mind while considering your next family vacation. 

Amazing Autism Friendly Resorts for Your Next Family Vacation

Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts in the Dominican Republic and Mexico

If your kids love many of the Nickelodeon characters, a stay at this resort will feel magical. Of course, there are other reasons why I always recommend Nickelodeon resorts to autistic families like yours. 

One of those reasons is that all the staff at these resorts have received special training to meet the needs of all guests with autism and other disabilities. Whether you choose to vacation in the Dominican Republic or Mexico, you will be able to choose from several types of accommodations. You can even request a temporary door alarm for your room or suite to ensure your autistic child is safe throughout your stay. 

Your days can be spent at the resort’s pools with the kids or participating in any of the daily activities. Private meet and greets with characters can be arranged, so your autistic child doesn’t become overwhelmed with long lines, strange sounds, and crowds. 

While I can help you plan many of these events, Nickelodeon Resorts have an autism concierge. The autism concierge at your resort will be able to answer all your questions, while also addressing your concerns. They can even help you determine your options if you need to skip your planned events for the day if your autistic child is overstimulated or having a difficult day. 

As an adult, you can get a little alone time, or time with your partner, when the kids are at the kids’ club. All neurodivergent children will have their needs met while spending time with other kids and enjoying the available activities. 

Oh, and if you have a picky eater, or a child with dietary restrictions, the on-site restaurants will be perfect at mealtime. The staff will make sure your autistic child, and the rest of the family, has all the foods they love.

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa in Hawaii

Have you always wanted to visit one of the Hawaiian Islands? Well, as a mom of two autistic boys, who has lived in Hawaii, I can tell you that the Hawaiian Islands can be very autism friendly! Especially if you choose to vacation in Maui and stay at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. 

This autism friendly resort is directly on the tranquil Ka’anapali Beach. It will be easy for you to schedule fun activities throughout your day, while enjoying downtime in your room in between. 

Imagine starting your day at one of the resort’s swimming pools. Then after a break, head to the water playground or another one of the daily activities. Your autistic child will have access to noise-canceling headphones, sensory toys, and fidgets during any of the on-site activities. These items will help prevent sensory overload and increase your child’s comfort level. 

I can also arrange for private wildlife tours if you want to add those to your itinerary. These private tours are perfect if your child is interested in wildlife but dislikes being amongst a lot of other people. 

Grand Palms Resort in South Carolina

Myrtle Beach was one of the very first autism friendly destinations in the US. You will find that staff at numerous local businesses have been trained to help autistic families. 

One of the amazing autism friendly resorts in Myrtle Beach is the Grand Palms Resort. This resort offers quite a few “safe zones” throughout the property to ensure your family has the quiet and sensory friendly spaces you need. 

While you can spend your entire vacation at this resort, I recommend venturing out to explore the rest of the area. Since many of the local businesses are quite supportive of autistic families, you will feel welcome and cared for wherever you visit.

Beaches Resorts in Turks and Caicos and Jamaica

Beaches Resorts are an all-time favorite for many autistic families. If you want to vacation in paradise, I recommend heading to Turks and Caicos or Jamaica for your next autism friendly family vacation. 

A vacation at these autism friendly resorts will have you enjoying every moment without worrying about any of the challenges of being away from home. While I will help you plan your vacation itinerary, sensory guides are also available to help you if you need to change your plans. I will even arrange for your autistic child to have a one-on-one Beach Buddy to provide you with extra peace of mind. 

I can connect you with the culinary concierge to ensure your autistic child’s dietary needs are being met during your stay. 

Legoland Resorts in California, Florida, and New York

Lego lovers will want to spend days creating masterpieces at this theme park in California, Florida, and New York. A visit to this Lego-themed park can have you staying at the on-site hotels, so you won’t be too far from all the fun. This is perfect for those days when you need a break in between all the action to prevent overstimulation. 

The sensory guides will allow you to plan which rides and attractions your child can do during your visit. These guides are perfect when you know you will need to avoid attractions with bright lights, loud sounds, or other triggers. 

JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort and Spa in Florida

A vacation in Orlando, Florida does not need to include a trip to the busy theme parks. You can easily enjoy time together as a family during a stay at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort and Spa. This autism friendly resort offers daily activities that include time at the swimming pools, climbing wall, and garden golf. 

Over in the Kids Conservatory Lounge, you will find the Sensory Calming Corner. The color-changing LED wall, Lego wall, and textured pillows will be a calming space for your autistic child. 

Hawks Cay Resort in Florida

There are so many fabulous places to vacation in Florida. The weather is always incredible down in the Florida Keys. While you can do a little island hopping, there is nothing wrong with spending most of your time at Hawks Cay Resort. 

I will work closely with the concierge team to add on-site and off-site activities to your itinerary. Everyone will love visiting Dolphin Connection one day. 

Of course, you will want a little downtime yourself during this vacation in the Florida Keys. Send the kids to the autism friendly kids’ club. While at the Coral Cay Activities and Adventures, the kids can splash in a water table, play with squishy bags, and create stunning sand art. 

As the kids are having fun, you can head to the pool or saltwater lagoon. Or enjoy a quiet meal at one of the on-site restaurants. 

Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas

Your family will feel like you are truly in paradise when you decide to stay at Atlantis in the Bahamas. This autism friendly resort is located on Paradise Island. This island is connected to Nassau via a bridge. 

Your stay will include time at the numerous swimming pools, lagoons, and massive water park. I can arrange for an animal encounter or two, so your family can get up close to your favorite animals. 

When a little break is needed, take your autistic child over to the Dig and Predator Lagoon. Multiple sensory break areas can be found there. 

You can get your own break when the kids are at the kids’ club. A little advance planning will allow me to book a 1:1 aide, so your autistic child has the support they need while you get a little rest and relaxation. 

Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Resort in Jordan

As the parent of an autistic child, you are allowed to consider destinations all around the world. In fact, you may be surprised that almost every destination can be autism friendly with a little advanced planning. 

Over in Jordan, the Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Resort is autism friendly. This resort is located near lagoons and mountains, which creates a serene and tranquil experience. 

The staff has been trained to help autistic families and may notice your child needs something before you even have the time to ask. 

The best part about this autism friendly resort is you can enjoy some downtime while your autistic child plays at the kids’ club. Camp Hyatt offers a sensory-friendly quiet room, as well as a climbing wall. 

Your autistic family will never find yourselves in an uncomfortable situation when you choose to stay at any of these autism friendly resorts. Let’s chat about which one of these resorts will work best for your family’s needs, as you enjoy a fabulous vacation. I will help you find the balance between sticking to your routine, while also allowing you to enjoy a little downtime during this time with your family. Let’s work together, as you start to show your autistic child the world through travel.