It is widely known that drowning is a major concern for children with autism, which sometimes leads parents to avoid water altogether.
Also, if individuals on the spectrum have not developed a level of comfort or the proper skillset to know what to do when confronted with water, this could lead to sensory overload when those encounters occur. Signs of sensory overload can vary for each individual, but typically there are ways to recognize these signs and reduce or prevent sensory overload or “meltdowns”.
It is usually easier for a parent or someone other than the person with autism to recognize these signs and to act on them before it is too late. While children can and should be trained themselves on how to try and recognize these signs and take steps for prevention of sensory overload, this is usually a lifelong process of continual refinement (and hopefully improvement).
This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to have children with autism have experiences in water with trained professionals. If they can develop a comfort level and get practice in the water under proper supervision, then being around water will be that much safer for them in other areas of life.
Parents with children on the autism spectrum often find choosing travel and vacation options a challenge due to sensory needs, dietary restrictions and safety concerns. To address this need, Courtyard Phoenix Mesa has earned the designation of Certified Autism Center (CAC), awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). The certification means that the hotel is committed to serving guests with autism and sensory needs and have completed training to ensure guests can enjoy the best possible experience.
The Courtyard Phoenix Mesa also joins a growing number of organizations that are becoming certified in Arizona, a movement inspired by the work of the Visit Mesa organization and that community’s goal to become the most autism inclusive in the world.
UNO Parks, a treetop adventure park architect group in the Baltics with over 40 parks built worldwide, has partnered with The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), the industry leader in autism training and certification, with the goal of training and certifying their various indoor and outdoor adventure parks.
The first park to become certified is UNO Park Vilnius in Lithuania. This treetop adventure park joins a growing number of theme parks, hotels and attractions that have earned the Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation and will be the first attraction in Europe to do so. The CAC designation is awarded to organizations who have completed staff training and an onsite review process with the goal to better serve individuals with autism and other sensory needs.
House of Refuge is joining the Mesa Autism Initiative, connecting to an expanding network of organizations that have earned the Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). A faith-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, House of Refuge has been helping families experiencing homelessness in the East Valley for over 20 years by providing transitional housing and wrap-around support services. These services, coupled with the stability provided by housing, provide families with the foundation and resources needed to achieve self-sufficiency and obtain permanent housing.
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children with autism and recent reports show that children with ASD are 160 times more likely to die from drowning than the general population of children (Gleeson, 2016), which sometimes leads to parents avoiding water all together.
Also, if individuals on the spectrum have not developed a level of comfort or the proper skillset to know what to do when confronted with water, this could lead to sensory overload when those encounters occur. Signs of sensory overload can vary for each individual, but typically there are ways to recognize these signs and reduce or prevent sensory overload or “meltdowns”.
This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to have children with autism have experiences in water with trained professionals. If they can develop a comfort level and get practice in the water under proper supervision, then being around water will be that much safer for them in other areas of life.
The Arizona Office of Tourism is the first state office of tourism to earn the Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation from International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). The Certified Autism Center designation is awarded by IBCCES to organizations who have completed a training and review process and are committed to serving individuals with autism and other sensory needs.
The Arizona Office of Tourism is leading the way for tourism offices across the nation, and globe, to take this important step toward inclusivity. This achievement cements their commitment to providing resources for individuals on the autism spectrum looking for new experiences. The Arizona Office of Tourism joins a growing number of organizations that are becoming certified in Arizona, a movement inspired by the work of Visit Mesa and that city’s goal to become the most autism inclusive destination in the world.
The Thibault family at Rio Secreto, Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, 2017. From left, Chris, Sebastian, Tristan, Emerson and Nicole Thibault.Credit via Thibault family
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When Nicole Thibault had her first child, she imagined traveling everywhere with him. But by age 2, he would become upset by simply passing a restaurant that smelled of garlic. Waiting in line elicited tantrums and crowded places overwhelmed him. Autism was diagnosed within the year.
“I thought maybe our family dream of travel wouldn’t happen,” said Ms. Thibault, 46, of Fairport, N.Y., who now has three children. But she spent the next three years learning to prepare her son for travel by watching videos of future destinations and attractions so that he would know what to expect. The preparation helped enable him, now 14 and well-traveled, to enjoy adventures as challenging as exploring caves in Mexico. It also encouraged Ms. Thibault to launch a business, Magical Storybook Travels, planning travel for families with special needs.
Now the travel industry is catching up to the family. A growing number of theme parks, special attractions and hotels are introducing autism training and sensory guides that highlight triggers, providing resources in times of need and assuring families they won’t be judged.
Story Land amusement park, nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, recently earned the Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This certification demonstrates Story Land’s dedication to provide a space where guests will be supported by staff who have completed training to accommodate needs specific to those with autism and other sensory disorders.
Beyond the 20 beloved rides, Story Land also offers unique dining experiences, shows, story time with Mother Goose in her manor, photo opportunities with storybook characters, carnival style games, & Los Bravos Silver Mine for emerging explorers. Eternally geared toward pleasing younger guests, Story Land is the perfect setting for little ones to create their very own magical tale.
The International Board of Credentialing and Continued Education Standards (IBCCES) announced today that OdySea Aquarium is the first attraction – and aquarium – in Arizona to become a Certified Autism Center (CAC). The CAC designation, granted by IBCCES, means that visitors and families with children who have autism and other sensory differences can enjoy the best possible experience that caters to their needs. To achieve today’s CAC accreditation, OdySea Aquarium completed the critical training required by IBCCES to recognize the needs of guests on the spectrum and provide necessary facility options for this demographic.
“We know families with children on the autism spectrum often find it challenging when choosing an attraction to visit,” said Greg Charbeneau, Vice President and General Manager at OdySea Aquarium. “Our mission to connect visitors with the wonders of the ocean has no exclusions. We have always made the necessary accommodations to make all guests as comfortable as possible – on every visit. This certification was a natural step for us as we continue to provide safe, engaging and memorable experiences for all of our guests.”
