What challenges did Flavia and her daughter Felicia face during past travels?

Flavia and her daughter Felicia experienced past travels as a "nightmare" due to complaints from other travelers regarding Felicia's autistic behaviors in public spaces like airplanes and restaurants.

How are brands like Virgin Hotels making travel more inclusive for individuals with autism?

Brands like Virgin Hotels are becoming autism-certified by training staff to create welcoming environments, accommodating individual needs, and making guests with autism feel recognized and valued.

What percentage of families with autistic members are hesitant to travel?

According to a study, approximately 78% of families with autistic members and individuals report hesitation towards traveling or visiting new locations.

Home / Lifestyle / Autism Travel Breakthrough: Families Fly & Stay With Ease

Autism Travel Breakthrough: Families Fly & Stay With Ease

30 Jan

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Summary

Autism-certified brands create welcoming travel experiences for neurodiverse guests.
Past travel was a 'nightmare' due to complaints about autistic behaviors.
Specialized training helps staff accommodate guests with autism needs.

Autism Travel Breakthrough: Families Fly & Stay With Ease

Families with autistic members often face significant challenges and hesitancy when traveling, with a study indicating around 78% feel reluctant to visit new locations. Past travel experiences for Flavia and her 16-year-old daughter Felicia were described as a "nightmare" due to frequent complaints from others about Felicia's autistic behaviors on planes and in hotels.

This situation began to change in July 2023 during a trip to New York City. The mother-daughter duo exclusively utilized brands that have achieved autism certification, a recognition signifying that organizations have trained their staff to better serve individuals with autism. This approach aims to make travel more inclusive and comfortable.