Autism-Friendly Orlando

It goes without saying that Orlando is a holiday paradise for most people, with its non-stop array of attractions, shopping, dining and nightlife. But is it quite so attractive if you have children with autism or who have ADHD?

The simple answer is a resounding Yes! And here’s why. Nowhere in the world pays more attention to visitors with disabilities of various kinds, and that includes less visible disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental conditions that need special care and planning.

Central Florida has a number of attractions and even hotels that are Certified Autism Centers (CACs), while few places cater better for guests with disabilities than Walt Disney World, where they have whole departments dedicated to taking care of children with special needs.

What is a Certified Autism Center (CAC)?

Just to start with, autism and sensory processing disorder (SPD) are more common than you might think. According to the USA’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 59 children falls on the autism spectrum disorder, up from one in 150 in 2002.

The CAC designation is therefore a fully endorsed indicator that shows that a theme park, hotel or other attraction has partnered with The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), a global leader in online training and certification programmes, to become designated as a Certified Autism Center.

As part of this programme, staff receive specialised training to ensure they have the requisite knowledge, skills, temperament, and expertise to cater to all children, including those with special needs.

Training focuses include: sensory awareness, motor skills, autism overview, programme development, social skills, communication, environment and emotional awareness.

In most cases, a CAC will be able to provide an online or downloadable sensory guide with details of their services, a ride accessibility programme (for theme parks and attractions), a quiet room and a low sensory area.

Where is this on offer?

SeaWorld’s three Orlando parks were among the first in Central Florida to earn CAC status in 2019, following on from the company’s initial certification of their Sesame Place park in Philadelphia in 2018.

Aquatica became the world’s first water park to be CAC accredited, closely followed by Discovery Cove and then SeaWorld Orlando itself, with park president Mark Pauls insisting:

“We are incredibly proud to be the first family of Orlando theme parks to achieve these certifications. We want to create lasting memories for all our guests. As families start planning their travel, the resources and tools our parks now offer can provide peace of mind for families with members that have autism and other special needs. Our parks and staff are now equipped to offer families inclusive activities, helping to ensure meaningful experiences for everyone.”

SeaWorld’s ride accessibility programme can be found on this link, while their full array of services and assistance are on their CAC webpage here:

LEGOLAND Florida was quick to follow SeaWorld’s lead last year, along with its neighbouring Peppa Pig Theme Park. Both are now fully CAC designated and visitors can take advantage of the programme by visiting the websites for all the details:

LEGOLAND Accessibility Guide

Peppa Pig Accessibility Guide

Additionally, the CAC designation and services can be found at the Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando, while three SeaWorld affiliated hotels have also earned the autism awareness status.

How do Disney and Universal help Guests with Non-Physical Disabilities?

It stands to reason that Orlando’s ‘big dogs’ are fully geared to assist guests with various accessibility issues, but they take a slightly different tack (as they employ thousands more than the other attractions).

Walt Disney World has a major section of its website geared to what it calls its Disability Access Service (or DAS), and advises guests to take advantage of all their information in advance, and then visit the Guest Services office at each theme park when you arrive.

It also has an extensive section for guests with cognitive impairments, including autism and ADHD, on this link:

One of the key issues Disney highlights is that if a guest with a cognitive disability becomes over-stimulated or needs some down time, there are dozens of areas available in the parks for the families to “take a break.” Just ask the nearest Cast Member for assistance and they should be able to point you in the right direction.

Other key suggestions for parents to include in their advance planning are:

• A safety bracelet or nametag
• Sound cancelling ear plugs or headphones (or ear defenders)
• A favourite device or activity
• Reinforcements for good behaviour (treat toys or snacks)
• A sensory toy

Another handy feature is Disney’s ‘Rider Switch’ system for many of the attractions, which enables you to experience an attraction while another member of your party waits with the guest who does not ride. You then “swap” to enable the other party member to enjoy the attraction without having to wait in line again.

Universal Orlando is slightly different again, albeit the same basic principles apply. Start by visiting the Guest Relations office either inside or outside each of the three parks, and take advantage of their Attraction Assistance Pass.

The Pass allows guests to schedule a return time that is comparable to the current queue wait for the given attraction. Once a return time is issued, guests can enjoy other theme park offerings, including dining and shopping, until their time slot arrives. Guests can only have one active return time at a time.

A quiet room is also available at Universal Studios Florida(located at Health Services – Production Central at the front of the park). This room offers a quiet and low-stimulation space and is equipped with rubber floor tiles, an activity wall panel, dimming lights and two hiding tunnels.

You can also download Universal’s 19-page Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities on this link.

And There’s More Help for Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Disabilities all around the Orlando area

For general information and guidance on accessible fun for all our visitors, Visit Orlando has a section of its website devoted to the issues here

April is also official Autism Awareness Month in the USA, and you can find out more about it on at autismsociety.org.

Are you a parent of a child with Autism, SPD or ADHD? We at Debbie’s Villas have plenty of guest families with these conditions, and we do our best to give great advice. If you are booking your flight with us we can arrange for assistance at the airport if you need it – just mention it when booking.

The bottom line is that you shouldn’t be worried about travelling with children on the autism spectrum in Orlando. There are nearly always staff on hand to help, and the online info available is extremely helpful. Just do your homework and be ready to have fun!

Have you visited Orlando with children with special needs? Tell us about your experiences on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages… and don’t forget to interact with us on Pinterest, too!.