Certified Autism Travel Professional (C.A.P.T) autism tools autism support

A Certified Autism Travel Professional has completed intensive training through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education. They have a comprehensive knowledge of providing supports and customizing itineraries to tailor to the needs of each individual. 

They can help individuals, families, or groups plan and book their travel experiences. Their role can vary depending on their area of expertise, but generally, they offer professional services to simplify the travel process, save clients time, and provide tailored recommendations. 

Here's an overview of what a certified travel agent typically does:

• Understand clients' preferences, budgets, and travel needs.
• Suggest destinations, accommodations, and activities that suit clients’ interests.
• Provide expert advice on travel itineraries, planning strategies, and logistics.

• Arrange flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, tours, and other travel components.
• Secure group rates or discounts when applicable.
• Manage travel documentation, such as visas or travel insurance.

• Specialized Certifications: Agents with specific credentials, like autism travel professionals, provide unique insights and accommodations for travelers with special needs, ensuring trips are accessible and enjoyable.
• Offer niche services like adventure travel, luxury travel, or family vacations.

• Assist with travel disruptions, such as flight cancellations, rescheduling, or lost bookings.
• Advocate on behalf of clients with travel providers.

• Leverage industry connections for exclusive deals, upgrades, or perks not available to the general public.
• Share knowledge of hidden gems or off-the-beaten-path experiences.

• Follow up for feedback and resolve any post-trip issues.
• Build relationships for future travel needs.

Here is a link to a autism friendly Travel Guide that has information on Autism Certified Centers and Destinations. It is a great free resource. 

 A Certified Autism center are organizations that are committed to ongoing training and education. They are a facility in which at least 80 percent of their staff is highly trained equipped and certified in autism.

Several theme parks and attractions have earned the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation, indicating their commitment to accommodating guests with autism and other sensory sensitivities. These venues provide specialized staff training, sensory guides, quiet spaces, and tailored services to ensure an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Some Notable certified parks and attractions include:

1. Sesame Place Philadelphia (Pennsylvania, USA)

• The world's first theme park to become a Certified Autism Center™, offering sensory guides, quiet rooms, and staff trained in autism sensitivity.

2. Sesame Place San Diego (California, USA)

• Opened as a Certified Autism Center™, providing similar accommodations to its Philadelphia counterpart, including sensory-friendly services and trained staff. 

3. Morgan's Wonderland (San Antonio, Texas, USA)

• A fully accessible theme park designed with inclusivity in mind, offering wheelchair-accessible attractions and free admission for individuals with special needs.

4. Nickelodeon Universe (Minnesota and New Jersey, USA)

• Indoor theme parks that have received the CAC designation, providing sensory guides, quiet spaces, and trained staff to assist guests with sensory sensitivities.

5. LEGOLAND Resorts (Florida, California, and New York, USA)

• All U.S. LEGOLAND resorts are Certified Autism Centers™, offering sensory guides, quiet rooms, and staff trained to support guests with autism.

6. Peppa Pig Theme Park (Florida, USA)

• Adjacent to LEGOLAND Florida, this park opened as a Certified Autism Center™, featuring sensory guides, quiet spaces, and trained staff. 

7. SeaWorld Orlando (Florida, USA)

• Designated as a Certified Autism Center™, SeaWorld Orlando provides sensory guides, quiet spaces, and staff trained to accommodate guests with autism. 

8. Aquatica Orlando (Florida, USA)

• The world's first water park to be designated as a Certified Autism Center™, offering specialized training for staff and resources for guests with sensory sensitivities.

9. Discovery Cove (Orlando, Florida, USA)

• An all-inclusive day resort and Certified Autism Center™, providing sensory guides and trained staff to assist guests with autism. 

10. Six Flags Parks

• Several Six Flags parks have been recognized as Certified Autism Centers™, offering sensory guides, quiet spaces, and trained staff to support guests with sensory needs. 

11. Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA)

• While not officially a CAC, Dollywood offers a calming room and sensory-friendly resources to accommodate guests with autism. 

12. Hershey's Chocolate World Attraction

• Designated as a Certified Autism Center™, providing accommodations and trained staff to assist guests with sensory sensitivities. 

 A certified Autism Destination means a number of attractions, employees, entertainment or other venues have completed autism training, sensory awareness training and are committed to ongoing training and providing accessible supports. Some C.A.D include, 

Myrtle Beach, South, Carolina

              Recognized as an autism-friendly destination.

• Offers sensory-friendly attractions, events, and resources for families.
• Participating businesses include Ripley’s Aquarium and WonderWorks.

Mesa, Arizona

The first Autism Certified City by IBCCES.

• Attractions like the Arizona Museum of Natural History and i.d.e.a. Museum offer sensory-friendly activities.
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Beaches Resorts (Jamaica & Turks and Caicos)

• Certified Autism Centers with staff trained in autism awareness and sensory-friendly features.
• Offers specialized kids’ programs and sensory-friendly dining options.

Great Wolf Lodge (Multiple Locations)

• Several locations are Certified Autism Centers, offering sensory-friendly programming, quiet rooms, and autism-friendly events.

 Autism Certified City (ACC) ensures that all areas of a city, including healthcare, education, local government, hospitality, leisure, manufacturing and corporate members are trained and certified to deliver their product or service to autistic guests, staff or residents and those with other cognitive disorders. Some Autism Certified Cities include,

• Overview: The first city in the world to become a Certified Autism City.
• Features:
  • Attractions like the i.d.e.a. Museum and Arizona Museum of Natural History are Certified Autism Centers (CACs).
  • Local businesses, including hotels and restaurants, have undergone autism training.
  • Resources for families include sensory-friendly programs and quiet spaces.

• Overview: Known for its proximity to Sequoia National Park, Visalia is certified as autism-friendly.
• Features:
  • Attractions like the ImagineU Children's Museum are certified.
  • Focused on making outdoor adventures accessible for individuals with autism.

• Overview: A destination with certified businesses and autism-trained staff across the city.
• Features:
  • Autism-friendly accommodations and resources for visitors.
  • Museums and attractions cater to neurodiverse needs.

The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) created the digital IBCCES Accessibility Card (IAC) as a free resource for individuals who need to request accommodations or assistance at participating amusement parks and attractions.

The IAC is for anyone who is requesting accommodations – including but not limited to individuals who are autistic, use a wheelchair, are blind/low vision, deaf/hard of hearing, have mobility support needs, are accompanied by a service animal, have sensory sensitivities, cognitive disabilities, or have other needs and concerns. To apply for your free online Accessibility card click here.