My passion for helping autism families travel stress-free began with my own personal experience—my son has autism. Through our own travels, I quickly learned that certain things made trips easier, while others created unnecessary stress. If you’re a family navigating autism, you understand that there can be unique challenges. Every individual on the spectrum is different, and understanding their specific needs is key to creating a successful vacation.

In my own family—and with my clients—I’ve seen challenges like food sensitivities (including allergies), difficulty with crowded spaces, and the stress of unpredictable schedules or last-minute changes. Unfortunately, many families avoid travel altogether because of these concerns. But I believe travel should be accessible to everyone, and that’s what inspired me to become a Certified Autism Travel Advisor.

One of the first things I did when starting my career was seek out ways to better assist families with autism. I found IBCCES and their autism certification program—while the course and exam came easily to me, I appreciated how much valuable information it provided for those less familiar with autism. It covered important topics like sensory sensitivities and food-related challenges. I was especially excited to see that Sandals/Beaches Resorts became the first company to earn this certification, making them a top recommendation for inclusive and autism-friendly vacations.

I also came across Autism Double-Checked, another organization dedicated to training hospitality professionals on autism awareness. Their courses were incredibly insightful, particularly for those who don’t have firsthand experience with autism. Karisma Resorts was the first to complete this training, which made us curious to experience one of their properties firsthand. We chose one of their resorts in Cancun for our family vacation, and we were truly impressed. When my son experienced a meltdown in the reception area due to our airport transfer not arriving on time, the staff handled it beautifully. No one panicked or made us feel uncomfortable. Instead, a couple of team members quietly asked if they could assist us in any way, respecting our space and needs. That moment solidified my belief in the power of autism training in the travel industry.

For me, autism and travel go hand in hand, and I make it a priority to stay up to date on industry changes—whether it’s Disney’s DAS (Disability Access Service), Universal’s AAP (Attraction Assistance Pass), or which resorts and cruise lines are taking meaningful steps toward inclusivity. It’s important for families like mine to know that the places we visit are aware, accommodating, and prepared to help.

If you’re ready to plan a stress-free, autism-friendly vacation, I’d love to help! Reach out today, and let’s create a magical and worry-free travel experience for your family.