Autism-Friendly Vacation Guide
The Beach is for everybody.
Autism-Friendly Vacation Guide
The Beach is for everybody.
The Beach is the place where everybody can belong, and we mean every body, every ability, every family, every one. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has been committed to providing an autism-friendly vacation experience since January 2016, when Surfside Beach was recognized as the first certified autism-friendly destination. We strive each day to create a more welcoming and inclusive place for families to vacation, relax, and enjoy all that there is to do at The Beach.
The Myrtle Beach area offers a wide variety of accommodation types, ranging from beach houses to condos and hotels. Browse the link below to see some of the places to stay in the area that are committed to providing a sensory-friendly experience.
With over 2,000 restaurants, it can be a daunting task to find a place to eat at The Beach! Several restaurants throughout the Grand Strand provide a sensory-friendly experience including fast service and seating, allergy friendly options, and welcoming, trained waitstaff.
From wild adventures to a calm day on the sand, The Beach has activities for every comfort level. Many attractions also offer sensory-friendly events and provide headphones for anyone who needs to dim the sound.
The Beach Is For EveryBODY: Sensory-Friendly Pledge
Visit Myrtle Beach is partnering with the Champion Autism Network (CAN) and TravelAbility for The Beach is for everyBODY: Sensory-Friendly Pledge. Click to learn more about the local businesses who have already pledged their support.
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Now offered at the Myrtle Beach International Airport, this program provides a discreet way for travelers with a hidden disability to self-identify, alerting airport personnel that they may require additional assistance or patience during travel.
Individuals wishing to utilize the program can request a sunflower lanyard at one of the two information booths near baggage claim and post-security near Nacho Hippo and Gate A2).
The Myrtle Beach International Airport offers a Quiet Room for families to decompress and relax after a stressful travel day. Located off the main baggage claim, the Quiet room is equipped with nap and play spaces, secluded from the regular hustle and bustle of the airport. Visit the Myrtle Beach Visitors Center counter at the airport for help.
Local Resources for Sensory-friendly Travel
Champion Autism Network
Families with children diagnosed with autism and autism spectrum disorder often experience additional stress and challenges while traveling such as overstimulation, repetitive behaviors, and hesitation in new environments to name a few.
Recognizing the needs of families traveling with autistic family members, Visit Myrtle Beach and the locally-based Champion Autism Network (CAN) – along with many attractions, hotels, restaurants, local residents and even the Myrtle Beach International Airport – have come together to make the Myrtle Beach area the ideal autism-friendly destination. From sensory-friendly experiences and autism aware, specially-trained staff to preferred entrance to attractions and travel discounts, Myrtle Beach offers an inclusive approach for families to travel together in a way only The Beach can.
Horry County Resources
Horry County Police Department and other safety services provide several programs for individuals with sensory or special needs. For more information, please contact Horry County Police Department at [email protected].
The Police and Fire departments provide sensory-friendly kits complete with fidget toys, noise-reducing headphones, and other items. The majority of officers in the safety services departments have participated in awareness training to learn how to respond to autism/sensory-friendly needs through the Champion Autism Network. The special needs/sensory form allows families to notify public safety of any special needs in the event that responders are deployed to their address or location. This form can be found on the Horry County website.
The Horry County Police Department provides stickers for homes and/or cars that alert responders of any occupants with sensory or special needs. These stickers can be requested by emailing Horry County at [email protected].
YMCA of Coastal Carolina
The YMCA of Coastal Carolina, located Myrtle Beach, provides swimming lessons for children with varying abilities. The staff places children in regular group swimming lessons whenever possible and offers private lessons to work specifically with varying degrees of autism and other disabilities.