Autism Certifi ed Travel Experience

DoubleTree and SeaWorld: Making Vacations More Fun for Families Impacted by ASD

Family vacations are usually planned around children’s school schedules, parents’ ability to take time off work and budgets. However, when you have a family member with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), an entirely new set of factors dictates what vacations, if any, your family can experience.

Words by Amy Nielsen

My youngest son is 5 years old and has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and ASD. Before he was born, my husband and our older three children enjoyed taking vacations and sharing new experiences. Those trips have since come to a screeching halt. Things such as severe sensitivity to sensory input, dysregulation due to disruptions in routines, safety concerns, extreme meltdowns, communication struggles and my worries about his behaviors disrupting others are just a few of the potential results of stepping out of our comfort zone. With 1 in 59 children now being diagnosed with ASD, some businesses are taking steps to open the world back up to families like mine. Two of those businesses are the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando and SeaWorld.

My family recently had the pleasure of spending a weekend at the DoubleTree to experience their new Certified Autism Center accreditation, which they received through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). During the training, the hotel staff was given the tools and skills necessary to work with guests with ASD or other sensory needs in a variety of areas, such as sensory awareness, motor skills, autism overview, program development, social skills, communication, environment and emotional awareness.

Upon arrival, we noticed signs that read Certified Autism Center, which made my family feel welcome. During check-in, we were greeted by one of DoubleTree’s Autism Champions, David Perez. Perez, whose own family is impacted by autism, checked us in quickly. He also gave us a sensory bag full of items such as fidget toys and noise-canceling headphones. Although those things were appreciated, what stood out was Perez’s genuine interest in forming a connection with my son. He noticed my son holding a Star Wars Millennium Falcon, so he struck up a conversation about Star Wars and showed my son pictures of Star Wars characters on his phone. Perez knew how to interact with children like my son, and I could tell his interest was sincere.

Once my family settled into our ground floor room, which was another appreciated accommodation, I met with Ana Isabel Mieses, the social media marketing manager, and Marje Jones, director of sales and marketing. Mieses gave me a tour of the beautiful property and pointed out areas such as designated Quiet Spaces, where families can bring a loved one who may be experiencing

sensory overload to wind down. There are also areas called Green Spaces, which feature open grassy areas to run or play as well as calming water features and comfortable furniture for relaxing. Jones shared with me, “Our goal is to not only accept guests with special needs but to support your cause.” Because of their recent accreditation, groups who support autism, such as behavioral study groups, are choosing to host conferences and trainings at the DoubleTree’s on-site Palms Convention Center. The community is noticing DoubleTree’s desire to not only accommodate families impacted by autism but also to become part of our support system by hosting events that directly benefi t us. Even though the DoubleTree has already received the autism endorsement, they haven’t stopped evolving. Prior to my visit, the resort brought Rob Gorski of The Autism Dad blog and podcast. Jones also said that feedback from families impacted by autism is key to adding more accommodations to fi t the wide range of needs those impacted. Gorski, who has three sons on the autism spectrum, said, “One of the biggest takeaways for me was that they legitimately want to make a difference.” Because of his sons’ wide-ranging challenges, Gorski and his family had taken only one other trip in 20 years. Now, the 20-hour drive from his home state of Ohio to Orlando to stay at the DoubleTree will become an annual family vacation. Another great feature for families is the partnership DoubleTree has with SeaWorld Orlando. Located within walking distance of the resort, SeaWorld is also a Certifi ed Autism Center. Some of the accommodations the theme park has made to support families impacted by autism are their Ride Accessibility Program, Sensory Signs and Quiet Rooms. Because wait time can be challenging for people on the autism spectrum, the Ride Accessibility Program acts as a virtual placeholder in an attraction line. To take advantage of this feature, families simply visit Guest Services and are given a document to present to attraction attendants. If the wait time is less than 20 minutes, the entire family can enjoy the attraction immediately. If the wait time is more than 20 minutes, the family is given a return time. At the entrance to each attraction are puzzle piece-shaped signs that highlight the sensory experiences associated with that attraction. Numbers between 1 and 10 are displayed, with 1 being the lowest sensory sensation and 10 being the highest sensory sensation for touch, taste, sound, smell and sight. These signs give families the ability to determine if an attraction will fi t within the sensory threshold for their family member with sensory sensitivities. There are two Quiet Rooms located within the park: one next to the Information and Reservations counter and the other inside the Child Care building in Sesame Street. The Quiet Rooms are a great place for guests who have become

Listen to Amy Nielsen’s Podcast “Vacationing with Children with Autism ”, featuring “The Autism Dad” Rob Gorksi at bigabilities.com.

overstimulated to hit the pause button and reset. Our family visited a Quiet Room during our visit when my son needed a sensory break. It was dimly lit, and there was a tunnel for him to crawl into, a few large cushions to rest on and interactive artwork. It was a welcome relaxation for him and enabled us to fi nish out our day. Before visiting SeaWorld, guests can download the complete Sensory Guide from its website to become familiar with all the services and accommodations offered to families impacted by autism in advance.

The biggest takeaway from our weekend at the DoubleTree and SeaWorld Orlando was more than the great treatment we received; it was the message that treatment represents. I felt that the message was this: People with autism are not just welcome here; we want them here.

Naked Bar Soap Company

Words by Amy Nielsen | Photos by Jessica Friend

After a 2002 vacation to Orlando, New Yorker Jennifer Peets just could not stop thinking about the Sunshine State. She began to long for the warm, tropical climate of a Florida lifestyle. A year later, she and her husband relocated to Florida, and shortly after, became first-time parents. Being not only new to the area but also new to motherhood, Jennifer joined a local moms’ group to connect with other women. In that group she met her future best friend and business partner, Natasha Byrd-Gaylon. Years later, Natasha, who up until this point had been a real estate agent, began searching for a natural cure for her son’s eczema. During her research, she uncovered the benefits of holistic and natural products. Her desire to share what she had learned with others led her to start the Naked Bar Soap Company, a home-based business making natural soaps and other skincare products. In October 2013, the friends became partners with plans to grow the business. Jennifer says they chose to use the word “naked” in their branding because it implies “undisguised” and “natural,” which is what customers can expect in their products such as artisan soaps, bath balms, oils, body scrubs and deodorants. Naked Bar Soap Company uses ingredients many of us might find in our pantries, like turmeric, paprika, cocoa, sea salt, coconut oil and olive oil. Soap making is a precise and detailed process. In the beginning, the team made all the products in Natasha’s home. But as demand grew, they realized the arrangement could not be long-term and would impact their ability to expand. In October 2015, the company transitioned into a brick and mortar storefront. Originally, they planned on solely using the building for production with all transactions occurring online. However, because of the building’s location and spaciousness, they eventually chose to open their doors to customers. Jennifer and Natasha quickly realized how much their customers enjoyed the retail experience and also how much they enjoyed interacting with and educating their customers. The personal connection Natasha and Jennifer began to build with their customers then led them to begin offering private events. Groups of up to six people can enjoy the holistic and therapeutic process of creating products such as bath balms, body scrubs and soap customization. The Naked Bar Soap Company also offers wholesale purchasing. Jennifer says the company has plans to continue to build the wholesale side of the business and expand their retail outreach. Jennifer believes it is every woman's job to uplift other women. Naked Bar Soap Company is the perfect way to provide women with the tools they need to feel natural and beautiful.

The Parke House Academy Inspiring Learning, Exceeding Expectations Parke House Academy Inspiring Learning, Exceeding Expectations Parke House Academy Inspiring Learning, Exceeding Expectations

The Parke House Academy is our home and the staff is our extended family. Since Kindergarten, we have seen our child flourish personally, socially, and academically in the loving embrace of this wonderful institution. There is no better feeling than to know that you are leaving your child in the care of those who will treat her like their own. There is no substitute for PHA . Fatan, Mohammed, and Raya Abdallah Owners of Safari Pediatrics The translation for The Parke House Academy should be “ Hidden Gem ”. Every day we are so thankful for discovering a school with such a wonderful environment of individualized academics, nurture and support. Our children now have such a thirst for learning and it is all thanks to PHA . The McArdle Family Founders of XL Soccer World The translation for The Parke House Academy should be “ Hidden Gem ”. Every day we are so thankful for discovering a school with such a wonderful environment of individualized academics, nurture and support. Our children now have such a thirst for learning and it is all thanks to PHA . The McArdle Family Founders of XL Soccer World The Von Schmeling Family Founders of Victory Martial Arts We have been partners in education from the moment Parke House Academy opened, and when it was time for us to choose a school for our daughter, we had no doubt where we wanted her to go. Parke House Academy upholds the same values that we teach, reinforcing not only the academic aspect, but also the social and emotional development. We love how caring and nurturing the teachers are and how they spark our daughter’s creativity.

Now Enrolling for Our New 1 & 2-Year-Old Program • Limited Availability Now Enrolling for Our New 1 & 2-Year-Old Program • Limited Availability Now Enrolling for the 2020/2021 School Year. Call for a Private Tour. www.eParkeHouseAcademy.com www.ParkeHouseAcademy.com • Winter Park, FL • 407-647-1121 • 1 Years Old-5th Grade www.ParkeHouseAcademy.com • Winter Park, FL • 407-647-1121 • 1 Years Old-5th Grade 407-647-1121 • Preschool-5th Grade • 1776 Minnesota Ave. • Winter Park, FL 32789 The Parke House Academy admits students of any race, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender or religious affiliation. Accredited by FCIS and FKC . DCF License Pending The Parke House Academy admits students of any race, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender or religious affiliation. Accredited by FCIS and FKC . DCF License Pending ACCREDITED BY FCIS, KFC, & DCF