Sensory accommodations with autism - GWL
I truly think that people with neurotypical children don't understand what it means to be able to move through life without thinking about the word accommodations. And why would they, right?
But as someone who has an entire family that is either ADHD or autistic, we are always thinking about the things we can do to accommodate one another. And because we value time together and travel, we have to be creative about where we go and how we do it.
Enter: Great Wolf Lodge. This is somewhere we go once every few months, and because of this, our whole family is used to it. We keep going back because they are so great about accommodating our needs whenever they are able.
What kind of neurodivergent family are you? Do you like to stay home or venture out to new places together?
#lemon8partner #autisticfamily #autistickids #sensory #accommodations #autismfamily #autismparent #adhdkids #adhdfamily #actuallyautistic
Navigating the world with a neurodivergent family often means thinking about accommodations in ways others might not. For us, every outing, especially when visiting new places, requires thoughtful planning to ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe. That's why I'm always looking for ways to make travel enjoyable for my autistic children and our whole ADHD family, focusing on practical autism accommodation. One of the biggest game-changers for us when going places with a neurodivergent family is thorough preparation. Before we even leave the house, we prepare with social stories. These are simple narratives, often with pictures, that explain what will happen, who we'll see, where we're going, when it will happen, and why. For example, if we're visiting a new restaurant, I'll create a story about walking in, ordering food, eating, and then leaving. This helps reduce anxiety about the unknown and sets clear expectations, making the transition to a new environment much smoother. It’s a foundational autism accommodation strategy for us. Sensory accommodations are also paramount. My kids are particularly sensitive to noise and crowds. When we travel, I always prioritize utilizing quiet accommodations. This often means requesting a room on a quieter floor or away from high-traffic areas if we're staying overnight. At places like Great Wolf Lodge, we've found that reserving a cabana can be a lifesaver. It provides a semi-private, designated quiet space where the kids can retreat if they become overstimulated. We also pack noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses (for bright lights), and fidget toys to help them self-regulate throughout the day. It’s about creating a personal bubble of calm amidst the excitement. Another strategy we swear by for effective autism accommodation is visiting the same place whenever possible. There's a real comfort in familiarity for many neurodivergent individuals. As mentioned, Great Wolf Lodge has become our sanctuary. Going to 6WL 4 times each year means the kids are familiar with the layout, the sounds, and the routine. They know what to expect, which significantly reduces stress and allows them to enjoy the experience more fully. While we love exploring, having a trusted, familiar destination in our rotation makes a huge difference. This doesn't mean we never try new things, but we introduce them gradually and with plenty of preparation. Beyond these, communication is key. I make sure to inform staff at hotels, restaurants, or attractions about our family's needs where appropriate. Most places are incredibly understanding and willing to help make small adjustments that vastly improve our experience. Simple things like allowing us to pre-order food, having a table in a less crowded area, or understanding if a child needs a moment to decompress can make all the difference. Packing a comfort item, a favorite blanket, or a special snack that’s a guaranteed win also goes a long way. These small steps in autism accommodation allow our family to venture out, create wonderful memories, and truly thrive together.
