Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort: A Haven for Autism-Friendly Family Vacations

I was nervous to travel for the first time with my autistic son, but Beaches Turks and Caicos resort made the experience enjoyable for both of us.

Traveling for the first time with my autistic son, age 5, brought a mixture of excitement and apprehension. I had always dreamed of taking him on a vacation, but the fear of how he would cope with the unfamiliar environment and potential challenges left me anxious.

When I discovered Beaches Turks and Caicos resort offered programming specifically designed to cater to children with autism, a wave of relief washed over me. We decided to visit the resort, and my family ended up with a transformative, heartwarming, and accepting getaway.

Related: The 19 Best Beach Resorts for Families

The Autism Program at Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort

With its autism program, Beaches Resorts aims to provide a welcoming and inclusive experience at its three locations: Beaches Turks and Caicos, Beaches Negril, and Beaches Ocho Rios.

The autism initiative was founded with the vision of creating a safe and enjoyable vacation destination for families affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Recognizing the unique needs and challenges faced by these families, Beaches resorts partnered with experts in the field of autism to develop a program that caters specifically to their needs. Here are some highlights.

Kids Camps with Trained Staff Members

According to the Beaches website, its Kids Camps are "Advanced Certified Autism Centers that ensure team members have the requisite knowledge, skills, temperament, and expertise to cater to all children and offer age-specific programs for infants, toddlers, pre-teens and teens."

Upon arriving at the resort, we were immediately impressed by the Kids Camps. They offered a wide range of activities tailored to the individual needs and interests of each child, from sensory play areas to interactive games and crafts.

What's more, the dedicated staff members were specially trained to work with children on the autism spectrum, providing a safe and engaging environment where my son could thrive.

As a parent, the Kids Camps provided me with a much-needed break, allowing me to relax and recharge while knowing that my son was in capable hands. The peace of mind that came with having a dedicated support system was priceless, and it let me fully immerse in the vacation experience.

Related: 5 Ways to Make Travel With Kids More Affordable

Autism-Friendly Amenities

Beaches resorts offer a range of services and amenities for families affected by autism, including:

• Personalized check-in and check-out processes

• Sensory-friendly rooms with special lighting and soothing colors

• Sensory toys and equipment available upon request

• Designated quiet spaces throughout the resort for relaxation and downtime

• An optional service called ‘One-on-One Beaches Buddy," which provides personalized child care with a buddy who is autism-certified

What's more, trained staff members are available to assist families. Beaches Turks and Caicos also has an extensive sensory guide, which parents can check out here.

Adventures with Sesame Street

Julia, a Sesame Street character with autism, is an important highlight of Beaches Turks and Caicos' autism program. Julia is featured in various activities and experiences at the resort, helping foster understanding and acceptance among all guests. From character breakfasts to Amazing Art with Julia, children have the opportunity to engage with the character in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Related: 16 Tips for Flying With Toddlers and Young Kids

My Family's Experience

After learning about the offerings at Beaches Turks and Caicos, I felt a renewed sense of hope and anticipation. I knew we were heading somewhere where we'd be supported and understood every step of the way—and the experience definitely didn't disappoint.

Seeing my child engage with Julia and other children, all of whom were embraced and celebrated for their unique qualities, brought tears to my eyes. My son especially enjoyed using amenities like the playground and the numerous pools, which reminded me that he can create his own style of fun, and it may not mirror what everyone else is doing.

I can confidently say that my stay at Beaches Turks and Caicos was a transformative and heartwarming experience. The attention to detail and the genuine care provided by the staff created a sense of comfort and understanding. It was a vacation where we felt accepted, supported, and free to enjoy ourselves without judgment or barriers.

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