Autism-Friendly Tourism: Mesa’s Model of Inclusivity

On a family vacation in 2018, Mark Garcia was struck by the lack of patience and the strange looks his autistic son received from caterers. As the executive director and president of Visit Mesa in Arizona, he promised to do something about it when he returned home.

Determined to make a difference, Garcia took action to ensure tourists with neurodiversity—individuals who experience differences in brain function—would have a more positive experience in Mesa than the one his family encountered. He wanted people with neurodiverse conditions, like autism, to enjoy their travels and create lasting memories without the stress his family endured.

Traveling can be particularly challenging for neurodiverse individuals, as it involves a series of disruptions that can lead to sensory overload. According to research from Travel with Autism, 87 percent of families with autistic members avoid vacations altogether due to the unpredictability and stress involved. Factors like loud noises, changes in diet, and disruptions to routine can lead to discomfort and even meltdowns if not handled with understanding and compassion.

However, Mesa is working to change this narrative by becoming a “first city friendly” destination for individuals with autism. Garcia’s first step was ensuring the entire tourism bureau received specialized training and certification from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This training helps employees at hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions understand how to communicate effectively with neurodiverse individuals and how to accommodate their needs.

Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that in 2020, one in 26 children in the United States was diagnosed with autism. Similarly, the World Health Organization estimated that one in 100 children globally has autism, a number that continues to rise annually. These statistics highlight the growing need for cities and organizations to take proactive measures in ensuring inclusivity for neurodiverse travelers.

“For example, some people are more visual learners, so we tailor their visit to our destination by displaying brochures, pamphlets and maps,” said Zoe Schirzel of the Visit Mesa tourist office. She has also noticed that some individuals may need extra time to process information, such as directions to a tourist attraction or explanations of available activities.

“Before I got the certificate, I didn’t notice people who might have a hidden disability. But after hearing about our training, more people are ready to talk without shame or fear about what they might need or what additional help we can provide,” Schirzel added.

In 2021, Mesa became the first city in America to implement the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, originally introduced in Great Britain. This initiative allows visitors to wear a sunflower ribbon or bracelet, signaling that they may need additional assistance or patience from staff. It’s a simple, yet effective, way to foster understanding and empathy within the community.

The success of this program spurred Mesa’s broader commitment to inclusivity. Local leaders set a goal for 80 percent of public sector employees, including park workers, police officers, and firefighters, to become Certified Autism Centers (CACs). By November 2019, Mesa made history as the world’s first autism-certified city, setting a powerful example for other cities and tourist destinations.

Becoming a CAC isn’t a one-time achievement. It requires ongoing training and recertification to ensure staff are up-to-date with best practices and tools for accommodating neurodiverse individuals. In Mesa, over 60 businesses and organizations have completed the training, including major attractions like the Arizona Museum of Natural History.

The museum, for instance, provides sensory guides to help families navigate potentially overwhelming exhibits. Dinosaur Hall, a popular section of the museum, scores five out of ten for sound stimulation, three for sight, two for touch, and one for smell and taste. These guides enable families to plan their visit strategically, allowing them to avoid overstimulating areas and take breaks in designated quiet zones.

“Museums are special places where people come to learn, relax, and make memories with friends and family. However, the highly stimulating environment may be a barrier for some, limiting their access,” explained Alison Stoltman, the museum’s deputy director.

To further support neurodiverse visitors, the museum recently held its first “sensory-friendly” event. The museum opened early in the morning with a limited number of tickets sold, and the more stimulating experiences were toned down.

“We’ve had great feedback, many families have indicated that an event like this allowed them to visit the museum,” said Stoltman.

Inclusivity efforts also extend to performance venues like the Mesa Performing Arts Center, which offers amenities such as de-stressing blankets, noise-canceling headphones, and quiet rooms to help visitors manage sensory overload during performances. Jennifer Hedgepeth of the Mesa Arts Center found the training particularly valuable, as she is also a parent of a child on the autism spectrum.

“I already knew many things, but it was nice to discover the details. It’s also really nice to know that all of my co-workers and the city of Mesa are going through the same training,” she shared.

Mesa’s efforts to accommodate people with autism stretch beyond indoor attractions. As one of the largest spring training centers for baseball, many of Mesa’s stadiums and team employees are also CAC certified. Baseball is often a favorite sport among individuals with autism due to its slower pace, outdoor setting, and trackable statistics. However, stadiums can sometimes be overstimulating, so teams like the Oakland A’s, who play at Hohokam Stadium, have worked to make the game more accessible.

In addition to sports, Mesa’s natural surroundings provide neurodiverse visitors with a variety of outdoor activities. The nearby Tonto National Forest offers accessible camping, fishing, and campfires through the Mesa Parks and Recreation District, which is also CAC certified.

Despite all the progress made, Mesa has no plans to slow down. The city has set its sights on becoming the most accessible destination in the United States for individuals with disabilities and developmental disorders. As part of this goal, Mesa partnered with Aira, a service that helps blind and partially sighted individuals by connecting them with trained agents who can assist with tasks like reading menus and planning trips.

In 2023, Mesa joined the global initiative “Wheel the World,” a platform that maps how accessible certain destinations are for visitors with disabilities. This allows families to plan their trips more effectively and find accommodations that meet their specific needs, such as wheelchair ramps or sensory-friendly environments.

“Having information ahead of time makes the journey a little less stressful,” Schirzel said, expressing her hope that more cities will follow Mesa’s example.

Ultimately, Mesa is leading the way in creating a world where all travelers, regardless of their neurodiversity, can feel comfortable, welcome, and understood.