Mesa Parks and Recreation Becomes First Such Organization to Receive Certified Autism Center Designation

The Mesa Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department has become the first parks and recreation organization in the U.S. and the world to become a Certified Autism Center, a designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) that demonstrates the organization’s commitment to ensuring guests with autism and sensory sensitivities have the best possible experience.

“Mesa is well known as a destination for families to both live and visit,” Mayor John Giles said. “I am proud that our Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department took that priority a step further to ensure that children on the autism spectrum have a fun experience in Mesa.”

Continue Reading →

Share:
0

Top 8 Travel Options That Include Water For Families With Autism

Water is a very powerful and healing tool for people who are on the autism spectrum. It can be extremely therapeutic and also provides behavioral benefits along with the physical benefits of being active in the water.

Being in the water often gives a sense of calm to individuals on the spectrum, especially children. The buoyancy and pressure of the water creates a supportive environment where they are able to develop their sensory processing skills through hydrostatic pressure, vestibular stimulation and proprioceptive feedback.

On top of this, when children are able to play and have fun in the water the positive effects are seen long after. Continue Reading →

Share:
0

Why Autism Friendly Should Never be Mistaken for Autism Certified

Autism friendly can just mean that an organization has made a donation to a local non-profit; a Certified Autism Center means that at least 80% of guest facing staff has received autism training as just one of the requirements.

In a recent study by CDC, it is reported that 1 in every 44 children are diagnosed with autism. Despite this disability reaching far and wide, it’s extremely unique to each individual due to operating on a spectrum.

This can make traveling of any kind very difficult for families who have children with autism. Continue Reading →

Share:
0

Autism and Baseball: Why Baseball Can Be a Great Sport for People on Autism Spectrum

America’s Favorite Past-Time

Autism and baseball are a good fit for a number of reasons, starting with the slower paced team atmosphere, the plethora of numbers and statistics, and the open air setting.

Baseball has been known as America’s favorite past-time for decades. As one of the most popular sports in the nation, there’s nothing quite like the experience of catching a game at your local stadium. The energy is infectious as the crowd roars, refreshments are passed down the aisle, and the next batter steps up to the plate.

The game of baseball appeals to a large population of Americans, including those who are on the autism spectrum. It is traditionally played outdoors in open stadiums and involves tracking stats of each player and team. This open environment and analysis of numbers is often what attracts people who have autism to the game.

Continue Reading →

Share:
0

8 Steps for Water Safety for Autistic Children

Water safety is extremely important for autistic individuals to learn in their lives. They tend to have an affinity for water, which is part of the reason why drowning is one of the most common causes of death for autistic individuals people.

This is why it is so important to help people with autism learn the skills they need to be safer around the water and to seek out destinations or attractions with trained and certified staff. Continue Reading →

Share:
0

Sounds Like Autism Podcast Features IBCCES Board Chairman Myron Pincomb

Josh and Dave from the Sounds Like Autism podcast sit down with Myron Pincomb from IBCCES, the organization behind Certified Autism Centers like Sesame Place.

About the Sounds Like Autism Podcast

Josh Mirsky has a car, a job, a girlfriend, and now, a podcast. But none of it was easy – Josh also has Autism. Follow Josh and his friend and mentor Dave Thompson as they attempt to spread awareness, insight and positive energy, exploring a range of subjects from employment to relationships.

Check out the podcast for Apple: Unamused: Autism at Theme Parks – S1 E6

Android: Unamused: Autism at Theme Parks – S1 E6

Share:
0

Special Needs Travel: Fastest Growing Segment of The Market

The trillion dollar travel industry is experiencing a massive shift: special needs travel is becoming the fastest growing segment of the market.

Customers Demand Special Needs Travel Options

Currently, there are over 20 million families with autistic individuals around the world and an estimated 53 million Americans with disabilities. This population has long been underserved when it comes to travel. Continue Reading →

Share:
0

Ripley’s Aquarium Becomes First Attraction in Canada to be Designated A Certified Autism Center

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada has completed the process to become a Certified Autism Center, a designation from IBCCES that demonstrates the organization’s commitment to ensuring guests with autism and sensory sensitivities have the best possible experience.

Parents with children on the autism spectrum often find choosing destinations and attractions a challenge due to sensory needs, dietary restrictions and safety concerns. In recent years, the popularity of “autism-friendly” options has grown; however, visitors often seek out organizations that have completed research-based training or certification to ensure their needs can be met. Continue Reading →

Share:
0
Page 6 of 6 «...23456