1,000 parents with a child on the spectrum were asked:

Would you take your family diving if the center was certified in autism?

responded “Yes”

What is your child attracted to the most?

responded “Water”

Do you look to physicians or therapists for travel approval?

responded “Yes”

Are you satisfied with current travel options for families with autism?

responded “Yes”

Recent studies have showed the prevalence of drowning incidents is on the rise for those with autism who wander from a safe environment. I applaud the efforts of groups like PADI who are making our loved ones more comfortable in the water with this initiative.

Kerry Magro
Nationally Known Speaker And Advocate Who Is On The Spectrum

PADI and IBCCES: Helping Your Dive Center Increase Revenue By Serving The Special Needs Market

Autism Facts

$262 billion is spent on autism related services in the US each year.

1 in 59 children has been identified with autism.

ASD occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.

ASD has had a 600% increase in diagnoses in the last 20 years

* Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

Learn More About Your Dive Shop Becoming a CAC

Special Needs Training & Certification

IBCCES works in 70 countries around the globe to train and certify professionals on how to better serve guest with autism and other cognitive disorders. PADI ® has recently teamed up with IBCCES to bring their Certified Autism Center _(TM) (CAC) program to PADI Dive Centers like yours, giving families from all over the world the chance to experience the beauty of diving.

1 in 59 children are diagnosed with autism each year in the U.S. and over 20 million families around the globe have a child with autism. Travel for people with autism is a $262B market, helping make special needs travel the fastest growing segment of the travel industry.

Research has shown that water is the number one affinity for individuals on the autism spectrum, and when these individuals engage in stimulating activities such as diving, swimming, outdoor play and interaction with animals there is a high therapeutic value. In fact, families from all over the globe travel to IBCCES Certified Autism Centers just for the interaction with water.

The Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation recognizes organizations that have a highly trained staff and go above and beyond to serve the fastest growing population of developmental disorders. Once the certification is complete, IBCCES will help your center market your services to an under-served market of over 20 million families around the globe who have a child with autism.