America's First Autism Certified City

In recent years, the movement towards creating inclusive and accommodating environments for individuals with autism has gained momentum. One significant development in this movement is the emergence of Autism Certified Cities. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, holds the distinction of being America's first Autism Certified City, receiving this designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) in 2021 [1].

What is Autism Certification?

Autism certification is a process through which cities or communities are trained and evaluated to ensure they can effectively cater to individuals with autism and other sensory needs. The designation of an Autism Certified City indicates that the community has taken specific steps to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for individuals with autism and their families. Training is provided to organizations, hotels, resorts, attractions, and other businesses within the community to equip them with the knowledge and tools necessary to support individuals with autism [1].

The Importance of Autism Certification

The certification of Myrtle Beach as America's first Autism Certified City is a significant milestone in the journey towards inclusivity. It demonstrates the city's commitment to understanding and meeting the unique needs of individuals with autism. By providing training and resources to local businesses and organizations, Myrtle Beach has created an environment that is compassionate, accommodating, and supportive.

Autism certification brings numerous benefits to both individuals with autism and the community as a whole. It ensures that individuals with autism can enjoy the same opportunities as their neurotypical peers, fostering greater independence and inclusivity. It also helps to raise awareness and understanding of autism within the community, reducing stigmatization and promoting acceptance.

Moreover, Autism Certified Cities serve as beacons of inspiration for other communities looking to create similar inclusive environments. Myrtle Beach's initiative sets a standard for excellence and provides a roadmap for other cities to follow. By sharing best practices and collaborating with organizations like IBCCES, communities across the country can work towards becoming more accommodating and supportive for individuals with autism and their families.

The certification of Myrtle Beach as America's first Autism Certified City is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the dedication to creating a more inclusive society. As more cities and communities strive to achieve this designation, the collective impact of these efforts will continue to transform the lives of individuals with autism and create brighter futures for all.

Myrtle Beach: The First Autism Certified City

In a significant milestone for autism inclusivity, Myrtle Beach became the first Autism Certified City in America on April 2, 2016, which coincided with World Autism Awareness Day. This remarkable achievement has put Myrtle Beach at the forefront of creating a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals with autism and their families.

Initiatives and Programs in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach has implemented a range of autism-friendly initiatives and programs to ensure that individuals with autism feel supported and included. For example, the city has designated quiet rooms in various public spaces, allowing individuals with autism to have a calm and quiet space when needed. These designated areas provide a much-needed respite from sensory overload and promote a sense of comfort and security.

In addition to quiet rooms, Myrtle Beach offers sensory-friendly activities tailored to the unique needs of individuals with autism. These activities are designed to minimize sensory stimulation and provide an enjoyable experience for individuals with autism and their families. By creating these inclusive opportunities, Myrtle Beach fosters a sense of belonging and enables individuals with autism to fully participate in community events and attractions.

Recognizing the importance of education and awareness, Myrtle Beach has also prioritized training programs for staff members. These programs equip staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively interact with individuals on the autism spectrum. By promoting understanding and empathy, Myrtle Beach ensures that individuals with autism receive the support and accommodations they need during their visit to the city.

The Impact of Autism Certification in Myrtle Beach

The impact of autism certification in Myrtle Beach has been far-reaching and transformative. The city has taken great strides to create an inclusive and accessible environment for individuals with autism and their families. The Myrtle Beach International Airport, for instance, became the first "autism-friendly" airport in the world, with staff members receiving specialized training to better assist travelers with autism spectrum disorder.

By collaborating with local businesses, Myrtle Beach has also ensured that various establishments offer autism-friendly services and accommodations. This collaboration has resulted in a more welcoming and understanding atmosphere throughout the city. Families with individuals on the autism spectrum can now enjoy their visit to Myrtle Beach with confidence, knowing that they will be supported and accepted.

Becoming the first Autism Certified City in America, Myrtle Beach has set a standard for other communities aspiring to be more inclusive and supportive of individuals with autism and their families. The city's dedication to creating a welcoming environment serves as an inspiration for others to follow suit, fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding.

Myrtle Beach's commitment to autism certification has not only benefited individuals with autism and their families but has also enhanced the overall inclusivity and diversity of the city. By embracing the unique needs of the autism community, Myrtle Beach has become a shining example of how cities can become more autism-friendly, ultimately leading to a more inclusive society for all.

Mesa: Another Autism Certified City

Mesa, Arizona proudly holds the title of being America's first autism certified city. In August 2019, Mesa took a groundbreaking step by becoming the first city in the United States to achieve this designation. The initiative aims to create a welcoming experience for individuals with autism and their families, ensuring understanding and acceptance across the community.

Autism-Friendly Initiatives in Mesa

Mesa has implemented a range of autism-friendly initiatives and programs that focus on creating inclusive and supportive environments for individuals on the autism spectrum. These initiatives include:

Training and Education: Various attractions, hotels, restaurants, and businesses in Mesa have undergone autism training to create an inclusive environment. Staff members receive training on effective techniques to better serve guests with autism. This training equips them with the knowledge and understanding needed to provide excellent service and support.
Sensory-Friendly Spaces: Mesa offers sensory-friendly spaces at various locations throughout the city. These spaces are designed to minimize sensory overload and provide a comfortable experience for individuals with autism. They feature calming elements, reduced noise levels, and sensory-friendly activities.
Accessible Sensory Bags: In addition to sensory-friendly spaces, Mesa provides accessible sensory bags at select locations. These bags contain items such as noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, and visual schedules. They are available to individuals with autism and their families, allowing them to have the necessary tools to navigate and enjoy their experiences in Mesa.
Digital Guide: Families visiting Mesa can access a digital guide that includes information on the city's certified locations, accommodations, and activities. This guide makes travel planning more convenient for individuals with autism and their families, ensuring they can easily find autism-friendly options during their visit.

Mesa's Journey to Autism Certification

Mesa's efforts to become America's first Autism Certified City involved a commitment to education and training programs, as well as the development of sensory-friendly events and spaces. These efforts have transformed Mesa into a city where individuals with autism can thrive and feel supported.

By achieving autism certification, Mesa sets a standard for other destinations to follow. The city's commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with autism and their families when traveling serves as an inspiration for other communities to implement similar initiatives. The impact of Mesa's autism-friendly initiatives extends beyond the autism community, benefiting the local community and businesses by fostering a greater understanding and ability to cater to the unique needs of individuals with autism.

Mesa's designation as America's first Autism Certified City highlights the importance of creating inclusive and supportive environments for individuals with autism. By prioritizing the needs of individuals on the autism spectrum, Mesa sets a positive example for other cities, encouraging them to follow suit and create communities that promote acceptance, understanding, and accessibility for all.

Cherry Hill: Joining the Ranks of Autism Certified Cities

Cherry Hill, located in New Jersey, proudly achieved the distinction of becoming America's first Autism Certified City on November 3, 2021. This remarkable achievement was made possible by meeting the qualifications set by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to receive this prestigious designation.

Autism-Friendly Efforts in Cherry Hill

The community in Cherry Hill has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to inclusion by offering training and support to local businesses, organizations, and residents to create an autism-friendly environment. By fostering an understanding of autism and its unique challenges, the city has taken significant steps towards creating a more inclusive and supportive community for individuals with autism and their families.

Cherry Hill has implemented a range of initiatives and programs aimed at ensuring an autism-friendly experience. These efforts include training employees to better understand and accommodate the needs of individuals with autism, as well as implementing sensory-friendly activities in various public spaces within the city. By creating an environment that is sensitive to sensory needs and providing resources to support individuals with autism, Cherry Hill has made great strides towards fostering an inclusive community.

Achieving Autism Certification in Cherry Hill

The journey to becoming an Autism Certified City was a comprehensive and collaborative process for Cherry Hill. The certification process involved extensive training for employees and community members, implementation of sensory-friendly activities, and the provision of valuable resources to support individuals with autism in various settings within the city.

By meeting the rigorous standards set by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), Cherry Hill has not only established itself as a pioneer in autism-friendly initiatives but has also set an inspiring example for other cities and communities across the United States. The hope is that Cherry Hill's achievement will encourage other cities to follow suit and work towards becoming more autism-friendly and inclusive.

Looking ahead, Cherry Hill remains committed to expanding its efforts to make the city even more accessible for individuals with autism and their families. By continually striving to improve and provide support, Cherry Hill aims to ensure that everyone feels included and valued within the community [6].

The certification of Cherry Hill as America's first Autism Certified City is a significant milestone in the journey towards creating autism-friendly communities. By prioritizing understanding, acceptance, and support, Cherry Hill has become a shining example of how cities can come together to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals with autism and their families.

Creating Autism-Friendly Communities

As society continues to evolve, the concept of creating autism-friendly spaces has gained significant attention and importance. This approach shifts the focus from changing individuals with autism to fit into existing environments, to adapting the environment to better cater to their needs. Creating autism-friendly communities is a step towards making individuals with autism feel supported, included, and understood in various settings like theaters, restaurants, and stores [7].

The Benefits of Autism-Friendly Spaces

Designing autism-friendly spaces brings numerous benefits for individuals with autism and their families. By making accommodations for sensory needs and offering emotional support, businesses and organizations can create an inclusive environment that promotes a positive experience for everyone involved. Some of the key benefits include:

Reduced Sensory Overload: Autism-friendly spaces are designed to minimize sensory overload, which can be overwhelming for individuals with autism. By creating a calm and controlled environment, these spaces help to reduce anxiety and meltdowns.
Enhanced Communication and Socialization: By providing clear communication and visual supports, autism-friendly spaces facilitate effective communication and encourage socialization. This can lead to improved interactions and connections with others.
Increased Independence and Confidence: When individuals with autism feel supported and understood in their environment, they gain a sense of independence and confidence. Autism-friendly spaces provide the opportunity for individuals to navigate and engage with their surroundings more comfortably.
Family Inclusion and Participation: Autism-friendly spaces not only benefit individuals with autism but also their families. By creating an inclusive environment, families can enjoy outings and activities together without feeling judged or excluded.

Promoting Inclusion and Understanding

To create autism-friendly communities, businesses and organizations are taking steps to accommodate the needs of individuals with autism. This includes making physical adaptations to their facilities, providing staff training, and offering sensory-friendly options. For example:

Sensory-friendly environments: Businesses are modifying their spaces by reducing noise levels, implementing proper lighting, and providing designated quiet areas. These changes help to create a more calming and predictable environment for individuals with autism.
Staff training: Businesses are investing in training programs to educate their staff on autism awareness and understanding. This equips employees with the knowledge and skills needed to provide appropriate support and assistance to customers with autism.
Visual supports: Visual supports such as visual schedules, social stories, and pictorial menus are being implemented to aid communication and comprehension. These supports provide individuals with autism visual cues that help them understand expectations and navigate their surroundings.
Autism-friendly events and initiatives: Many businesses and organizations are hosting autism-friendly events and programs. These initiatives cater specifically to individuals with autism, providing a safe and welcoming space for them to enjoy various activities and experiences.

By promoting autism-friendly communities, we can foster a society that values inclusion, understanding, and acceptance for individuals with autism. Sharing information and raising awareness about the importance of autism-friendly spaces is crucial in encouraging businesses, organizations, and communities to make the necessary modifications and create a more welcoming environment for all individuals, including those with autism. Together, we can create a world that celebrates diversity and supports the unique needs of every individual.

The Future of Autism Certification

As America's first autism certified city initiatives continue to make a positive impact, they have the potential to inspire other cities and communities across the country to follow suit. The success of Myrtle Beach, Mesa, and Cherry Hill in creating autism-friendly environments has set a standard for inclusivity and support for individuals with autism and their families.

Inspiring Other Cities and Communities

Myrtle Beach, Mesa, and Cherry Hill's dedication to becoming autism certified cities serves as an inspiration for other destinations that wish to become more inclusive and supportive of individuals with autism. As highlighted by IBCCES, Myrtle Beach aims to set a standard for other communities that seek to create a more welcoming and understanding environment for individuals with autism and their families.

By sharing their experiences and success stories, these cities can serve as beacons of hope, encouraging other communities to prioritize inclusivity and take steps towards becoming autism certified. The commitment shown by these cities demonstrates the positive impact that can be made when a community comes together to support and accommodate individuals with autism.

The Continued Growth of Autism-Friendly Initiatives

The journey towards autism certification does not stop with the achievements of Myrtle Beach, Mesa, and Cherry Hill. The impact of their efforts has highlighted the importance of creating autism-friendly spaces and has inspired organizations and businesses to invest in training and educating their staff to better serve individuals with autism.

In addition to educating and training businesses, technology is also playing a role in creating autism-friendly communities. Apps like Autism Village, which acts as a guide to autism-friendly spaces, allow users to find and review inclusive places in their community or while traveling. This technology helps individuals with autism and their families navigate and access autism-friendly services more easily.

As awareness continues to grow, more businesses and organizations are adapting to become autism-friendly by making accommodations for sensory needs and offering emotional support to customers with autism. The positive response and recognition received by businesses that provide autism-friendly services and events encourage further growth and expansion of these initiatives.

The future of autism certification holds great promise. The dedication of cities like Myrtle Beach, Mesa, and Cherry Hill, combined with the increasing awareness and efforts of businesses and organizations, will contribute to the continued growth of autism-friendly initiatives. By prioritizing inclusivity and understanding, communities across the nation have the opportunity to create a more supportive and accommodating environment for individuals with autism and their families.