Loud noises, flashing lights, large crowds and long lines often compose the backdrop for family vacations. But for families traveling with children or adults on the autism spectrum, they can turn a joyful outing into a serious challenge for everyone in a matter of seconds.
High Point, Nth Carolina, is the first Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) on the east coast. In this friendly, vibrant city, these families can enjoy a safe and fun-filled vacation, knowing they will find hotels, restaurants and attractions with staff trained to meet their needs.
Our visit was generously hosted, but all opinions are entirely my own.
What the CAD Designation Means
CADs are certified by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), which credentials professionals to respond to a variety of mental, cognitive and behavioral needs at a corporate level. This means visitors with autism and sensory sensitivity can be certain the destination offers autism-certified dining, entertainment, recreation and lodging options.
In order to receive its CAD title, a specified number of High Point’s tourism-related organizations underwent autism and sensory disorder sensitivity and awareness training and completed an onsite review with IBCCES. Periodic recertification will ensure continuity of the high level of service and sensitivity for visitors on the autism spectrum and their families.
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What Makes a Location a Certified Autism Center (CAC)
In order to become a CAC through IBCCES, employees of tourism-related entities must complete autism and sensory-sensitivity training. This training enables them to provide support, assistance and compassion when communicating with visitors with sensory challenges.
The number of High Point’s CACs are numerous and varied. From The Blooming Board, a family-friendly bar, retail establishment and gathering place to The Art Gallery at Congdon Yards, offering visual art exhibits and interactive educational experiences, to Truist Point Stadium, home of the High Point Rockers baseball team; High Point is a treasure trove of options to delight and entertain.
Things to Do
Your first stop on a High Point visit should be the Visitors Center. This extraordinary facility has interactive displays, local art and a welcoming atmosphere.
Here you can gather information and ask questions. Members of the High Point team are all Certified Autism Travel Professionals, dedicated to assisting families in creating the best vacation possible.
Museums
- Nido & Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum: Children of all ages and abilities have a fun and safe place to play at this award-winning interactive museum. Fun features such as the Courage Climber, the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Lab and a double-decker carousel entertain the kiddos for hours.
- High Point Museum: This is a must for those interested in learning about High Point. Monthly hands-on crafts and activities encourage children to delve into High Point’s history. Access to internal and external designated quiet spaces is available.
- American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame: This unusual museum explores the history of the international home furnishings industry and hosts special events delighting all visitors.
Recreation
- Q’s Corner: The first High Point CAC certified establishment, provides a safe play place for people of all abilities. This indoor gym has a play room with soft items, a calm sensory room and a main gym with swings, trampolines and more!
- Hartley Drive Family YMCA: This CAC certified YMCA welcomes members and non-members of all abilities. Approximately 20% of Hartley’s staff are trained, including everyone in the aquatics program.
- Local Parks: High Point City Lake Park, Piedmont Environmental Center and Deep River Park are ideal places for children to work off some energy and learn about the natural world around them.
Other Activities
- High Point Public Library: The Children’s Department offers monthly “Sensory Friendly Story Time” consisting of songs, books and unstructured play time. “Sensory Rescue Packs” are located at every reference desk in the library.
- The Rotary Club of High Point Sensory Garden: Located at the High Point Public Library, this 7,000 square foot area consists of a variety of sensory experiences. It offers educational and recreational opportunities for individuals with autism, dementia, and physical and mental challenges.
- Distractions Art Studio: This cheerful venue offers paint-your-own-pottery sessions, enabling visitors to produce their own unique souvenirs of their High Point visit. Distractions also offers regularly scheduled “Sensory Safe” hours.
Places to Eat
Dining out with children who are on the autism spectrum can have its challenges. The following restaurants employ trained staff who are caring, patient and know how to navigate tricky situations.
- A Special Blend: This popular coffee shop serves a selection of gourmet espresso drinks, ice cream and sweet and savory breakfast items. The restaurant also employs individuals with intellectual and developmental challenges.
- Giannos: A cozy award-winning Italian restaurant, Giannos has delighted patrons with mouth-watering stone oven pizzas, pastas and other Italian favorites for more than two decades.
- Sweet Old Bill’s: An ideal lunch stop, this family-friendly restaurant serves tasty creations featuring barbecue, Texas-style brisket, chicken, ribs, salads and sandwiches.
Places to Stay
High Point offers comfortable accommodations featuring sensory-friendly rooms, visual supports, and trained staff who understand the needs of guests who are on the autism spectrum and their families.
- JH Adams Inn is a charming historic hotel with a full-service restaurant. It offers guests with autism headphones, tactile toys, and a low-sensory area.
- Pandora’s Manor is a boutique hotel conveniently located in Downtown High Point. This enchanting historic home offers a welcoming and serene environment.
- Seven Oaks Bed and Breakfast is a quaint and tranquil oasis convenient to many High Point attractions. The management is trained and welcomes all guests.
- Courtyard by Marriott has a low-sensory area, and staff members are IBCCES trained.
Resources
Above and beyond its CAD requirements, High Point supports the autism community through autism-friendly events year-round, inclusive opportunities to participate in activities, and by providing helpful resources tailored to individuals with autism and their families.
- High Point’s Autism Travel Guide: this guide is a resource for families to learn about High Point’s CAD designation, local CACs, and available community resources to help plan vacations.
- Autism Adventure Guide: this is a digital magazine for individuals, families, and travel professionals that highlights organizations that have completed autism training and certification. High Point CACs are featured throughout the guide. Download the digital guide, or request a print copy.
- Autism Travel Accessibility App: This location-based platform helps users find accessible businesses and public locations for people of all abilities, including High Point CACs. The app also features reviews. Download from the App Store and Google Play.
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