Beyond Autism-Friendly: Beaches Resorts’ Advanced Autism Center!

I wanted to share some amazing information I learned upon adding Beaches to my portfolio! This information just makes my heart happy!

If you’ve ever worried that a “big resort vacation” might be too much—too loud, too unpredictable, too overwhelming—you’re not alone. For many families, that worry alone is enough to stop travel plans altogether.

The good news is that Beaches Resorts in Negril (Jamaica) and Turks & Caicos have been intentional about creating family vacation spaces that support neurodivergent travelers, including guests on the autism spectrum, in meaningful, practical ways.

One of the biggest reasons families love Beaches? Their kids programs are designed with inclusion at the center—and they’re backed by a respected, research-based certification process.

What makes Beaches different for autism-inclusive travel?

Beaches Resorts offers Kids Camps that are Advanced Certified Autism Centers (ACAC), with team members trained to better support children with autism as well as sensory-sensitive children.

In everyday terms: this isn’t just “we welcome everyone” (though they do). It’s training, standards, and ongoing accountability—so families can feel more confident before they even arrive.

What is an IBCCES Advanced Certified Autism Center?

IBCCES (International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards) is an organization that provides research-based training and certification around autism, neurodiversity, and accessibility.

Their Advanced Certified Autism Center (ACAC) designation—often described as a level up from a standard Certified Autism Center—recognizes organizations that go above and beyond. This makes Beaches Resorts one of the only all-inclusive family resorts in the Caribbean with this level of autism-specific certification.

Requirements include:

·         A minimum of 40 hours of autism training for leadership and high-contact staff

·         At least 80% of guest-facing staff trained and certified

·         Ongoing, modified services and activities for guests with different needs

·         A commitment to continued training and recertification

·         An annual onsite facilities audit

That matters, because it means families aren’t relying on luck to get staff who “get it”—the expectation is built into the program.

What’s included in the Beaches autism-inclusive approach?

1) Trained staff (with training that reflects real-life needs)

IBCCES autism-focused training modules cover topic areas that closely align with what families commonly need support with, including:

·         Autism Overview

·         Sensory Awareness

·         Motor Skills

·         Program Development

·         Social Skills

·         Communication

·         Environment

·         Emotional Awareness & Bullying

This training foundation helps staff better understand why certain environments are challenging—and how small adjustments can make a big difference.

2) Certified Kids Camps at both Negril and Turks & Caicos

Beaches shares that their Kids Camps at both Beaches Negril and Beaches Turks & Caicos are Advanced Certified Autism Centers. This helps ensure team members have the knowledge and skills to support children of all abilities through age-appropriate programming.

3) Sesame Street magic—done with inclusion in mind

Beaches is known for its Sesame Street partnership, with programming connected to Camp Sesame.

They also highlight Julia, a Sesame Street character with autism, as part of welcoming and normalizing neurodiversity for kids and families.

For many families, seeing autism represented in a joyful, everyday vacation setting is more than “cute”—it can feel like a deep exhale.

4) Support for special dietary needs

Beaches also notes custom dining options and support for families traveling with dietary needs and restrictions, helping make meals feel safer, simpler, and less stressful while on vacation.

A quick look at the two resorts:

Beaches Negril (Jamaica): Laid-back, beachy, and relaxed. Many families love Negril for its calmer pace—an excellent option if you’re hoping to avoid a vacation that feels like sensory overload from sunrise to bedtime.

Beaches Turks & Caicos *MY RECOMMENDATION*: Larger, more energetic, and full of variety. This can be a great fit for families who want options (and backup plans). Having choices makes it easier to pivot if something feels like “too much” without losing the day.

Importantly, both resorts offer the Advanced Certified Kids Camp experience.

Why this matters—especially if you’ve ever felt nervous to travel:

Travel should not require families to “power through” discomfort. The goal isn’t forcing kids to tolerate everything—it’s creating environments where they can regulate, feel safe, and genuinely enjoy themselves.

Beaches’ IBCCES-backed approach helps families by offering:

• More predictability and understanding from staff

• Kid programming designed with inclusion in mind

• Increased awareness of sensory needs

• Support for communication differences and social-emotional needs

  
  

Ready to plan a Beaches vacation that actually feels restful?

If you’d like, I can help you decide between Beaches Negril vs. Beaches Turks & Caicos based on your family’s specific needs—sensory preferences, food restrictions, flight length, resort vibe, and what “fun” looks like for your child.

I’ll also help you plan strategies that make the trip smoother before you even pack.

If you want, tell me:

• kids’ ages

• any sensory triggers (sound, crowds, textures, transitions)

• dietary needs

• whether you prefer “laid-back” or “lots of options”

…and I’ll recommend the best fit for your family.