Autism-Friendly Belize

Family vacations are an exciting mix of dreaming and planning for many parents. However, planning autism-friendly vacations away from home can be daunting for families traveling with someone on the autism spectrum, especially when those vacation plans will dramatically alter everyone’s daily routines.

As we near the end of April, we would like to take a moment to speak not only on Autism Awareness but the shift to Autism Acceptance. As the mother of a child on the autism spectrum, I know first-hand how challenging it can be to choose destinations and experiences that are carefree, fun, and, dare I say, with the least glaring stares possible.

Having traveled extensively throughout Belize with my family, including my little ASD warrior, I am here to help parents traveling with adults or children with autism navigate the best options for the entire family.

Last year, I enjoyed working with Jeremy and Marci Silverman to plan a tailored experience for their 18-year-old son, who is on the spectrum, and their 14-year-old daughter over the holidays. Their Belize experience, as told by Jeremy, follows.

“We had one of our best ever family vacations in Belize in December 2021, traveling with our 18-year-old son (who is on the autism spectrum) and our 14-year-old daughter. We didn’t pick Belize as our vacation destination specifically because it was Autism-friendly. Still, we felt more comfortable during the planning stages, given Patricia’s guidance and shared experience, who also has a child on the autism spectrum.

We absolutely loved our time in Belize, and it exceeded our expectations on every level. The activities were amazing both inland at and around Chaa Creek and on Ambergris Caye, including the ATM Cave, Barton Creek, Xunantunich, and the amazing wildlife at Chaa Creek, as well as fishing, snorkeling, and just lounging at the beach on Ambergris ‐ especially Blue Bayou at Secret Beach!

Beyond the activities, what stood out most for us was the warmth and genuineness of the Belizean people, including the way everyone we met not only accepted our son but truly appreciated him and his quirkiness as positives. Every server at Chaa Creek and Las Terrazas knew him by name almost instantly and warmly greeted him every time they saw him. Our tour guides at Chaa Creek and outside the resorts embraced his differences. He had the time of his life ‐ he still talks about our guides at Amigos Del Mar on Ambergris, especially Burger and Soup, who nicknamed him El Matador! Our day with them made memories that will last a lifetime.

Having private tours for almost all of our activities made for a more comfortable experience, especially given the exceptional guides for everything we did.

Patricia did an amazing job curating our trip and experiences and laying a “foundation of understanding” at our destinations. She somehow struck the right balance between informing our hosts of our special needs without causing anyone to pre-judge our son and what he could do.

We still daydream about Belize and can’t wait for our next visit!”

1. Belize Sailing Vacations – The options are endless aboard one of BSV’s luxury yachts: fishing, island-hopping, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling – the Caribbean Sea is your playground, and every detail is tailored to your preference.
2. Chabil Mar Villas – Family-oriented and guest-exclusive, the resort balances pampering and privacy superbly and is perfect for a scenic stroll along the beach to the center of Placencia.
3. Las Terrazas Resort – The team at Las Terrazas goes above and beyond to provide extra care and personal attention.
4. Naia Resort & Spa – Perfect for families who enjoy their privacy and exploring independently but like the flexibility of interacting with others whenever they choose.
5. Sirenian Bay Resort & Villas – A personable staff that is always smiling and willing to help, and there is no shortage of activities and beach games.
6. The Lodge at Chaa Creek – Ideal for active families and wildlife enthusiasts, a stay at this 400-acre private reserve promises to be a thrilling experience.
7. Turtle Inn – Francis Ford Coppola’s beach hideaway boasts some of the most attentive, detail-oriented, and friendly staff on the peninsula.