
In addition to offering 60 miles of beaches, a boardwalk, oodles of restaurants and shops, and attractions ranging from about 90 golf courses to a cool Ferris wheel, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, prides itself on being sensory-friendly.
Here are some of the ways they do this:
*More than 150 local businesses have taken a sensory-friendly pledge to create an inclusive environment and have trained their staff members in ways to make that happen.
*Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program. Airport and airline personnel – and other travelers – know that anyone wearing a sunflower lanyard might need special assistance or extra patience on their journey. The airport also offers a Quiet Room in the baggage claim area where families can decompress before or after a flight.
*Many Myrtle Beach restaurants, attractions and hotels offer discounts and special services to members of the Autism Travel Club ($10/year). For example, wait staff at participating restaurants are trained to seat guests in a quiet space, to expedite meals and checkouts as needed and to handle potential sensory overload situations with understanding and compassion.
Now there’s another tool in the Myrtle Beach sensory friendly toolkit.

A new children’s book, “Splish, Splash, Squawk! Finding Joy in a Sensory-Friendly Vacation,” created in partnership with Visit Myrtle Beach and author and illustrator Lynda Farrington Wilson, explores some of the challenges faced by families with children on the autism spectrum.
The book tells the story of Maris the parrot who, armed with her trusty telescope and heart full of compassion, watches over the families vacationing in Myrtle Beach.
The book is available from White Garment Publishing Group and should be available on Amazon and other bookstores soon.
(Image credits: Visit Myrtle Beach and White Garment Publishing Group).
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