Finishing out Autism acceptance month: making your vacation rental welcoming to all

April is Autism Acceptance Month—a time dedicated to celebrating neurodiversity, encouraging understanding, and promoting environments where every person can feel safe, respected, and included. For many families with autistic children or autistic adults, travel can feel overwhelming. The unpredictability of new places, unfamiliar routines, and sensory overload can make what should be a relaxing vacation feel more like a challenge.

As a vacation rental host, you have the power to change that. With a few thoughtful adjustments, you can help create a stay that’s not only comfortable but genuinely welcoming for neurodivergent guests. These small acts of inclusion don’t just enhance your property—they show compassion, care, and hospitality in its truest form.

How to Share Your Efforts on Social Media

Raising awareness and promoting your inclusive accommodations on social media can help families feel more confident in choosing your rental. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being thoughtful and intentional.

📸 1. Showcase Your Commitment

Share why you're passionate about creating a space that supports all kinds of guests. You might post a photo of your welcome binder with a visual schedule inside, a peek at your quiet room setup, or even a quick video explaining your motivation as a host during Autism Acceptance Month.

Example: "This April, we're proud to honor Autism Acceptance Month by sharing the ways our vacation home is designed to support guests with sensory sensitivities. From blackout curtains to a cozy quiet room, we're here to help families truly relax."

🏠 2. Highlight Features in Action

Show, don’t just tell. A few ideas:

• A video showing how the sensory corner works (with fidget toys, bean bags, dim lighting)

• A reel walking through your labeled kitchen setup or child-safe bathroom

• A carousel post of photos showing your blackout curtains, calm bedroom lighting, or fenced backyard

💬 3. Share Guest Testimonials

With permission, feature families who’ve stayed with you and share their experiences. These stories are powerful—they help others envision a positive trip and know they're not alone in their travel concerns.

Example: "Traveling is usually stressful for us, but this home had everything we needed. My son loved the weighted blanket, and having a visual guide made check-in so much easier." — past guest

🤝 4. Engage with Like-Minded Communities

Follow and share content from organizations like the Autism Society, National Autism Association, or sensory-friendly travel bloggers. Reposting content like travel tips for autistic children or sensory-friendly packing lists shows that you're actively learning and growing.

Simple Yet Impactful Ways to Make Your Rental More Inclusive

You don’t need to renovate your whole house to make a difference. Inclusion is in the details—especially when those details reduce stress and uncertainty.

🧘‍♀️ 1. Create a Quiet Zone

• Set up a calm corner or dedicated room for decompression. Think low-stimulation:

• Soft bean bag chairs or a crash pad

• Warm, dimmable lighting or fairy lights

• Minimal wall decor

• White noise machine or soft instrumental music

• A small teepee tent in a child’s bedroom or a simple reading nook with pillows can be a game changer for overstimulated guests.

🎧 2. Stock Helpful Sensory Tools

• Keep a small bin or basket of tools that guests can use during their stay:

• Noise-canceling headphones

• Weighted lap pad or blanket

• Fidget spinners, stress balls, chewable necklaces

• Sunglasses for light sensitivity

• Bubble timer or lava lamp for visual calm

• Label these items and include a short note explaining their purpose for those unfamiliar with sensory needs.

📚 3. Provide Predictable Communication

• Help reduce anxiety before and during the stay by offering:

• A visual social story or photo guide that walks through your rental, showing everything from the front door to the bathroom setup

• Clear, step-by-step instructions for things like how to operate the TV, how to lock the door, or how to use the dishwasher

• A daily routine sample with visuals (for example: wake up → breakfast → go outside → quiet time) that parents can customize

🛑 4. Think About Safety

• Safety is a top concern for families of children who may wander or elope. Consider the following:

• Install deadbolts or childproof locks higher up on doors

• Add a fence around outdoor areas, especially pools or near busy roads

• Use door alarms or motion sensors to alert caregivers if a door opens

• Label exits clearly with visual icons

• Secure furniture and TVs to the wall to prevent tipping

• You can even list these features clearly in your property description so parents know what to expect.

🧴 5. Be Mindful of Sensory Triggers

• Minimize strong scents, bright lights, and sudden noises. A few ideas:

• Offer fragrance-free laundry detergent and cleaning products

• Avoid air fresheners or strongly scented candles

• Use warm light bulbs instead of bright white

• Offer dimmers or lamps instead of only overhead lights

• Choose rugs or carpet over echo-prone tile in play areas

Celebrating Differences: Welcoming All Guests

Autism Acceptance Month is a reminder that inclusion is about recognizing and valuing differences. By making your vacation rental a space where all guests feel comfortable, you contribute to a travel industry that embraces neurodiversity. Not only does this broaden your reach to more travelers, but it also creates meaningful and memorable experiences for families who often struggle to find accommodating spaces.

This year, take the step toward making your vacation rental a more welcoming place for all. Whether it’s through small sensory-friendly additions, community engagement, or simply spreading awareness, you have the power to make a difference. Let’s celebrate Autism Acceptance Month together all year around—one inclusive stay at a time!

How are you making your vacation rental more inclusive? Share your efforts using #WelcomingAll and tag us @welcomingwow!