A new global MMGY study sheds light on the complexities of travel for families with neurologically diverse children

Parents of children with ADHD, autism or other forms of neurodiversity share their plans, preferences and challenges for future family vacations in a landmark travel survey

Continuing its acclaimed research series examining underrepresented travel audiences, MMGY Global today announced the release of a new report titled Family Travel™ Portrait: Autism, ADHD and Neurodiversity. Exploring the unique travel preferences, behaviors and barriers of this audience segment, the study highlights the importance of amenities such as low-sensitivity/quiet zones, clear and transparent information up front and – perhaps most importantly – a call for more kindness and patience.

“These findings not only provide a clear road map for the travel industry to improve understanding and services serving this important market segment, but also highlight the importance of doing so – both from a business perspective and as an ethical obligation to welcome all travelers,” said MMGY Travel Intelligence Executive Vice President Chris Davidson.

Other key insights from the study follow.

• Travel planning: Seventy-seven percent of respondents who plan to travel with their children in the next 12 months are likely to visit a destination they have never visited before. To help them get there, nearly half (46%) of families traveling with children with neurological differences prefer to make plans and make purchasing decisions with the help of an online travel agency.
• Getting to know: Families traveling with children with neurological diversity mostly rely on their personal vehicle because of the flexibility it provides (64%), the ability to pack everything they might need (61%), and the lower overall cost of travel ( 59%) compared to the airplane.
• Hotel selection: Nearly two-thirds (64%) of families traveling with neurologically diverse children plan to stay at a traditional chain hotel in the next 12 months. In addition, more than two-thirds (68%) of respondents found online photos of specific rooms to be very/extremely important when choosing their home.
• Activities along the route: Nine out of 10 families traveling with neurologically diverse children are motivated by family fun, relaxation and an opportunity to escape and rest. These travelers are particularly interested in outdoor and family-friendly activities such as beach experiences, theme parks, zoos and aquariums.
• Barriers to travel: Families traveling with children with neurological diversity are most affected by cost, safety and service when choosing a destination. In addition, three-quarters of respondents said their decision to travel was influenced by the crowds within a destination, which can be overwhelming for their children, while two-thirds indicated that the attitude of other travelers and residents was a factor in their choice at a place to visit.
• Learning and Growing: The study found that special accommodation at attractions, staff training and increased availability of destination information are the top areas that destinations can focus on to attract families traveling with neurologically diverse children. When asked unaided what an airline or hotel CEO should understand about families traveling with neurologically diverse children, a strong emphasis was placed on patience and empathy.

For more information or to purchase a copy of the full report, visit mmgyintel.com. Proceeds from the sale will benefit Camp Encourage, a Parkville, Missouri-based organization dedicated to providing campers on the autism spectrum with a way to build self-esteem, independence and self-understanding.

Camp Encourage and another community advocate, Champion Autism Network, helped support study design, review, and management. MMGY Global also thanks the survey sponsors – AFAR Media, Tripadvisor, Universal Parks & Resorts, Visit Myrtle Beach and Visit North Carolina – for their commitment and financial support.

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