SAN DIEGO — Sesame Place San Diego has renewed its designation as a Certified Autism Center, joining select organizations across the country that are recognized for completing extensive training and offering accommodations for autistic visitors.
The San Diego location in Chula Vista was the first theme park in the world to open with the certification in 2022. The park announced its recertification and additional amenities at its San Diego and Philadelphia locations on Tuesday, during National Autism Acceptance Month.
What it means to be a Certified Autism Center
Certified Autism Centers must meet certain criteria and pass an onsite review by experts at the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards.
More than 80% of staff at Certified Autism Centers need to be trained and certified to work with autistic individuals, and the location as a whole must be committed to serving people with autism.
Once an organization is certified, staff can access additional position-specific, custom online training, according to the IBCCES, a leading organization for autism and neurodiversity training.
"Even in the highly educated field of healthcare, many practitioners and non-clinical staff have not received updated training specific to autism, or need to constantly complete professional development to ensure up-to-date knowledge on best practices and research," the IBCCES' website notes.
One other organization in San Diego is certified, according to a national directory of Certified Autism Centers.
Amanda's Adaptive Martial Arts offers martial arts classes specifically for children with special needs at several gyms in San Diego County. The classes include options to use noise-canceling headphones, wear flexible attire, practice in a sensory-friendly setting and more, according to the directory.
Expanded amenities for neurodiverse visitors
For Sesame Place San Diego's recertification, which must be completed every two years, the park's staff completed specialized training on sensory awareness, motor skills, program development, communication and emotional awareness, according to a press release. Sesame Place Ambassadors also added certifications in neurodiversity and first responder training, going above the standard Certified Autism Center requirements.
Sesame Place has sensory guides that note how people with sensory processing issues could experience each of the five senses on every ride and attraction. An online guide also explains the physical actions visitors can expect on each ride.
Guests can enroll in a "Ride Accessibility Program" to receive a personalized list of rides and attractions that fit specific needs and sensitivities.
The park also has two quiet rooms to provide guests with a break from stimulation when needed. The rooms have adjustable lighting, comfortable seating, and locks to create privacy, according to the park's website.
In addition to the quiet rooms, Sesame Place has "low sensory areas" that are designed to be less busy than the rest of the park, but not as calm as the quiet rooms. The park offers noise-canceling headphones for visitors who have sensitivity to noise.
A spokesperson told CBS 8 that the park is working with IBCCES to add even more programs and resources this year.
Autism Acceptance Month giveaways
For Autism Acceptance Month in April, Sesame Place parks in both San Diego and Philadelphia are giving visitors free Sesame Street books that relate to challenges and experiences autistic children may face.
The stories include "A Little Bit Different, A Little Bit the Same" and "We're Amazing 1, 2, 3!" They will be available on operating days through April or while supplies last, according to a press release.
For a full list of Sesame Place's accommodations, visit their Certified Autism Center page.
Here is more information about how to become a Certified Autism Center.
You can find more certified organizations through the Autism Travel Directory.
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