Find Autism & Sensory-Friendly Businesses & Places in Myrtle Beach

April is Autism Awareness Month!

Businesses and residents throughout Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand are providing support to those with autism as well as their parents. So many people around us either have a form of autism or are close to someone that struggles with it and it’s important to raise awareness and provide support with helpful resources.

During April for Autism Awareness Month, you’ll find plenty of sensory-friendly events in Myrtle Beach, making it an ideal autism-friendly destination.

Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach Named Autism-Friendly Destinations

The community of Myrtle Beach is making a concerted effort to provide sensory-friendly attractions to those who struggle with autism. In particular, Surfside Beach is the first autism-friendly travel destination – it provides the beauty and fun of a beach community without the stressors that can be difficult for people with autism. The local community is very educated about autism, so it’s a zone where autism families can visit without judgement or stress. They also host sensory friendly events throughout the year.

“Surfside Beach is the first autism-friendly travel destination!”

“Myrtle Beach Works to Become an Autism-Friendly Destination”

Savannah’s Playground – Inclusive & ADA-Approved

Savannah’s Playground is an inclusive playground for kids of all ability levels in Myrtle Beach’s Grand Park. There is equipment for children of all ability levels and everything is ADA-approved. This is a great place for kids with autism and other disabilities to enjoy the fun of active play outside safely.

CAN-Certified Autism-Friendly Hotels

You can find great hotels and accommodations in Myrtle Beach and the surrounding area that are CAN-Certified or CAN-Participants.

Certified by the Champion Autism Network (CAN) as being autism-friendly with entirely trained staff and sensory friendly activities:

If you are looking to rent a house or condo, Garden City Realty is a CAN-certified option.

Local Organizations and Facebook Group

South Carolina Autism Society provides a huge number of resources and support systems for families with autism throughout South Carolina.
Champion Autism Network is an awareness organization based in Surfside Beach providing local support and education.
Barnabas Horse Foundation uses horses as animal therapy for those with autism.
Young Talkers is a local speech therapy organization that offers services for children and adults with autism.
The Lowcountry Autism Foundation aims to fill service gaps for families struggling with autism in South Carolina.
The Myrtle Beach Autism Support Facebook group is a great way to meet others with autism in their families.