How to Make Your Holiday Rental Autism & Neurodivergent Friendly

Why encouraging Neurodivergent or Autistic guests can really expand your market.

A holiday rental that works well for autistic guests can make a huge difference to the guests comfort and ability to relax. The key is reducing uncertainty, sensory overload, and stress while increasing predictability and control. A few simple changes to your property or your routines could open up a whole new market of guests for you. 
 

Increase predictability - Many autistic people feel more comfortable when they know exactly what to expect. Giving clear, concise information is the key to a good holiday for all.

Using a guest app with clear detailed pre-arrival information, including photos of every room and every entrance/exit to the property will help. Along with a layout/floor plan. The family will all relax if they know everyone is happy with the sleeping arrangements before they travel.

Step-by-step instructions for things like the oven and the washing machine are really helpful and reassuring. Even something as simple as how to use the thermostat to turn up the heating, may seem self-explanatory to you, it may not be to all. 
 

A clear check-in/out process is also reassuring. Check if they would rather meet you in person, they may prefer a lock-box with clear instructions to meeting a stranger. 

Senses and what's important to neurodivergent guests

Having a sensory aware environment is key in some cases to a good holiday

Noise - irritating buzzing/humming sounds may take all the concentration away from enjoyment. Note the position of any road noise on floor plans, as the guest may choose to be in the room away from the traffic noise. 
 

Smell - It seems obvious that the property should not smell bad, but the best advice is also to avoid strong ‘nice’ smelling air fresheners or cleaning products. They may smell nice to you, but be overpowering to others. If unsure, please ask the guest they will let you know if smells can be an issue.
 

Touch - Bedding may be an issue for people who struggle with sensory issues. Please describe the bedding carefully. Or even offer a range of bedding. 

Lighting - Black-out blinds are often key to a good night's sleep for all guests, as are the lack of flashing lights in the dark bedroom. Warm lighting tends to be more relaxing than the bright white of LED bulbs. Flickering lights really can cause issues for many guests.

Wifi and why it's important to neurodivergent guests

You’ll find that having strong, dependable wifi is really important to some autistic guests, if the signal does not meet every room, please explain this before their visit, as it will ruin their holiday if they only find out after they arrive that the wifi will not support their gaming devices. The key is to be clear, if you have it shout about it, if you don't please explain carefully what you do have. 

Familiarity is key, to avoiding melt downs and if a neurodivergent child can not access the games or websites they're used to being able to access via the Wifi then this may ruin everyone's holiday. 

Things to avoid for neurodivergent guests

• Unplanned visits to site - cause disruption and stress
• Maintenance checks during their stay - unless timetabled before the stay ( for example: hot tub checks) 
• Strong scents - nice candles and reed diffusers may be appealing to some guests, but can be overpowering for autistic visitors.
• Noisy appliances - a ticking clock or a buzzing fridge can become the sole focus.
• Flickering lights - can cause distress
• Complicated tech set ups (with no explanation) should be avoided for all guests, but especially for those with autism.
   

Optional extras/ nice to haves for neurodiverse guests

• Fidget toys - give people with autism something to focus on and somewhere to expend excess energy. 
• Weighted blankets - can make a difference to calming bedtimes
• Labelled cupboards - knowing where to find simple things like plates or cleaning supplies can really help
• Quiet area - a calm space to decompress is really useful
• Black-out blinds - everyone gets better sleep and has a nicer stay
• Noise cancelling headphones/ear plugs - a lovely added extra, just a simple touch that can show you care about making their stay better. 

If you’re planning to market the property as autism-friendly, it helps to explicitly list these features, many people will choose your place specifically because of that clarity. If you need a hand with writing a listing that will appeal to neurodivergent guests please feel free to give us a call. A few simple changes could open up your property to a whole new market. The key to hosting neurodivergent guests is to simply be clear and precise about what you offer, before, during and after the visit. You may get returning guests for years to come!
Also if you have any other tips which we could share that would make your holidays easier, please share with us.