Mesa markets city as autism-friendly destination, recruits businesses to help

Hannah Gruver-Green's oldest boy is a handsome, charming 6-year-old who appears typical on the outside.

That's the thing about autism: "it's an invisible disability," said the Ahwatukee mother of two. Kai has severe non-verbal autism, meaning he can't form a complete sentence or advocate for himself if he's in danger. 

"It’s challenging when we go out in public and there’s a sensory meltdown," she said. "He’s also a flight risk. Out in public, I have to hold his hand pretty much all the time because if he gets further than an arm’s length, he’s a fast runner and he has no concept of danger — running into stranger’s arms, running into traffic."

The idea of taking a family vacation for Green-Gruver's family has been just that. But one metro Phoenix city is working to create a community that is trained to recognize common behaviors of people on the autism spectrum and make sensory accommodations. 

Mesa's tourism bureau is on a crusade to make the city a travel destination for families affected by autism.

Visit Mesa recently began recruiting businesses and city departments to train their staff through a nationally-recognized accreditation group, with the goal that Mesa would be recognized as the first autism-certified community in the United States.

More than 150 local businesses have expressed interest in autism training, and about 30 have either completed it or are in the process, according to Marc Garcia, Visit Mesa president and CEO. 

"Mesa has always been known as a family-friendly destination. It’s the kind of city that puts its arm around causes like these," Garcia said. "It fits right into who we are as a community."

The city is supporting the effort, Garcia said, with about 500 of its employees receiving autism training from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, a recognized leader in autism education and certification for professionals.

Also on board is the i.d.e.a. Museum in downtown Mesa, where kids can have a hands-on art museum experience. The museum is expecting a site visit from IBCCES in May for a facilities audit prior to employee training, said Yvette Armendariz, a museum spokesperson.

"We believe in inclusivity and work to make the museum accessible to our visitors," Armendariz said. "We work with a number of special needs groups, including Hope Kids and Down Syndrome Network. Groups will specify their needs, so if they need quieter times or low lights, we've done that. We want everyone to feel good when they visit."

It makes good business sense to tap into this under-served market: One in 59 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder, and $262 billion is spent on autism-related services in the U.S. each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"This is a huge business opportunity," Garcia said. "That consumer base is highly loyal: When they know a place is out there that is welcoming and friendly, everybody knows fast. I want to tap into that huge consumer base that right now that not many folks are addressing."

Garcia knows this firsthand: His son was diagnosed with autism at 14 months old — which is why he turned to IBCCES to educate and certify his employees. The accreditation agency recently recognized Visit Mesa as the first-ever tourism bureau in the U.S. to become a Certified Autism Center, indicating at least 80 percent of employees have received autism training.

"Certification illustrates to those families affected by ASD (autism-spectrum disorder) that they can trust Mesa as a dedicated tourism destination serving individuals with autism," Visit Mesa says in its pitch to businesses. 

That trust is important for autism-affected families who don't venture out for fear of dangerous or awkward situations in public.

Gruver-Green recounted a time when Kai was playing in a touch pool at a Scottsdale aquarium and inadvertently splashed a man standing nearby.

"This man at the aquarium called him a 'little shit.' On a day of celebrating two years of therapy, having a man call your child a 'little shit' is stunning. That’s the reality of how people view him — he’s a brat or not well-behaved."

She's excited about Mesa's effort to make the city more than autism-friendly, but a place where the people and businesses readily accommodate families like hers. The splash pad at one of the city's parks, Riverview, is a particular favorite: it's enclosed, so the children can play and Gruver-Green can visit with friends without worry Kai will slip away unnoticed.

"Knowing that we have safe places to go is invaluable," she said.

Reach the reporter at lindsey.collom@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-4803. Follow her on Twitter @LindseyCollom.

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