Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach are both considered official Autism-Friendly Destinations (fun fact: Surfside Beach became the first official autism-friendly travel destination in the world in January of 2016). The Champion Autism Network (CAN) has been making strides in providing the Grand Strand community with autism-friendly events as well as working hard to train local restaurants and attractions to become autism-friendly places for locals and visitors.

CAN also offers something called the CAN card, which allows guests to discreetly let restaurants know: 1. where to seat you, 2. that you may have to leave at a moment’s notice, 3. you may be bringing special food for your family member, 4. you may have special order requests, and 5. your family member with Autism may have issues sitting still, not making eye contact, and may be non-verbal. Many CAN card businesses also offer special discounts for cardholders! For more information, visit championautismnetwork.com.

Check out these autism friendly attractions in Myrtle Beach: