
Every interview, TV program segment, podcast, article and media appearance is important and a blessing. Here are some highlights...
Talking with our friends at the Weather Network, inviting our people and families with autism to come play with us at the beach, because The Beach is for everyBody!
A special show that focuses on travel for people and families with autism during a recent visit to Myrtle Beach.
Probably the biggest and most exciting effort and exposure to date. I was reminded that, but for me, this would have never happened. A six-part docuseries following 3 families with autism as they experience a supported vacation along the Grand Strand.
Diversity, the power of inclusion, and the unbreakable spirit of families who refuse to let autism limit their horizons are what drives the Myrtle Beach community. Myrtle Beach offers numerous attractions and activities that support every type of traveler. Visit Myrtle Beach and the communities along the 60 miles of coastline have been committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, autism- and sensory-friendly destination since 2016.
"Superheroes on the Spectrum" is a groundbreaking book I contributed to. Authored by Rev. Jeannette Paxia and Dr. Crystal Morrison, celebrating the unique abilities of individuals with autism. Through a collection of inspiring stories and personal anecdotes, the book shines a spotlight on the remarkable talents and strengths that often go unnoticed within the autism spectrum.
July 30, 2024: This City Has Become A Top Travel Destination For Those With Autism. Here’s Why
NBC Nightly News correspondent Anne Thompson shares a story about Champion Autism Network and Becky Large helping to make Surfside Beach, Myrtle Beach and the surrounding Grand Strand autism-friendly.
Richard and his autistic son, Jaco, travel from Wales to America to learn about supports and programs for people and families living with autism. The filming of the segment about the CAN Card and training program (Now the Autism Travel Club and Autism Traveler app) in Surfside Beach and the Grand Strand was amazing and put us on the International map. Jaco had a fixation with washing machines. Watch the segment when Jaco visited the hotel laundry.
The Surfside Beach Town Council signed the first-ever proclamation to make Surfside Beach the first autism-friendly travel destination, January 2016.
At the time, there were only two quiet rooms in all of the United States and 4 in the world.

I have a sit down with Darley Newman about our Autism Friendly Training efforts in and around Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand.
I sit down with Peggy Masterson and talk about the Autism Readiness Travel initiative in partnership with the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Visit Myrtle Beach.
I have the honor to be interviewed by Adam Stoker on his podcast. We talk about autism-friendly travel and the strides we've made in making destinations more inclusive for autistic travelers. Showcasing the initiatives I've led for Visit Myrtle Beach, including the TV show "Traveling the Spectrum" and the destination’s autism certification. We also discuss how getting a destination autism-certified can benefit, not only families who have children with autism and other autistic travelers, but the community and economy as well.
Brigitte Shipman blesses me with her time and interest as we discuss how we're changing the hospitality industry to support families with autism.
Four amazing autism moms do a great job on different topics impacting people and families living with autism. I had a chance to discuss how difficult it can be for our families to travel and how CAN and Autism Travel Club help families like ours go on vacations that we may not normally be able to enjoy!
The First Conversation: In the summer of 2022, I sat down with Andrew, an entrepreneur, autism father, and regular vacationer to Surfside Beach. Naturally intrigued by the work I was doing to create an autism-friendly community, Andrew shared his journey of learning about autism and his mission to explore communication through storytelling. This filmed conversation allowed us to dive deeper into the impact of our efforts and the importance of connection.
The Early Years: In this filmed conversation, Andrew joined my husband, Mike, and me to reflect on the early years of parenting on the autism spectrum. As a frequent visitor to Surfside Beach, Andrew was curious about what brought us here and how we navigated the challenges and triumphs of raising a child with autism. Together, we shared the pivotal moments that shaped our family’s journey and led to our work in creating an autism-friendly destination.
Community Building with Brad Hatoway: In this 2023 conversation, Andrew spoke with me and Brad Hatoway, a fellow autism parent and Director of Operations at Garden City Realty, Inc. As a regular visitor to Surfside Beach, Andrew was eager to learn how personal experiences and professional efforts have shaped the community’s autism-friendly initiatives. Together, we discussed the collaborative work and shared vision that have made Surfside Beach a welcoming destination for autism families.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.