Our Life - Changing Vacation to Autism-Friendly Mesa, Arizona

A few weeks before his 19th birthday, and a week before Christmas 2024, my son Adam Forman, who has autism, embarked on a big adventure with me to Mesa, Arizona, as the guests of Visit Mesa.

This was a BIG deal since it was Adam’s first flight, from Philadelphia to Phoenix...

and our first vacation without a friend or family member in tow to provide both of us with physical and moral support.

Not only did we have a terrific time exploring the sights, sounds, and flavors of Mesa and its autism-friendly destinations based on a well-planned itinerary from Visit Mesa, but the entire experience showed Adam that despite his anxiety about traveling by air and leaving his comfort zone, he had a blast.

I interviewed my son during and after our trip to Mesa and this is what he had to say.

“At first, I was a little scared because I had never flown before and I am not a big fan of heights,” Adam Forman explained. “But nothing bad happened, so if I am going to Florida or L.A. I would fly again, especially for a trip to Disneyland. Since Cars is my favorite animated movie, I would love to go there.”

Speaking of the hit 2006 animated film, Adam noticed that the mountains and landscape around Mesa looked a lot like the dessert regions depicted in Cars.

When asked for the highlights of his Visit Mesa hosted adventure Adam said, he loved the “big mountains, the cactuses, the horses and tour of the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch and Stables in the Tonto National Forest, the train ride at the Goldfield Ghost Town in Apache Junction, and the Arizona Museum of Natural History. As a longtime budding paleontologist, the museum tour was definitely one of his favorite aspects of the trip.

Adam also gave his wholehearted endorsement to the Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West, for the caring staff, comfortable and well-appointed rooms, and other amenities.

So why should other families head to Mesa for an upcoming vacation this year? “It’s a fun place, where they made us feel comfortable,” Adam added. “Also, our weather was perfect – no snow and no rain. It was a memorable holiday.”

“I’m not going to lie, I miss it.,” he said. “When I first got there, I was feeling a little homesick, but soon after I felt at home. After Mesa I want to go on another vacation on a plane or a train.”

As a proud mom, my favorite aspect of our trip to Mesa was when my son was enjoying himself and becoming more confident with the adventure. I also loved the Arizona Museum of Natural History, driving around with the majestic mountains in the background, a performance at the Mesa Art Center, exploring Downtown Main Street, the local outdoor farmer’s market where I bought almond lotion and delicious strawberry preserves from local vendors that I wrapped carefully and took home.

Two of my favorite restaurants were the allergy-friendly Intentional Foods Café & Market and the Henhouse Cafe which serves plate-size pancakes. I also loved the comforts of the Sheraton Mesa Hotel, especially the bed, sheets, and comforter. I can’t wait to return for spring training next year and head to the adjacent ballpark.

Adam tends to be an extremely picky eater, so I fully vetted all of the restaurants before we went to each of them by looking at the website, making phone calls, and also checking wait times. There is nothing worse than a hungry teen being asked to wait an hour or more for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Overall, what made the vacation so memorable is that everywhere we went, we saw friendly faces from people who had been trained to understand that people with autism and other special needs may think or act differently from them, but these quirks or differences make them the awesome young people that they are. As a devoted mom, seeing Adam thrive in a place where he was accepted, cared for, and included was the best Christmas gift I could ever imagine.

7 Top Vacation Tips from Our Trip To Mesa

1. Use Your Itinerary as a Guide

There may be a restaurant or tourist stop that needs tweaking once you get there. But keep in mind what your children and family love when choosing attractions. Also, leave some room on your itinerary for restaurants or attractions off the beaten path. Don’t be too regimented.

2. Pick an Airline, Hotel and Car Rental

that can accommodate the needs of you and your family, especially those with special needs. My Enterprise Car Rental selection did not initially work out, but the employees were more than happy to make changes to my reservation that made us more comfortable.

3. Don't Overpack

Keep in mind that you and your children are going to have to carry your luggage at some point during the trip. So, bring what you need, but don’t bring everything. Also, leave room in your luggage for souvenirs. My son always wants to buy books or collectibles, so don’t pack so much that you need an extra bag to bring everything home.

4. Expect Glitches and Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

No matter how much you plan, you may pick a restaurant or attractive that one or more vacationers don’t care for. It happens. Shake it off, move on, and go out for a family favorite like pizza.

5. Leave Down Time

Just because there is a great deal to explore, when you arrive it may make sense to check into the hotel and watch a movie or favorite TV show before lunch or dinner, especially after our five-hour flight.

6. Be Prepared

I contacted TSA Cares (1-855-787-2227) for assistance to help Adam and me through the security screening process. I told them our flight departure and arrival and someone met us and helped me navigate taking out my laptop, taking off our shoes, and putting everything on the conveyer, while I still kept an eye on Adam. Also, make sure you have your and your children’s IDs available before you get to the airport, so you are not fumbling while you check your luggage or try to find your gate.

7. Don't Get Caught Short

Adam only drinks water and apple juice. Several of the restaurants we went to that had scrumptious food, did not serve apple juice. So, I would recommend when you arrive, going to a grocery or convenience store and purchasing those beverages and snacks you and your children can’t live without and it could quell some problems later on.

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