To be suprised at Butlins and their lack of neurodiverse awareness?

[GreenPhlem]

have just left Butlins. Will hopefully never go back.

We were visiting with our autistic 3 year old grandaughter.

Not one mention of “autism friendly” shows anywhere. Every thing we attempted was too loud and in your face, even with ear defenders on granddaughter was struggling. You would have thought a place like Butlins would put on at least one autism friendly show a day but nope … nothing.

We took her to the tots disco last night - was meant to start at 6pm so we got there for 6pm knowing DGD will struggle to wait for something to happen … 6:05pm and nothing is happening - DGD getting restless and wants to leave. 6:10 the redcoat comes on and says the kids disco will start in about 15 minutes. No chance we could keep DGD happy for another 15 minutes so we had to leave. As we were leaving he said something about another show that would be happening at 7:30 unless the PJ masks photo shoot goes on for too long then that activity will be cancelled!! God forbid they miss out on money making photographs

Swimming - you now have to book a time slot. We booked 11am. 11:05 were still in a queue outside in the rain. When we eventually get in the changing rooms are so packed out (as everyone is going in and leaving at the same time) that DGD gets overwhelmed and shuts down. Nowhere quiet to take her … no thought to neurodiversity

Took her to soft play. I booked her into the toddler area as she would struggle being around the big loud hyper kids. I was told she was too tall for the toddler area and have to go into the big kids area. A small, timid autistic girl going into the big kids area with 10/11 year old kids flying around screaming and shouting?? Was never going to work so we left (DGD was already starting to have a meltdown as soon as she saw the chaos of the big kids area).

Is it just me or what?? Surely a place like Butlins should factor in that some kids may require a bit of reasonable adjustment?

Everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy a variety of experiences together, without being limited to certain types of holidays.

This is why it's so important for mainstream holiday destinations like Butlins to make reasonable adjustments and provide inclusive options. By doing so, they can accommodate a broader range of needs and preferences, ensuring that families with disabled members can enjoy the same opportunities as everyone else. It’s about creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all, allowing everyone to have a fulfilling and enjoyable holiday experience.

It’s also important to address a common concern that making things more accessible or implementing reasonable adjustments might negatively impact the experience of those without disabilities. In reality, many accessibility improvements benefit everyone in various ways. Here are some examples:

• Clear Communication: Enhanced signage, detailed schedules, and better information dissemination help all guests navigate the venue more easily, reducing confusion and enhancing the overall experience.

• Quiet Spaces: Designated quiet areas not only help those with sensory sensitivities but also provide a relaxing retreat for anyone needing a break from the hustle and bustle, including parents with young children or elderly guests.

• Improved Layouts: Wider paths and better-designed facilities improve accessibility for wheelchair users and also make it easier for families with strollers, elderly guests, and those carrying luggage or equipment.

• Sensory-Friendly Options: Offering sensory-friendly shows or activities can be a welcome change for young children, people with anxiety, or anyone who might prefer a less intense environment.

• Inclusive Play Areas: Play areas designed with accessibility in mind can be used by all children, promoting social interaction and inclusion among kids of different abilities.

• Training Staff in Disability Awareness: Training staff to be aware of and sensitive to various disabilities can lead to better customer service for all guests, fostering a more welcoming and supportive environment.

• Enhanced Safety Features: Features like improved lighting, clear floor markings, and slip-resistant surfaces can prevent accidents, benefiting everyone’s safety.

• Better Customer Experience: When venues cater to a wider range of needs, they often see an increase in positive reviews and customer satisfaction, benefiting their reputation and business success.

It was an example. I'm perfectly aware that there are a miniscule number of wheelchair users who have accessed a mountain using very specialised and extremely expensive equipment.

As a normal wheelchair user, I don't have the hundreds of thousands of pounds it would take to get me up a mountain and even if I did, I wouldn't want to.

I accept I can't climb a mountain. Just like I accept I can't use stairs, abseil, ride horses or anything else that takes physical effort and strength. So I wouldn't book a physical activity holiday.

Yes but the original poster could have. And as I’ve said, all these posts are about shoehorning a ND child into a NT environment. How about the NT family members being the ones that change what they choose (as they’re the ones who are broadly more likely to be flexible) and spend a week doing what the ND child prefers?

https://www.butlins.com/help-contact/disability-requirements

Out of curiosity, looked at the Butlins website ,,and found this link, so they do offer disabled facilities and invite holiday makers to contact them if they need specific requirements or for advice.

No that is just if you are booking and need a wheelchair or downstairs apartment. They don't offer disabled facilities or meet specific requirements.

I understand your point about NT family members being more flexible and adapting their plans to accommodate an ND child's needs. However, in the case of GreenPhlem, the issue is broader and more complex.

GreenPhlem's experience at Butlins highlights the significant challenges faced by families with neurodiverse children in environments that are not accommodating. Despite Butlins marketing itself as a family-friendly destination, there were no autism-friendly shows or sensory accommodations, leading to repeated struggles for their granddaughter.

The idea isn't to "shoehorn" an ND child into an NT environment but to make these mainstream destinations more inclusive. A few reasonable adjustments, such as having at least one sensory-friendly show per day, offering quieter spaces, and better managing crowd control, can make a substantial difference. This doesn't require a complete overhaul but rather thoughtful integration of accommodations that can benefit all families.

Moreover, inclusivity at places like Butlins is essential because not every family can always tailor their holiday choices solely based on one member's needs. By making reasonable adjustments, Butlins can ensure that all family members, both ND and NT, can enjoy their stay without significant compromises.

Creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome aligns with broader societal values and legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010. It's about recognizing diversity and ensuring that all guests, regardless of their needs, can have a pleasant and fulfilling experience.

Well, maybe Butlins should market itself as "we're family-friendly, but if you have a disability, we don't want you." Of course, that wouldn't be acceptable, and it highlights the core issue here.

I understand your point about using mountain climbing as an example and the challenges many wheelchair users face. However, it's important to recognize that the accommodations we're discussing for places like Butlins are much more feasible and within reach.

When Butlins markets itself as family-friendly, it should genuinely strive to be inclusive of all families, including those with disabled members. This isn't about making every experience identical for everyone but about providing reasonable adjustments that allow everyone to participate.

For example, at least one sensory-friendly show per day, quieter spaces, and better crowd management are reasonable and practical adjustments that can significantly improve the experience for neurodiverse guests. These accommodations don't require a huge investment but can make a substantial difference in making a destination like Butlins truly inclusive.

Just as physical accommodations are essential for wheelchair users, sensory accommodations are crucial for those with sensory sensitivities. By implementing these adjustments, Butlins can ensure that all family members, whether neurodiverse or neurotypical, can enjoy their stay without significant compromises.

Yep - at most Haven sites you have to walk through the noisy (and excruciating for DD) arcade area to get to the outdoor play area and the sand pit and all of the things we want to go to. I totally agree - no thought to ND people who get massive sensory overload in there (me included). There should be anpther way through 🤔

If you stay at Haven Kent Coast you don’t need to walk through the arcade to get to the kids play area.

I agree with you, and its not even just for neurodivergent people. My children find the shows far to loud and neither are diagnosed as neurodiverse, both have to wear ear defenders to enjoy them. They couod bring down the noise levels and reduce the bright lights for everyone's benefit