JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

Greater Palm Springs Now Has a New Autism-Friendly Resort - AFAR

"An 893-room, 450-acre Palm Desert resort — the largest in the city with sweeping Coachella Valley views — has become the first hotel in Greater Palm Springs to receive Certified Autism Center accreditation from IBCCES. The designation followed staff training during 2022 and an IBCCES sensory audit, and reflects a property-wide commitment to accommodate guests with a range of neurodivergent conditions, including autism and ADHD. Practical changes focus on managing sensory environments: signs throughout the grounds rate sensory impact on a 1–10 scale for each of the five senses, a special property map (available at the front desk and via QR code) highlights low- and high-sensory areas (for example, putting greens and lawns are labeled low while the arcade and aviary are high), and a bin of soothing tools — noise-canceling headsets, fidget toys, weighted blankets, and other aids — is available for guests to check out. The resort emphasizes empowering staff to meet guests where they are so families with different needs can access its many activities and amenities comfortably." - Matt Villano