In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, we are thrilled to highlight one of Autism Double-Checked’s (ADC) certified travel advisors, Rachel Morelli. Rachel has been making a profound impact on families with autism by helping them experience the joy of travel with confidence and ease. With a background as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a deep love for travel, Rachel brings a unique and compassionate perspective to her work. Learn more about Rachel and how she’s making travel more accessible for families in the autism community.
Q&A with Rachel Morelli
What inspired you to start working with individuals with autism, and how did that lead you to becoming a travel advisor?
I’ve been working with individuals with autism for over 15 years. After college, I spent some time as a substitute teacher before being offered a full-time position as a 1:1 in an autism program. I decided to give it a try—and quickly fell in love with the children. A year later, I began my master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2014.
As a BCBA, I’ve spent years designing individualized supports, creating safety plans, and helping families navigate challenges in their communities. But beyond my work, travel has always been my personal therapy—whether I’m on a trip or simply looking forward to one, it’s my way of managing stress.
Throughout my career, I’ve met so many parents carrying immense stress, often telling me they wished they could take a vacation but felt too overwhelmed to even try. When I discovered the growing resources available to support families in the autism community, I knew I had found my next calling. Becoming a travel advisor allowed me to merge my expertise in behavior analysis with my passion for travel—helping families access the right resources and plan vacations with confidence and ease.
What do you love most about combining your work as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with your passion for travel?
I love that I can take what I know about behavior, sensory needs, and routine structure and apply it to making travel more accessible. Families who might otherwise avoid travel due to concerns about meltdowns, safety, or unpredictability can instead have amazing experiences with the right supports in place. Seeing the relief and joy on a parent’s face when they realize a vacation is possible is the best part of what I do.
How do you approach helping families in the autism community plan vacations that meet their unique needs?
Every family is different, so I take a highly individualized approach. I ask about triggers, sensory sensitivities, preferred activities, and what has (or hasn’t) worked in the past. Then, I match them with the right destination, accommodations, and services to set them up for success.
I also provide resources like social stories, sensory-friendly itineraries, and guidance on airport and theme park accommodations. My company even has a Disney World-specific social story that I share with families to help prepare their child for the experience. Some resorts that have received autism training have created sensory guides for every location at their property, and I make sure to provide those to families as well.
For families heading to Disney, I set up a call to walk them through the Disability Access Service (DAS), how it works, and how to apply. This way, they feel confident navigating the parks and know exactly what to expect before they even arrive. My goal is for families to feel prepared, supported, and excited—not anxious—about their trip.
Can you share a memorable experience where your expertise in autism and travel made a real difference for a family?
I met a family through the Autism Flies event last September, and their 11-year-old son had never flown before or been on a cruise—but he kept asking his mom about it. She reached out to me, and we spent a lot of time going back and forth, planning different trips, but each time, she ultimately decided she wasn’t quite ready yet.
Then one day, she called me and said, “I want to do a Disney Cruise and book it soon so I don’t change my mind.” So we found the perfect sailing, and now they’re officially booked and so excited to go this June!
This will be their first big trip as a family, and that is such a huge deal. Throughout the process, I provided her with all the information on how to make the trip as smooth as possible for her son, from pre-flight resources to what’s available on the cruise itself. I’m just so happy to be a part of this journey with them, and I can’t wait to hear all about their adventure!
What are some common misconceptions about traveling with children or individuals on the autism spectrum, and how do you address them with your clients?
A common misconception is that it’s just too hard—or even impossible—to travel with a child on the autism spectrum. People worry about meltdowns, sticking to routines, or navigating sensory challenges, and assume it will ruin the whole trip. But with the right prep and support, travel is absolutely possible. I always remind families that their vacation doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s. It doesn’t need to be jam-packed with activities or perfectly structured. It just needs to work for their family.
I also speak from personal experience—I travel often with my three kids who are all under five, and we’ve had our fair share of meltdowns in public. What I’ve learned is that those moments will happen, and most of the time, people are way more supportive than we expect. I try to help families focus on the big picture: the memories, the quality time, and the joy that can come from stepping out of the day-to-day routine.
What are a few tips you have for families looking to travel with a loved one on the autism spectrum to make the experience smoother and more enjoyable?
- Start small—Consider a weekend trip before diving into a big vacation.
- Prep ahead of time—Use pictures, videos, and walk-throughs to help your child know what to expect.
- Stick to what works at home—Bring comfort items, maintain routines when possible, and create a sense of familiarity.
- Ask for accommodations—TSA Cares, early boarding, and quiet spaces can make a big difference.
- Pack snacks. Lots of snacks. Always.
- Flying with a family of four or more? If you’re worried about your child kicking the seat in front of them, try sitting two and two with a family member in front of them. That way, you’re not stressing about bothering a stranger the whole flight.
- Know where the quiet areas are—For example, when I have families heading to Disney, I always tell them that if they’re in EPCOT and need a break, head to the Morocco pavilion and wander toward the back. It’s often quiet and a great spot to reset.
The key is to plan ahead, build in flexibility, and focus on making the experience work for your family.
Disney World is definitely one of the most popular and a personal favorite in my family. That said, there are so many wonderful options now. In recent years, places like Beaches Resorts, Nickelodeon Resorts, and many cruise lines have really stepped up by offering thoughtful resources and accommodations specifically designed to support families with autism.
As we celebrate Autism Acceptance Month, what is one message you’d like to share with the community about travel and autism?
Travel is for you, too. You don’t have to sit trips out just because your child has different needs. With the right prep and support, amazing memories are totally possible.
How do you see the travel industry evolving to become more accessible for families with autism in the future?
It’s heading in the right direction! More training, more sensory-friendly programs, and more certifications like Autism Double-Checked are popping up. I’d love to see more airlines, cruise lines and resorts get on board and for accessibility to become the norm, not the exception.
What are some of the most rewarding aspects of helping families experience the joy of travel while supporting their needs?
Honestly, it’s the messages after the trip. When a parent says, “We actually relaxed” or “We didn’t think we could do this, but we did”—those are the best moments. I love being a small part of making that happen.
Connect with Rachel Morelli
To learn more about Rachel’s services and how she can help make your next family vacation an unforgettable experience, check out her profile in the Autism Double-Checked directory: Rachel Morelli – TravelMation
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