A mother in Bala, Gwynedd, who struggled to find a campsite suitable for her son with autism, is now working to establish her own holiday park designed for neurodivergent families.
Janatha Carden, who runs short breaks for families with neurodiverse children, said accommodation options that meet their needs remain limited.
She described how, years ago, she had searched unsuccessfully for a site within an hour’s drive where her son could safely play.
“He was badly bullied on the estate where I lived several years ago, and I tried to find a campsite in the area where I could pitch my caravan… so we could escape at the weekends and try to restore his freedom and find new friends,” she told the BBC. “I couldn’t find anywhere within an hour’s drive.”
Carden explained that her son, whom she described as “a runner and a climber,” required a fully fenced location for safety, a challenge she found many families shared.
During the pandemic, she began developing the idea of a dedicated campsite, designed with a secure layout, central play equipment, and pitches arranged to allow parents more peace of mind. “Respite is so important,” she added.
She currently organizes camping trips on a site outside Bala, supported by lottery funding, and hopes to eventually create a permanent facility.
“Our vision is to create the UK’s first caravan and camping park exclusively for families with neurodiverse and autistic members here in north Wales,” she said.
Families who attend the current site describe it as vital. Toni Hall, who visits with her family each summer, said the environment had reduced anxiety about being judged by others. “Here we don’t have to worry at all,” she said, adding that her children felt calm and included. Another parent, Lee Morgan, described the summer holidays as “a stressful period” that can place strain on families, especially without strong support networks.
Industry experts note that demand for inclusive facilities is increasing. Naiomi Flewers, who operates SEN holiday accommodations in Bridgend, said many families she encounters are taking their first-ever holiday because of the lack of suitable options elsewhere.
“Feedback from our families has only emphasised the need for more provision like ourselves,” she said.
Academics argue the issue extends beyond individual providers. Prof. Brian Garrod of Swansea University, who has researched the holiday experiences of neurodiverse families, said the sector remains underprepared.
“The Equalities Act already provides for businesses to have a duty to make sure equality of provision but at the moment we’re not getting that with families with neurodivergent children,” he said.
The Welsh government said it considers inclusive tourism an important priority. A spokesperson said it works with industry partners to ensure accessibility is part of the visitor experience and that Visit Wales can provide training support where needed.
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality, glamping, and caravan industries, the project highlights a growing market opportunity. Inclusive holiday facilities can not only meet a social need but also address demand from families who currently feel excluded from traditional tourism settings.
Providers may find that adapting facilities, improving staff training, and embedding inclusive practices can expand their reach to underserved visitor groups while aligning with wider government priorities.