Making Myrtle Beach Autism-Friendly: Chef Jamie Daskalis on Inclusive Restaurants & Community Change

The Unfinished Idea | Autism Spectrum, ADHD, AUDHD, Neurodiverse caregiver

What if dining out with your autistic child didn’t feel stressful — but safe, supported, and even joyful?
In Myrtle Beach, that dream is already a reality. Thanks to one mom’s advocacy, this coastal city has become a national model for autism-friendly dining and travel.

n this heartfelt episode, Greer talks with Jamie Daskalis — award-winning chef, restaurant owner, autism advocate, and mom to James — about how her son’s diagnosis inspired her to create spaces where every family feels welcome.

Together, they unpack how Myrtle Beach became an autism-certified travel destination and what every community can learn from it.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Jamie’s journey as a mom navigating autism and early intervention

• How small changes make restaurants and businesses more autism-friendly

• The story behind the Champion Autism Network and Myrtle Beach’s inclusion movement

• Simple, practical ways to build empathy and accessibility in your community

Whether you’re a parent, business owner, or advocate, this episode is a reminder that inclusion starts with understanding — and one person’s voice can spark city-wide change.

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