Air Travel for Children with Autism
The airport, and air travel can be intimidating for passengers. When you think then of the sensory sensitivities that a child with autism has, air travel can be an incredible challenge – the scanners, the bright lights, the loud announcements and the unfamiliarity of it all.
So many families are touched by autism, and sadly there have been stories in the past where a child with autism was denied boarding, or mistreated, or stared at because of behavior that may have been misunderstood. And so it was with great interest that I heard about the Airport Awareness program developed by Manchester Airport (UK) for children with autism. Practical and free, it could really be used for any airport experience.
The guide goes step by step from getting to the airport, check in, boarding, etc., and provides checklists such as “Did you see or hear? …The walk-through metal detectors…The machines beeping”. It also has lots of pictures to accompany each section, and space to write down worries that the young traveler may have.
The guide is provided for free at Manchester Airport, but they’ve also placed the entire guide online for free, and printable.
Airport Awareness – Travel advice for parents and carers of children on the Autistic Spectrum.
Tips for travel with children.
Air Travel for Children with Autism originally appeared on About.com Air Travel on Sunday, January 31st, 2010 at 01:29:12.
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