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A ride on a plane can be stressful for any parent, but for parents of children with autism, traveling by air can be especially challenging.
Autism is a neurological condition that affects communication and social interaction, and the chaos of air travel, with the lines, noises and harsh lights, can be extra difficult for autistic kids.
To make air travel a more positive experience for families with autistic children, The Arc of King County, a nonprofit supporting people with developmental disabilities, is offering an event called Wings for Autism.
Families practice entering the airport, getting a boarding pass, moving through security and boarding a plane. The event is also a chance for personnel who work at the airport or with an airline to practice their skills assisting people who have an intellectual or developmental disability. The Arc also provides airport personnel with a video showing what it’s like for children with autism to make their way through an airport.
The event is scheduled for Sunday, March 1, from noon to 4 p.m. at Sea-Tac International Airport. Families should register in advance online at arcofkingcounty.org, though there currently is a waiting list to participate.
