Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) officials hosted 29 children, 19 of whom have autism, and their families Saturday morning so they could experience everything that goes into air travel.
DTW and the Autism Alliance of Michigan teamed up to host the event, which was aimed at easing the anxiety associated with an airport visit and flying. The On Board with Autism program serves as a “flight rehearsal.”
“For families living with autism, air travel is often an extremely difficult or impossible option,” says Colleen Allen, executive director of AAoM. “The entire experience, from the size of the airport, number of people, security protocols, noise, smells, and visual stimulation can easily over stimulate a person with autism. Detroit Metro Airport’s “On Board with Autism” program is an important initiative and AAoM is excited about partnering with the Airport Authority to help families feel more comfortable with traveling.”
The families pre-registered for the event, which started at the Delta Air Lines check-in counter in the McNamara Terminal. The airline and the Transportation Security Administration were involved in the event. Many families who have children with autism avoid flying altogether because they are unsure how the children will respond. The airport’s objective “is to provide a set of experiences which may allow families living with autism the opportunity to travel by air,” says Thomas Naughton, DTW’s CEO. “This program is a key airport initiative.”
