MAKING IT EASIER Calgary programme a success for children with autism

Posted on 06/01/2016 | About Calgary, Alberta

The airport experience is daunting enough with the crowds, the queues and the public announcements. The challenge is magnified for a family with a child on the autism spectrum, and many avoid air travel altogether. But some families had the opportunity to introduce their autistic children to the airport experience in a gentle fashion before their flight, thanks to a programme with the Calgary Airport Authority.

Some children on the autism scale experience an above average degree of fear and anxiety in unknown situations, or crowded venues, particularly when there is a significant amount of noise. YYC Navigators was launched in 2015 where some families were invited to bring their child to the airport far in advance of their booked travel vacation to participate in a full-simulated airport experience. Peggy Blacklock, with the airport authority, says that last year’s launch was a huge success and they have had many requests for the programme this year. She said the families, “have been able to fly and have successful family vacations together, whereas before they weren't sure they were able to do that. So it's been more than worthwhile."

This year more families (78) were able to participate and more partners were involved in the process that included the families checking in with the airline, going through the pre-board security process and boarding the Air Canada aircraft. The families were given flight safety instructions and got a visit from the Canada Border Services Agency who stamped their mock passports. The programme was endorsed by the Society for Treatment for Autism (STA) and other autism support organizations.