Skies now more friendly for kids on autism spectrum
Four-year-old Nathaniel Horsley of Roselle was all smiles as he recently navigated busy O'Hare International Airport concourses with his mom, his grandmother, Judy Smith, and Marklund teacher, Angela Williams. Together they entered the airport, passed security checkpoints, boarded a plane, met the pilot and even toured the cockpit.
But waiting for others in line during the boarding process and actually sitting through a short flight are skills for another day, according to his mom, Gina, who says her son's autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity challenges mean the family has yet to take advantage of free travel opportunities thanks to Nathaniel's grandma, who works in reservations for United Airlines.
“As a family, we can fly standby for spontaneous trips and quick getaways,” explains Nathaniel's mom, who says her son's unexplained meltdowns, lack of attention and hyperactivity have kept them grounded.
Nathaniel was one of several children with an autism spectrum disorder and their families who recently experienced a “dry run” flight training program at O'Hare offered by United Airlines and Autism Inclusion Resources (AIR), a not-for-profit group providing practical hands-on family training, clinical support and expertise in navigating air travel and other community social situations.
“Nathaniel did great, all the way up to the point where we had to wait for other passengers,” states his mom, who says her son is constantly in motion and has trouble sitting still, staying on task and being occupied in stressful waiting situations. “The clinical support of this program means we're much closer to being able to get away for a quick trip and maybe one day experience Disney World as a family. Being able to go through a dry run and see how he experienced being at the airport and on an airplane put us much more at ease.”
Nathaniel and his family are not alone, according to autism experts who say one in every 50 children born today will receive an autism diagnosis.
A journey through the airport can be a challenge for the everyday traveler, but families with children on the autism spectrum may need support to ensure a successful trip.
Providing that support and experience is the goal of a special hands-on flight training program designed by Dr. Wendy Ross, 42, a developmental pediatrician from Philadelphia who through her foundation, Autism Inclusion Resources, has worked with clinicians and the airlines since 2009 to develop and expand practical flight training opportunities.
“We tap an unmet need for families, who aren't necessarily worried about an autism spectrum diagnosis and finding a cure, but most concerned about building life skills and enhancing daily living opportunities for their child,” says Ross, who notes her goal isn't just to help families become familiar with new settings, but to create functional flyers.
In addition to social services for families and trained clinical support, Ross' foundation partners with United Airlines to offer the special on-site flight training programs at O'Hare International Airport and other cities including New York, Philadelphia, Houston and Los Angeles.
The numbers of children and adults living with autism is growing and the impact on families and society huge, according to Dr. Ross, who notes that developmental disability can impair communication skills, speech, fine motor skills and behavior.
“Through the foundation, we also use the same AIR model at the airport to help acclimate families other new community ventures such as attending professional sporting events, museums and more,” states Ross.
Stepping through the doors of the airport can be a sensory overload for many individuals with an autism spectrum disorder, according to Myki Romano, Autism Society of Illinois training coordinator, who was on-hand for a recent United Airlines flight training at O'Hare.
“Everything from announcements made over a loudspeaker to bright lights and loud noises, choreographed chaos, getting from point A to point B, waiting in line with hundreds of other passengers, going through security, and even a simple request like removing a child's shoes can trigger a meltdown,” states Romano, who notes that individuals with an autism spectrum disorder often have trouble with transitioning through simple tasks and directives.
“Families need to experience where the pitfalls may be for their child in an uncharted territory and have support to help navigate the challenges,” states Romano, who adds that “United Airlines trial run from takeoff to touchdown is an absolute blessing to these families who can now board an airplane and successfully reach their destination.”
For additional information
To learn more about the Air Travel program, contact Autism Inclusion Services Resources email info@autismir.com or visit online at www.autismir.com.
For information on autism or for support and resources, contact the Autism Society of Illinois, 2200 S. Main St., Suite 203, Lombard at (630) 691-1270 or email info@autismillinois.org.