[SEATTLE] Spending time at the airport can be stressful for a lot of us…but for those with hidden disabilities…it can be a nightmare.
Local airports are doing a lot to make traveling a little easier.
Little Thomas is excited to rush through the security checkpoint now, but that wasn’t the case just a few hours before. His Autism and Anxiety made the airport scary.
The 8 year-old spent part of the weekend at Vancouver International Airport taking part in a program designed with people like him in mind. “Autism Awareness Day is held every year.
Thomas’ mom tells CBC News “We’re taking a trip next year, so we wanted to give it a trial run and just go through the process.”
And it worked.
Sometimes, just turning the unknown into something suddenly familiar is all it takes for someone on the spectrum to be able to do what others consider basic tasks.
Autism Aviation Days have also been hosted at Sea-Tac Airport. Port of Seattle’s Chelsea Rodriguez says they were the first airport the begin using the so-called “Sunflower Lanyard.” The idea is that it alerts staff and security teams that the wearer or someone in the party has special needs and may need unique accommodations.
Did you know there’s also a Sensory Room at Sea-Tac? The lights are lower, its quiet, and it features chairs that rock…something that instantly calms someone who is anxious.
Thomas now feels empowered and ready for his first airplane ride. And all it took was the airport realizing some of us just need a little more support and confidence while traveling.
Listen to the full version of this story to hear Thomas’ reaction to his first airport experience!
