Air travel horror stories typically involve lost luggage, missed connections and overzealous security staff. But families affected by autism face other challenges in navigating airports and planes.
A Philadelphia program is bringing families, airport employees and airlines together to help autistic kids fly more comfortably.
Airports are loud, hectic places: blaring announcements, glaring lights and long lines can spell trouble for people with autism. They often can't tolerate noise, bright lights and close quarters.
Moms gathered at Philadelphia International Airport on a recent morning have experienced the effects first-hand.
"She was screaming, she was pale, she was having trouble breathing," says Susan Stein, whose daughter has autism.
"He didn't understand what was going on and people thought he was being belligerent, and he wasn't, it was just too much," adds Cecilia Thompson, whose son is autistic.
Both mothers haven't tried to fly with their children since their last terrible experiences. But they're back at the airport to give flying another shot — starting with a practice run.
Read more of Maiken Scott's NPR article HERE.
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