While flying with kids can be a challenging experience for any parent, for families that include a child living with autism that stress can be multiplied exponentially.
It's not just the flight: between checking in, security lineups, loud noises, customs checks and large crowds, the airport is an unpredictable environment that can cause a total sensory overload to someone with the brain development disorder.
Mom Cherie Booker has avoided air travel with her eight-year-old daughter Morgan because of fear and anxiety over what might go wrong with her daughter in the frantic and unfamiliar environment.
"Autism is different for everyone but for Morgan the lights and lines can be big stresses," she said.
"I've felt nervous about having customs and security agents talk to her because she won't answer back, and if you don't comply – and that officer doesn't know my daughter has autism – that can be a real issue."
Now a program at the Vancouver International Airport is aimed at helping families like Booker's by making the airport experience more predictable in a bid to desensitize and familiarize the whole airport and flying process.
Developed in conjunction with families and the Canucks Autism Network, a new tool in the I CAN Fly program was rolled out this week with the YVR Autism Access Sticker, which is a self-identification tool placed on boarding passes at the check-in counter.
The sticker gives the user and their families a fast-track expedited process through screening and customs, and better communicates the needs of the traveler with autism to the airport staff. For some airlines, that may mean letting the family board first, or conversely, be the last people to get onto the craft.
The sticker launch coincided with the airport's third annual accessibility tour, which gave families an opportunity to rehearse the entire flight process and experience travel in a positive way.
More than 115 people took part in the flight dry-run, which started at the check-in counter and wound through security before boarding a waiting Air Transat plane. It also simulated what it would be like on an actual plane, down to the engine noises, pre-flight announcements and dimming of cabin lights.
"The more that you can prepare and go over the better," said Booker, who took the tour with her daughter.
I CAN Fly also includes a travel resource toolkit that includes a checklist, airport map and step-by-step storybook to help children with autism feel less overwhelmed by the experience.
"We see families watching these videos over and over – some over 100 times – to get ready for the big day," said Lindsay Petrie of the Canucks Autism Network (CAN).
"Families are relieved and are so happy that this is provided for them. Accessibility goes beyond physical accommodations."
So far, the feedback for the program, the first of its kind at a Canadian airport, has been "amazing," says Anne Murray of the Vancouver Airport Authority.
"We hear from families saying I would have never considered flying with my child until this program came along," said Murray.
It's hoped similar programs will be developed across Canada.
Booker says the program has opened up a world of possibility – and family vacations. Her family is going to Disneyland later this month and instead of dreading going to YVR, she actually excited for it – and so is her daughter.
"Now she knows what the airplane is like we'll take the same steps. Having gone on a plane I know that she will do it – and she can do it – and that makes a huge difference," she said.
More than 11,000 children and youth in B.C. have autism, according to CAN, and one in every 68 children has the disorder.
