Airport rehearsal helps children with autism practice traveling February 1, 2017 Alaska Airlines 2 min read Share Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) Photo courtesy of Rick Ostraat Being on a plane can be stressful for a lot of people. But for children with autism, it can be an especially overwhelming and even frightening. Alaska Airlines helped make the travel experience easier for 53 families this past Saturday during the “Sky’s the Limit” event at Portland International Airport. The event aims to alleviate some of the stress when flying for families who have a child with autism. Read more: 5 tips for traveling with a child on the autism spectrum Alaska partnered with the Autism Society of Oregon, to provide families the opportunity to practice entering the airport, obtaining boarding passes, going through security and boarding an airplane. The aircraft then taxied around the tarmac to simulate a flight, without leaving the ground. “This type of program means so much to these families,” said Capt. Dave Mets, Alaska director and base chief pilot in Portland. “We’re eager to help out by creating an authentic travel experience, at no cost to the families, which hopefully will make getting on a plane less frightening.” “For parents of children with autism spectrum disorders, everyday tasks can sometimes prove to be far more difficult for their child. Air travel can prove particularly challenging between clearing security, the overwhelming noises, harsh lights and the change in routine,” said Tobi Rates, Executive Director from the Autism Society of Oregon. The program not only lessens the stress children and their parents may feel, but helps educate airport and airline professionals about how best to serve children with autism or other intellectual and developmental disabilities in the future. The event is the 11th event hosted by Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air in partnership with local airports and autism-focused nonprofit organizations across the country. Families who have children on the autism spectrum can prepare for an upcoming flight by contacting the airline, airport and TSA. Photo courtesy of Rick Ostraat Photo courtesy of Rick Ostraat Photo courtesy of Rick Ostraat Photo courtesy of Rick Ostraat Photo courtesy of Rick Ostraat Photo courtesy of Rick Ostraat Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) Related Comments Thank you for this wonderful and sustained effort to make travel easier for children with autism and their families. What a gift to the 53 families who were able to take advantage of this opportunity and for the many others you have helped in other cities. I’m very proud to be an Alaska Airlines frequent flyer. Thank you again. Bryan H. King, MD, MBA Professor and Vice Chair for Child Psychiatry Vice-President Child Behavioral Health Services—UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals UCSF Department of Psychiatry UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences Comments are closed.