Abstract
Adaptations and programs in certain airports make air travel easier to tolerate by some individuals with ASD. These programs and adaptations should be replicated and expanded upon in airports throughout the country and ultimately throughout the world. Although airports and organizations are addressing some barriers, this research supports the necessity to create new methods to address the remaining barriers and further facilitate a more enjoyable airport experience for individuals with ASD.
Primary Author and Speaker: Aisha Faulkner
Contributing Authors: Anita Perr
Traveling is an opportunity to expand one’s knowledge through exploration, but the airport atmosphere and procedures make travel for individuals with ASD and their families daunting, discouraging the desire to travel (Lerner-Baron, 2007). Fortunately, several programs and adaptations are available to lessen or eliminate barriers and enhance airport experiences. The objective was to understand the airport experience from the perspective of individuals with ASD and their caregivers so that occupational therapists in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team can increase airport accessibility.
A survey was created based on a review of current adaptations such as sensory rooms and programs such as practice flights and practice without flights and was posted on social media and related websites. Qualtrics and Excel were used to analyze survey results. The survey gathered feedback from individuals with ASD and their families, in the United States, to better understand the impact of these adaptations and programs on their airport experiences.
The results showed that adaptations and programs increase the opportunities for individuals with ASD to travel by airplane and have been beneficial in enhancing their airport experience. A limited number of respondents reported that they participated in a formal airport preparation program. The remaining respondents did not participate due to lack of programs, awareness, or interest. The majority (80%) of respondents stated that the airline had their requested accommodations. 75% of respondents said these requests were available upon arrival, however, 25% of respondents stated they had to wait for the requested accommodations. According to the survey results, being on the plane (97.8%) was the most challenging or uncomfortable area of the airport experience followed by TSA/Security (94.7%) and Check-in (92.5%).
Adaptations and programs were created to decrease barriers that prevent individuals with ASD and their families from flying. This research supports the benefits of duplicating current adaptations and programs and the necessity for creating new methods to address the remaining barriers. Occupational therapists will be invaluable members of the interdisciplinary team through implementing adaptations and addressing barriers, thus leading to increased access and opportunities for individuals with ASD and their families to explore more of the world than they ever thought possible.
International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. (2017). “Autism Friendly” Just Isn’t Good Enough. Retrieved from https://ibcces.org/cac-info/
Lerner-Baron, S. (2007). Family vacations and leisure time. Growing up with autism: Working with school-age children and adolescents, 183-201.