Wings for Autism® Gives Kids With Autism an Airport “Test Run”

Wings for Autism® is an airport “rehearsal” specially designed for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, their families and aviation professionals. Originated by the Charles River Center, a local chapter of The Arc, Wings for Autism® is designed to alleviate some of the stress that families who have a child with autism experience when traveling by air. The program provides families with the opportunity to practice entering the airport, obtain boarding passes, go through security and board a plane. Wings for Autism® also gives airport, airline, Transportation Security Administration professionals and other personnel the opportunity to observe, interact and deliver their services in a structured, learning environment. This experience is equally useful for families that have a member with other intellectual or developmental disabilities that are concerned about the ability of their family member to travel.

Find out more about Wings for Autism®.

Recommend this content Wings for Autism® Gives Kids With Autism an Airport “Test Run”

Date posted: April 9, 2014. Content created by The Autism NOW Center. Last updated: March 21, 2018.

5 thoughts on “Wings for Autism® Gives Kids With Autism an Airport “Test Run”

  1. Wings for Autism is a GREAT program! We were lucky to participate in our local event though Alaska Airlines at SeaTac Airport. This test run makes me feel confident that I can now travel with my ASD kiddo. Thanks ARC of King County!

  2. I am a member of the Advisory Board of the Stramski Children’s Developmental Center, a nonprofit clinical center in Long Beach, California, serving children with autism and other developmental conditions. The Center is affiliated with Miller Children;s Hospital of Long Beach, and is generously supported by the community.
    Long Beach Airport is only minutes from the center and the hospital , and the following airlines serve this busy and growing airport:
    JetBlue, Alaska, Southwest, American, Hawaiian

    We are interested in developing a Wings for Autism program at Long Beach Airport, and would appreciate your advice on achieving this goal for the children and families we serve.

    Thank you for your consideration

    Mel Marks MD
    [email protected]
    714-402-3027