BBC News
Ita Dungan
21 October 2024
...for many families with autistic children, airports and flying are just not an option.
Airports and flying can be challenging for autistic people because of the many sensory differences, the unpredictability of how a day can unfold and also the sheer number of people that they are surrounded by.
On Saturday, 17 autistic youngsters and their parents were given the opportunity to be exposed to all the stress and unfamiliar noises that are part and parcel of air travel.
They all took part in Belfast City Airport's Autism in the Air scheme - and for the group the ‘try before you fly’ programme has opened up a whole new world of possibilities.
Over the last 10 years, Belfast City Airport has been working with Queen's University Belfast and Aer Lingus Regional on a programme that helps families with autistic children.
Read on: Autism flying scheme makes holiday time a reality for families - BBC News
