The Arc Baltimore and other chapters of The Arc throughout Maryland partnered over the weekend with Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall (BWI), Southwest Airlines, the Transportation Security Administration and Airmall to host Wings for Autism, an event aimed at alleviating the stress individuals with autism spectrum disorders often experience when traveling by air.
Wings for Autism allows individuals with autism and their families a chance to practice entering the airport, obtaining boarding passes, going through security and boarding a plane. It also gives airport, airline, TSA and other personnel an opportunity to observe, interact and deliver services in a structured environment.
Saturday’s event included about 50 families from across Maryland.
“For parents of children with autism spectrum disorders, air travel can prove to be particularly challenging, given the issues inherent in clearing security, the overwhelming noises and harsh lights, says Stephen Morgan, executive director of The Arc Baltimore. “This program will not only help to alleviate some of the stress children and their parents may feel, but also help to educate airport and airline professionals about how to best serve children and adults with autism or other intellectual and developmental disabilities in the future.”
