Having kids with autism can be challenging, and although going on holiday is an exciting and fun time, travelling can make life stressful for families with children with autism. Newcastle International have the answer for making holidays a little more jolly when travelling with autistic passengers – the Autism Passport.
Bustling places, loud noises and new environments like airports can be difficult for people on the autism spectrum. Since joining the Autism Alliance UK charter, Newcastle International have been trying to make the airport as autism friendly as possible. Staff have attended autism awareness training and with the launch of the Autism Passport along with a special story and activity book, you’ll breeze your way through the airport.
The Autism Passport and other amazing resources
The Autism Passport allows families with children with autism to skip the problematic queues and get through security and boarding smoothly. To use this fast track service simply download the pass from Newcastle International’s website, print it out, fill it in and bring it with you on the day of travel. Once you’ve checked in for your flight, a member of staff can validate the Autism Passport and answer any questions you might have.
Although you typically can’t use the passport for check-in queues, the waits here are usually minimal or avoidable. Show your pass at the security boarding card check point and someone will assist you further. Once you’re through security, you can head to one of the specially made quiet areas to avoid the crowds and loud noises. When it comes to boarding, don’t be afraid to ask for assistance – one of the trained staff will be happy to help and get your holiday off to a flying start.
Newcastle Airport have also teamed up with the North East Autism Society to create a brilliant story and activity book. The story helps kids with autism deal with new experiences by explaining what it’s like in Newcastle International, what they might see and what might happen on the day they fly. The activity book mainly acts as a fun distraction from the unfamiliarity of the airport adventure but also highlights some things they might notice on their journey to the start of their holiday.
If you’re travelling with a person with autism and have any more questions, make sure you check out all of the great information on Newcastle International’s website.
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