When I heard the news that Emirates will soon become the first Autism Certified Airline, I was thrilled. As a mom of a 13-year-old daughter with autism, travel has always been an important part of our lives. That may sound strange, since many families with kids on the spectrum avoid travel. I understand the reasons why – taking a trip is a disruption to the usual routine, and people with autism often thrive on routines. Travel also means encountering unusual sights, sounds, foods and perhaps most scary of all – people who do not understand the behaviors of neurodiverse individuals. But for us, all of these things have been a reason to travel.
Emirates’ certification is awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), an organization that specializes in autism and neurodiversity training and certification. More than 30,000 Emirates cabin crew and ground staff will complete training to equip them with the understanding and skills to address the needs of travelers with autism. Emirates also plans to roll out new standards and services that will improve the on ground and inflight travel experience for both customers on the autism spectrum and their families and companions, including fidget toys and digital “sensory guides” about destinations.
When we break out of our regular routine, it forces us to adapt, learn and grow. And the more we have traveled with E and her neurotypical twin brother, the less unusual it becomes. In fact, some of our best family memories have taken place on trips. We’ve dipped our toes in the Pacific at the Santa Monica Pier, taken a food tour in Nashville and hit the beach in the Sunshine State. Our trip to Beaches Turks & Caicos is something the twins still talk about to this day. While it wasn’t always smooth sailing (or flying) we learned to adapt and come prepared to make sure she has a great time.
Things that have helped – writing a simple social story that explains what is going to happen (we will fly to x destination, stay in a hotel, see x attraction, and then on x date, fly home again). We bring along fidget toys for the flight (and also books and music) and especially as she’s gotten older, talk to her in the days leading up to the trip about what’s going to happen so she can feel prepared.
In some places, we’ve found autism accommodations that have been super helpful (a sensory room in a hotel in West Virginia was a welcome respite which she loved hanging out in). Amusement parks like Disney, Six Flags and Sesame Place all have accommodations in place that for many parents means the difference between not going and having the memory-making adventure of a lifetime. The fact that Emirates is stepping up to get its certification is just another way the world will expand for travelers with disabilities.
This is so important because to the untrained eye, autism can sometimes look unusual or even aggressive. As the parent of a teen, I feel this – E’s behaviors that may have easily been brushed off as cute or quirky when she was a child (jumping, shouting, running, arm flapping – things people on the spectrum may do to stim or self-regulate) may now come off as alarming to some. The more people know about autism and what it can look like, the more inclusive our world gets.
And as for the strange looks we may sometimes get when we’re out in public – I always think back to what a fellow autism mom said to me: “When we go out in public, we like to think of it as ‘spreading awareness.’” How very cool to think of your child’s presence out in the world as a way to teach inclusion rather than something to be worried or ashamed about.
To any parents who are concerned about traveling, just know that the world is getting more aware and that you and your child will benefit from travel. IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for families that lists certified destinations and connects families to other resources and each other.
So book that ticket, get on that train or pack the car with snacks and get out there – I can’t guarantee it will be easy, but I am certain you’ll be glad you did it.
Ronnie Koenig is a New Jersey mom of twins. You can find her at Facebook/AutismGirlMom.
Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram!
Read More:
PerformCare Can Be a Game Changer For Parents of Kids With Developmental Disabilities
Radio City Music Hall Announces New Sensory Room to Make Shows More Inclusive
Sensory-Friendly Theater Performances in New Jersey
Learn the Proven Methods That Help Neurodivergent Kids Communicate
