Airport, Delta aim to ease issues of flyers with autism

Dozens of people on the autism spectrum participated in a travel “rehearsal” at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport this week to practice making their way through the giant complex and onto a plane.

“The air travel experience can be particularly challenging for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders ... We recognize the world’s busiest airport can be a bit intimidating for some of our passengers,” said Hartsfield-Jackson general manager Roosevelt Council.

The rehearsal was aimed at helping introduce and acclimate people to “the everyday sights and sounds of the airport” with a “realistic but relaxed” experience, Council said.

The rehearsal for children and adults with autism included the steps of air travel from entering the terminal to getting boarding passes, going through security screening, and boarding and touring a Delta Air Lines plane. The event also was aimed at boosting awareness among airport, airline and TSA workers who participated, according to airport officials.

Delta pilot Erich Ries, a participant whose 10-year old son is on the autism spectrum, said the difficulties when his son was younger included “hypersensitivity to smell and sound and light ... the meltdowns in the airplane.” But now, he said his son has traveled more than 45 times “and he does amazing ... I was able to develop a lot of tips and techniques.”

The rehearsal was part of National Autism Awareness Month in partnership with Delta, the TSA and The Arc, an organization for people with intellectual and developmental abilities.

Hartsfield-Jackson also has a sensory room on Concourse F aimed at helping children on the autism spectrum prepare for a flight.