Even the most seasoned traveler can be overwhelmed as Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport continues to have a record-breaking year in passenger numbers.

Now imagine being surrounded with the loud noises and constant movement of an airport terminal while traveling with a child with Autism.

The October 13th Wings for Autism® event brought together The Arc of Arizona, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and American Airlines to provide a controlled and real experience for 120 members of the Autism community at the B-gates of Terminal 4.

In its eighth year at the airport, the program gives children with autism and their families an opportunity to do a rehearsal without the uncontrollable factors of real travel.

“Loud places, unfamiliar routines, big groups of people all moving in different directions, it can be overwhelming,” Melanie Soto, the State Director of The Arc of Arizona explains.

The simulation allows families an opportunity to see if this is something their child would struggle with and to find other coping mechanisms to make air travel successful as they experience all the traditional parts of travel.

Families comes to the airport with baggage in tow and they get to experience the entire process from checking in, getting a boarding pass, going through TSA, and even boarding a plane. 

During the rehearsal, the airplane engines are running so kids can feel – and hear – what that is like. The planes don't actually leave the ground, but when it's time for "takeoff" the cabin door is closed, and safety announcements are made before a short taxi on the plane so the kids can feel the movement they would experience in a normal trip.

Visit the Arc of Arizona to learn more about the Wings for Autism program.