New Flight Simulator Event Helps Children with Autism Overcome Airport Stress

During the simulation, the families checked in, boarded, and a flight attendant went through the usual airplane preparations and safety demonstrations. The pilot, Jim Hailey, has been participating in the simulation for three years. He said that seeing the relief on parents' faces and the excitement on kids' faces is something he loves. Hailey says, "They can experience the airport, and their parents can experience an airport environment just to see how well families are going to be on a real trip when real money and real tickets are on the line." In his experience, he has noticed that the actual flying is not what is upsetting for the children. Going through security, checking in, boarding, and just generally being surrounded by a ton of people is what frightens them. The airplane itself is loud, but the people are quiet, and there is not much happening after takeoff, so families have an easier time once on board.

This is not the first time that a simulation activity has been used to help people with autism. We use simulation activities for a variety of professions and to help many people adjust to uncomfortable situations, so it makes sense that they can be used for children with autism as well. Simulation activities are important because they offer people with autism to experience real life situations with the comfort and reassurance that nothing serious will go wrong.