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Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder/ Asperger's Syndrome

Traveling can be challenging for children with Autism/Asperger's syndrome. The changes in routine, unpredictability, crowds, new noises and sights can all make the experience difficult for children and their families. The goal of this desensitization program is to overcome an avoidance pattern by gradually exposing your child to a simulated airport and flight environment improving the chances of it being tolerated. This will be challenging for the child to deal with at first, but gradually, most will  be able to tolerate their first flight.

They will benefit from knowing what to expect, especially when faced with changes to routines. We hope that with a little planning and information using our resources, the doors will open to new travel opportunities for you and your family. 

At Sim2do Flight Simulator Center, we understand the special needs of children with Autism. Kenneth has High Functioning Autism and is the owner and chief pilot.  He understands the difficulties, as his daughter, now a successful artist, is also on the spectrum.  This has given us the knowledge to understand this gift and to help other children with Autism.  That's why at Sim2do we feel we have the experience and exposure to help young people in desensitizing them for air travel thus helping parents in the preparation for air travel.

Practice and taking small steps to flight

The idea of a new environment can be intimidating for anyone, especially for an individual with autism. Allowing your child to feel they’re in control is one way to relieve that anxiety.  

Your child can experience the whole airport scenario from arrival to the flight and disembarking. We can stop and start at any time so they are in control.

Prepare sensory exposure to aircraft 

From discovering the features of our cabin, to your child having a sensory exposure to the aircraft. The sights and sounds via an audiovisual representation of the experience at the airport, from embarking on the aircraft completing a flight from gate to gate.

The environment!

At Sim2do there is a cabin area with nine airline seats, incorporating sounds to be expected during a flight, simulating the experience of a passenger, as they would on a real flight. You will receive our booklet to prepare your child for the experience. If you have particular needs in advance of arrival and if there are any additional accommodations that we can provide, please contact us . This will also give you an opportunity to discuss safety precautions, such as, door alarms fear of animals etc.

This is a great way to find out if it is possible to plan such a trip or not.

We recognize that every child is unique therefor the content of this program may not work for everyone. The content is general information and is not specific medical advice. We hope these tips will serve as a jumping-off point for finding the best approach to helping your child with Autism to fly. Always consult with a doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about the health of a child.  We are not, nor are we holding ourselves to be your psychologist, psychiatrist, psychotherapist, or social worker (“Mental Health Provider”). Our program  includes information and instruction relating to autism travel topics. You acknowledge and agree that the warnings and disclaimers shall apply to all of the content.

Included 

  • Pre-visit story preparation for your visit

  • Pre-flight Conditioning story

  • Tips for your flight and the environment

  • Return trip Conditioning story

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