Toronto Pearson Airport partners with Autism Ontario to host accessibility event

A test run at the airport with no flight to catch. Just an opportunity for parents of neurodivergent children to familiarize their kids with the stimulus of an airport before they go to fly. The noise, the people, just the craziness of the rush I think is very overwhelming for them. This mom says travel is hard enough for neurotypical people without the pressure of being easily overstimulated. She wants to help her son with autism get comfortable with the process of flying before a real trip is on the line. Just giving these kids a chance at doing things that other kids can do. With it being in a controlled environment and they can be themselves and just giving the practice. It's the fourth year the airport has collaborated with Autism Ontario and Air Transat for this program. Families go through every step of the airport experience including check-in, security, waiting at the gate, boarding and seat location. These parents say the program gave their family the confidence to fly together. We did this program about two years ago with Air Transat and we actually travelled with them about six months later. This program kind of relieves the anxiety of the whole experience. This advocate says for years, people with both visible and invisible disabilities have struggled to be accommodated at airports, where unfamiliar, stressful environments can be a barrier to travel. There is what's called a meltdown, and that will ruin your trip. That just, it'll be over before you start. The child becomes just so anxious, they can't cope, they can't function, and it's just, they freeze and can't go any farther. McIntosh hopes that not only will this program be helpful for families, but also help airlines better understand their customers' range of needs and be better equipped to help. These sunflower lanyards have become a popular signal for neurodivergent travelers to subtly let staff know that they have a hidden disability and may need extra support. It changes the way we look at our passengers when they arrive at the airport, from the check-in to the boarding, having meaningful conversations with families, trying to understand what's going to make them more comfortable. Organizers say so far the event has been a success, and they hope to continue it for years to come. We have several families that send us pictures on their vacation saying, We did this event and it gave us the confidence to do a flight. For many, it's a welcome runway to see the world without fear. Mercedes Gastambide, CBC News, Toronto.