Register your family for "Navigating Autism"  

Many families who have children with autism avoid flying because they are unsure how their children will respond. In an effort to ease the anxiety associated with an airport visit and flying, the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), Fraser and the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) have teamed up to create the Navigating Autism program. The program includes several events, all designed specifically for individuals with autism, that guide families through the steps of an airport visit, from walking in the door to finding their seat on a plane.

During the Navigating Autism event, families will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the airport and travel procedures. Children will practice entering the airport, obtain a security pass, go through screening at a TSA security checkpoint and walk through the airport to a boarding gate.  To culminate their experience, children and their families will board an aircraft and find their seats. Please note that the aircraft will remain on the ground. 

In addition to preparing families for a positive travel experience, the Navigating Autism program also will provide a valuable training and awareness opportunity for airport, airline and TSA personnel to learn how to accommodate children with autism and other special needs.  

Families are invited to participate in any one of the Navigating Autism event sessions, scheduled on the 1st Saturday of every month in 2014. Join MAC, Fraser and AuSM for a fun, safe practice run, while learning from airport personnel what works and what doesn't work to make your travel experience efficient and less stressful.

These events are being offered free of charge, and require pre-registration.  Please register for only one date. 

Due to the high popularity of the program, we have started a waiting list.  If the month you would like to attend is currently full, please email kknack@ausm.org to be put on the waiting list. Please inlcude your name, what date you are traveling (if applicable) and what date(s) your interested in along with number of guests.  You will be contacted if space is available.  Thank you.  

Events Details:  

• One week prior to the event you will receive an email with the event details, 'I'm Going To The Airport' social story and 3-1-1 Rule guidelines.
• On the day of the event go to terminal one (T1-Lindbergh) 
• Bring a carry-on piece of luggage (please no liquids). Refer to the 3-1-1 Rule guidelines.
• Park in short term parking, pull ticket and bring it in for validation
• Go to tram level  (T level) information booth
• Show yout ticket and government issued picture ID, sign in and get security passes
• A laminated airport photo card (on a lanyard) will be given to you showing the process
• The tour will be in small groups and depart on time. (PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY TO GET SECURITY PASSES)
• Experience check-in process and security checkpoint
• Walk to gate, board and tour a parked plane
• Optional:  Visit observation deck & board tram to children's play area 
• End in baggage claim (on own)