Portland International Airport helps families navigate autism awareness with practice runs
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Wednesday marks Autism Awareness Day, a time to promote understanding and acceptance of those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Currently, about 1 in 36 children in the U.S. are identified with autism, and local efforts are helping families navigate the challenges of travel.
At the Portland International Airport, families say the first step toward flying is often about finding a place to feel grounded.
Airports are busy places with long lines, loud announcements, and travelers rushing to gates. For families with children on the autism spectrum, the sensory overload can be overwhelming.
Jessica Arzate, whose daughter Yari is on the autism spectrum, says preparing for the airport environment is crucial.
“This is us practicing before all of our summer travels,” she said. Yari often feels overstimulated and ungrounded in busy, noisy spaces.
This month for Autism Awareness Month, the Portland International Airport, alongside local organizations like the Autism Society of Oregon, is helping families rehearse before the big event — getting on a plane.
Tobi Rates, executive director of the Autism Society of Oregon, highlights how important it is for families to practice.
“It’s a change in routine, a lot of sensory impacts. I don’t think people are always aware of that,” Rates said. “They get the full experience to see what it’s like.”
Jessica and her partner both took time off work to attend the event with Yari. Along with dozens of other families, they received boarding passes, cruised through TSA and headed to the terminal.
The airport’s efforts to support families extend beyond practice runs. PDX offers free sensory bags containing noise-canceling earmuffs, fidget tools, coloring supplies, and emotional thermometers. Quiet spaces, such as the PDX Sensory Room and a replica airplane cabin, provide a calm environment for families to settle in before flying.
For Jessica, preparing Yari for travel is vital. “It’s important to hyper-prepare, and so this is part of her practice and her routine,” she said.
While Yari isn’t flying yet, she’s excited for the future. When asked if she’s ready to board a plane, Yari enthusiastically responded, “Let’s do it!”
The Autism Society of Oregon also offers voluntary sunflower lanyards to help identify individuals with disabilities and can arrange airport tours before flights.
ASO has more information about resources available for people with autism and their families.
