Houston Airports joins the world in promoting Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD, Awareness during the month of April. The United Nations encourages communities worldwide to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. April presents an opportunity to learn more about this disorder and how it impacts the everyday lives of people all over the world.  

According to the World Health Organization, ASD is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. ASD is an invisible or hidden disability, so there isn’t much a person can observe about another’s physical characteristics to detect the disorder. Based on the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network study in 2018, ASD is diagnosed in children of different races in a proportionate manner. However, males are more than four times more likely than females to develop the disorder.  

People with ASD are often an overlooked segment of society because the disability is not visible when it comes to addressing passengers with disabilities. Air travelers with developmental disabilities like ASD may need help during the travel experience to ensure it is a successful one. With the support of the Department of Transportation, DOT, and the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Disability Compliance Program, ADCP, guidance is provided to properly help transportation facilities like Houston Airports assist these passengers. “We want to bring more awareness to invisible disabilities so that all our guests can travel in confidence,” said Tambre Moten, ADA Program Manager for Houston Airports. 

Additionally, the Air Carrier Access Act, ACAA, and 14 CFR Part 382 (Part 382) is a resource that provides these passengers a way to understand their legal rights when enjoying travel. Many special assistance amenities focus on travelers with mobility needs, but this type of traveler’s prevalence is growing due to the 1/68 ratio of children with the ASD diagnosis. ASD is a life-long disorder that is managed through a combination of medication and therapy. 

Houston Airports equips its employees and facilities with amenities to offer support to individual travelers and families traveling with children with ASD. “Our employees receive Disability Awareness Training on a regular basis and are ready to support all customers,” said Jocelyn Labove, Chief Aviation Risk and Regulatory Compliance Officer. 

For individual travelers and families traveling with children with ASD, Labove and Moten provided the following tips for your next travel experience: 

1. Contact your airlines to request special assistance as early as possible when considering making travel arrangements. Each airline has a special assistance request help desk.  

2. Plan for unexpected travel diversions. Consider sensory items, health needs and dietary needs in case there are changes to your travel plans.  

3. Familiarize yourself and/or your traveler with ASD. Contact your local Airport ADA Coordinator to see if you can take advantage of their Airport Rehearsal Program. 

4. Give yourself and/or your traveler with ASD plenty of time. The airport environment and other necessary screening processes may be overwhelming if rushed.  

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for support during the travel process. Assistance is available.  

“Please join us as we recognize Autism Awareness Month in our effort to assure travel equity and accessibility,” Labove said. “It is a time for acceptance and for identifying ways to increase opportunities for those with ASD.” 

On April 2, World Autism Awareness Day, Houston Airports will “Light It Up Blue” to promote awareness and encourage travelers with ASD and their families to reach their full potential by celebrating the magic of flight.