Autism traveling through the airport
Olbia Airport participates in the ENAC project “Autism – Traveling Through the Airport,” designed to facilitate air travel for people on the autism spectrum. This project includes a program to familiarize them with the spaces and environments they will encounter during their journey.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulty communicating, restricted and repetitive interests, and motor stereotypies.
People with autism appear bizarre, sometimes fail to communicate verbally, and have significant difficulties with social interaction. However, it is difficult to classify autism into homogeneous characteristics because each individual is different; therefore, it is more correct to speak of an “autism spectrum disorder,” where the spectrum refers to a variety of behavioral manifestations that vary greatly in severity and type.
Rigidity in behavior and the need for known daily routines are very common; knowing what will be done, how it will be done, and where helps people with autism manage the anxiety that arises when situations are unfamiliar. For this reason, traveling for an autistic person can generate anxiety which in turn can trigger behavioral crises.
In the airport’s departures area, you’ll find the Sala Amica (Friend Room), a waiting area reserved for people with autism, with spaces specifically designed for this disability.
View the ENAC brochure “Autism Traveling Through the Airport”
To help passengers with autism and their companions prepare for their trip, Olbia Airport has prepared a Social History describing the areas and key moments they will encounter during their stay at the airport.
Take a look at the video made directly in Olbias’ Airport
Airport familiarization
It’s very helpful to make the routes and environments available in advance. Having specially designed and prepared informational materials (photos, videos, etc.) significantly helps families and individuals with autism to face a journey with greater peace of mind.
In this regard, Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport has provided the opportunity to conduct targeted tours of its airport, reserved for autistic individuals, to help them familiarize themselves with the facilities and services provided.
To book a “familiarization visit” at Olbia Airport, simply:
download the booking form by clicking HERE
– print, complete and sign the booking form, attaching the required documentation;
– send the form and documentation in .pdf file to the email address salamica@geasar.it
The request for a “familiarization visit” must be submitted at least seven days in advance of the desired visit.
The visit will be confirmed by email and will be scheduled based on airport operations.
The person with autism will never be separated from family members or companions, who will be accompanied by our staff at all times during their stay at the airport.
KAIROS PROJECT
The “KAIROS” project is based on techniques for developing independence in autism and improving accessibility to public spaces. The KAIROS airport project aims to make the airport more welcoming and accessible for people with autism. Various vertical displays have been created and installed within the airport. These use pictograms and figures to depict what can be found in the surrounding area (pharmacy, shop, food, restrooms, etc.), helping people with autism navigate the airport’s main points of interest.
