Families enjoy a trial run of travel at Autism Takes Flight event

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Over 150 families gathered at Wilmington International Airport on Saturday for the Autism Takes Flight event, offering families of individuals with developmental disabilities the opportunity to experience a trial run of air travel in a low-stress environment.

The event was designed to help participants prepare for air travel by allowing them to go through the airport experience without the pressure of an actual trip. Families checked in, received their boarding passes, went through security, and even boarded a plane to practice the entire travel process.

Melanie Bachmeyer, CEO of the Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health, which co-sponsored the event, shared how these trial runs can be especially beneficial.

Bachmeyer explained, “A family member can experience the airport for the first time in a low-stress situation where they are not actually traveling for the first time, and maybe practice some strategies to help make the experience less challenging—and hopefully, make it fun.”

This year’s event saw increasing participation, with more families taking part than in previous years.