For families with autistic children, flying can be a challenge to say the least. There are loud noises, way too many people and often just too much going on at once.
An organization called Families of Autism and Asperger's Standing Together works to make the experience easier for children struggling with the disorder, KSL.com reported.
According to KSL, the organization teams up with Delta Airlines and Salt Lake City International Airport once a year to give autistic children a practice run, or practice flight in this case.
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The airplane never really flies, but kids get to practice checking in, going through security and boarding the plane, KSL reported.
Thirty Utah families with autistic children took part in the practice flight on Saturday afternoon, KSL said.
After boarding the plane, children watched safety demonstrations and listed to the captain explain the seatbelt chime over the intercom, according to KSL. Flight attendants answered questions for the young passengers.
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Captain Mike Rohman has volunteered for the program twice, KSL said. Since his son has Asperger's, this is a program that is close to his heart.
Rohman told KSL that he would offer the following tips to other parents of children with autism: request a window seat, bring headphones along and explain everything to your child.
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