The Team
In 2016, Kees Hoekstra started the project “Flying with Autism” as a private initiative. 8 years later, it became an official foundation and Kees Hoekstra and Inge Meeuwes-Muis are passionately committed to improving flying with autism even more. Both have experience in aviation and are familiar with the Autism Spectrum Disorder in their family life.
Flying can be quite a challenge if you have autism, due to the many stimuli and procedures to follow at a busy airport. Every person with autism is unique and may experience more difficulty with, for example, changes and unfamiliar situations. It is therefore important to choose an approach that suits the specific sensory and emotional needs of the traveler. With good preparation and support before the flight, the experience can become less stressful and more manageable. The Flying with Autism Foundation can help with this.
Possible reasons for increased stress levels when flying with autism:
Sensory overstimulation; The crowds at the airport, the loud and many ambient noises, the changes in air pressure and the limited space in the plane can be overwhelming.
Unpredictability and change; Unexpected delays, security checks and other unknown aspects of travel can add to the stress
Social situations; Interaction with fellow passengers, (cabin) crew or security personnel can be uncomfortable for people with autism.
Physical sensations; The frisking and unexpected touching, the feeling of take-off, turbulence and landing can be unfamiliar and frightening.
Structure and routine; Many people with autism find comfort in predictability. However, travel can be full of unforeseen events, such as delayed flights, busy wait times, and changes in schedules
If the traveler has an invisible disability such as autism, a disorder or is easily affected by overstimulation, it is nice that this is taken into account at the airport and on the plane. For example, there is already recognition by the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower keycord. However, assistance and guidance at the airport for autism is often customized due to the different needs and (necessary) support of the passenger.
The Flying with Autism Foundation works closely with various airports to guide the traveler in the preliminary phase. This is done, among other things, by means of meetings and lectures throughout the country and by organizing the Airport Autism Tours. During the tours, all facets that a traveler encounters during a flight are highlighted. Such as the actions at the check-in desk, the baggage drop-off, a look and explanation at the assistance desk and the procedures for the queues and the security check. During these tours, a lot of clarity and attention is given to the participants so that they can face the flight as relaxed as possible.
All employees are volunteers and are therefore not paid, except for travel expenses.