Airports can be stressful, especially for new travellers or those unfamiliar with the environment. Navigating noisy, crowded, and complex spaces can feel overwhelming for anyone—particularly people with hidden disabilities, such as autism.
While our Autism Friendly team collaborates with Sydney Airport and other stakeholders to adapt the airport environment, train staff, and provide resources to support Autistic passengers, we also recognise the importance of preparing individuals directly by teaching them what to expect during their airport journey.
Aspect and Aspect Education teamed up with Sydney Airport and Qantas to host the first Familiarisation Tour at Terminal 3.
This tour allowed students to explore the airport journey step by step—from check-in to boarding a plane—giving them a chance to feel prepared and confident for future travels. 10 students from Aspect South East Sydney School (K-2) participated, supported by:
- Video visual stories
- Visual schedules
- Sensory supports
- Hidden Disability Sunflower Lanyards
- Snacks - to keep energy levels up
The tour gave students a hands-on opportunity to rehearse key airport processes, including:
- Checking in with a boarding pass
- Passing through security
- Finding their gate
- Boarding the plane and understanding safety procedures
- Claiming baggage at the end of the journey
🌟 A huge thank you to Mike Joyce, Katrina Lee, Claire Garth, the wonderful Airport Ambassadors from Sydney Airport, Angie Agarwal from Qantas, and the supportive security teams who made this experience smooth and memorable.
