proudly presents
For guests with AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER and other neurodiverse conditions.
The information in this guide has been prepared by Autism Double-Checked to assist visitors with ASD when visiting STN - London, GB - London Stansted Airport. For neurodiverse visitors, please make use of the information that may relate to your visit. For neurotypical parents, caregivers or traveling companions, please make use of this to assist the special guest that you are accompanying.
The objective, throughout, is to give advance information about sensory, and other, issues that may need extra consideration for visitors with ASD. The Guide gives information about the nature of these issues. Guests should view this information in the context of their own, unique, challenges.
Due to the wide variety of issues that may arise for individuals with ASD, such guidance is general in nature. If you encounter something that is not covered in this guide, please contact the Autism Concierge by clicking the link in the Autism Concierge section below prior to your visit or seek the help of a member of airport staff once you are there.
Throughout this Guide, we make use of the following Sensory Issue Advisory Triangles.
Airlines |
---|
Airport |
---|
Name | Distance |
---|---|
1 mi |
Name | Distance |
---|---|
General Hospital | 1 mi |
Name | Distance |
---|---|
General Hospital | 1 mi |
Make use of the airport website at: https://anything.bs
Review the information given in this guide.
If you need further specific information that is not covered by either of the above resources, you should contact the Autism Concierge by using the link in Autism Concierge in the introduction to this Guide.
In general terms, January is the quietest. Weekdays are generally the quietest time of the week.
Visitors who have problems with crowds may wish to take this information into account when planning a visit.
Most airlines offer online check-in 24 hours prior to departure time. It is recommended that you do this. It will save you time and trouble at the airport.
Even with online check-in, arrive at least two hours early and allow plenty of time for the security process.
Not all airport screening agents may have been trained to assist passengers with special needs.
You should call TSA Cares (1-855-787-2227 Option #2) at least 72 hours in advance of your flight, describe any potential issues and request a Passenger Support Specialist. If you do not do this, you should Identify yourself to the agent at the checkpoint and let them know that you are traveling with a special-needs passenger. Outline any sensory issues that you think might create difficulties for your loved one.
The line may be long and slow-moving. Ask the security agent for priority in getting to the front of the line and minimizing accidental physical contact with strangers.
Some screening checkpoints may utilize full-body scanners. These can only accommodate one person at a time which may be distressful for some people. Try practicing the feet apart, hands touching over the head position at home with your loved one to prepare them for screening.
If you feel that they may have difficulties in the scanner, discuss alternatives with the security officer. CAUTION. The standard alternative to the body scanner is a pat-down search. Since this may also be difficult, be sure to look at all possible alternatives with the officer.
Aside from background noise, there is a possibility of bells/alarms being sounded with no notice. Even those with moderate noise sensitivity may benefit from the use of noise cancelling headphones. If you are asked to remove them, explain this concern and to have the removal be as short of a time as possible. You must also explain to your child in advance that they will have to empty their pockets and temporarily hand over phones, iPads or favorite toys.
- If a family member gets lost, report to a member of the front desk staff and request an alert to all staff members who may be able to assist in searching.
- Give them as much information as possible including gender, age, race, clothing description, last known location, direction of travel, if known, and communication abilities (verbal/non-verbal/understands verbal communication).
- It is recommended that you have a recent photo available on your mobile device so that you can share it with the resort team.
- In normal circumstances GPS functions throughout the premises and there are no “blind spots.”
- Stay at the front desk. This will enable the resort team to locate you as soon as possible once your family member has been located.