With the holiday season approaching, here is some information regarding travelling abroad with neurodiverse children. 

Below is an article that I found in TUI's in-flight magazine last year along with some links to the four main London airports' special assistance pages on their websites.  There really is much more awareness out there these days and help is available to make your journey as smooth as possible with quieter departure lounges, access to sensory rooms or packs and photo stories of key stages of the check-in process, which can be stressful for everyone!

Please bear in mind that not all services are available at each airport (yet).

Useful links to airports’ Special Assistance information regarding services such as:

• How to get a sunflower lanyard
• Separate, quiet departure lounges or sensory rooms
• Social stories about going through airport security and other processes
• Access to Fast-Track Security

LONDON LUTON:
https://www.london-luton.co.uk/special-assistance-landing/non-physical-disabilities

LONDON GATWICK:
https://www.gatwickairport.com/passenger-guides/special-assistance.html (scroll to the bottom for information about the North Terminal Sensory Room

LONDON HEATHROW:
https://www.heathrow.com/at-the-airport/assistance-and-accessibility/non-visible-disabilities (including information about a free Sensory Objects Pack that’s available)

LONDON STANSTED:
https://www.stanstedairport.com/help/special-assistance/hidden-disabilities/

Each airline will also have its own Assisted Travel policy, so check their websites carefully for details too.