International travel can be very challenging for some people on the autism spectrum.

All those signs, times, lights and information. It’s an overload for all, and particularly challenging for some.

A survey by AutismTravel.com shows that 78 per cent of families with a member on the autism spectrum are hesitant about international air travel because of the high level of sensory stimuli involved. And an airport has lots of unknown processes and stimuli.

Emirates airline has a program for “travel rehearsals” for youth with autism globally.

It has completed 40 travel rehearsals, easing anxiety for more than 250 families.

An Emirates spokesperson explains that the rehearsals, where families can go to their local international airport and go through the procedures required for travel, are designed to support children and young adults with autism.

They can practise the journey through the airport in preparation for real flights.

Neurodivergent people practise the actions of checking in, dropping baggage, going through immigration and security, and experiencing the hustle and bustle of retail and dining areas. Participants are issued mock boarding passes and can meet the many uniformed staff they may encounter.

In some airports, Emirates teams managed to arrange access to aircraft.

The program aims to ease travel anxiety and empower passengers to fly with more confidence.

The spokesperson says: “After the initial Emirates travel rehearsals in Dubai resulted in positive feedback from families, schools and autism organisations, the Emirates Office of Accessibility and Inclusion formulated the travel rehearsal into an official program, to be rolled out across its global network.”

Rehearsals have been held at many airports, from Italy to Vietnam, France to India — and have included Sydney.

The spokesperson adds: “Emirates travel rehearsals are a purposeful community collaboration and learning exercise arranged by Emirates, with the support of international airport teams, border control and security teams, and schools and centres for autism based all around the world.

“More than 35,000 Emirates staff have been trained to support customers with autism and can help facilitate travel, and travel rehearsals.

“Emirates teams work very closely with airport authorities and partners to make sure each rehearsal is a supportive and successful experience for the families.”

+ Emirates has an “Accessible and inclusive travel hub” here: emirates.com/english/help/accessibility-hub/