Texas TSA officers prepare kids with autism for screening, airport experience

Children on the autism spectrum are often overwhelmed by the chaotic sights and sounds of the airport because of issues with communication, social awareness, and sensory overload. So, officers at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport in East Texas provided a group of children with autism and their families a practice session at the airport to become familiar with the screening process so they could navigate the busy, often confusing airport experience when the time comes to get ready to board a plane.

The "Onboard for Adventure" event was designed to provide the children, ranging in age from four to 16, and their families a safe, low-pressure environment to help them reduce the anxiety associated with the airport environment.

Children and their families had the opportunity to practice going through the airport, from check-in and security screening to walking down the jet bridge simulating getting on a plane. This allowed them an authentic, supportive experience from arriving at the ticket counter to picking up their luggage at baggage claim at the end of the event.

The practice run gave kids and their families the chance to understand the expectations of the airport experience in a controlled, non-threatening atmosphere.

"Some were nervous, but they were all excited and inquisitive at the same time on what they needed to do and take out from their bags," said TSA Officer Maria Pilar Sanderson, who along with other officers, walked the kids through the screening process, explained the X-ray machine, and met them after going through the walk-through metal detector.

Supervisory Officer Eric Stenger coordinated with airport and external partners to ensure the event went off without a hitch. Stenger said the Tyler team did a great job of communicating with the kids to ease their anxiety and make the screening process a positive one. "Most of these families were afraid of flying due to the unknown," Stenger said. "We changed minds that day. I feel so proud to be a part of this experience, and more importantly this team."

TSA screened more than 50 families during the session. TSA Officers Camri Soileau and Maria Pilar Sanderson served as passenger support specialists, making lasting impressions on children and families. Not only did they assist the families through the screening process, but they also provided information about TSA Cares and visited with families after going through security to ease their concerns.

TSA Officers Cheston Philips, Wendy Jones, Cassie Kroening, Billie Wright, Kenzek Graham and Clifford Sawyer, along with Lead Officers Randy Stevens and Dawanna Anderson worked the checkpoint.

Graham said he was honored to participate in helping the children with autism. "We collectively get a better understanding and experience how to help them, as they help us to learn about them and their needs," he said. "I believe every airport should participate in this program to learn more about autism and to help these individuals experience the joys of flying."

Assistant Federal Security Director Kellen Morris said the Tyler team did an amazing job assisting and interacting with the families.

"This event was a great opportunity not only for the officers at Tyler to display their outstanding customer service skills but to help members of the community overcome their concerns about the screening process and the airport environment," said Morris. "Speaking with the families and event organizers, by participating in this event we have opened a path for these families to get out and have new adventures they felt were previously out of reach."

Soileau summed up the feelings of many of the Tyler team who immersed themselves in helping this special group of children and their families.

"I think everyone involved treated this as a learning experience," she said. "It's important to remember this event was designed to help the entire family, as well as individuals with autism. Some of the parents have never had the experience of going through an airport, which is generally overstimulating for a first-time flyer. Now imagine being a family of first-time flyers, and one of your family members also has autism.

"I'm so grateful our community won't allow these families to accept defeat by the hands they were dealt, because being able to travel together is absolutely in the cards for these families. I am so proud to be a part of an organization that does not shy away from an opportunity to help us grow as better people, in addition to being better officers. Every single family involved expressed nothing but gratitude for this experience."

By Mike Frandsen, Strategic Communications & Public Affairs