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Crowds, loud noises, and unfamiliar spaces can make the airport stressful for families. The experience can be especially hard for neurodiverse kids, who often benefit from knowing what to expect ahead of time.
Recognizing this need, CHEO and the Ottawa International Airport Authority collaborated to create a visual guide that walks young travellers through every major step of the airport journey including check‑in, security screening, customs and boarding.
The social story video is a valuable resource for families preparing for trips, particularly those travelling during busy holiday periods like March Break.
It shows real footage of airport spaces and staff to help young travellers build familiarity long before they arrive at the terminal. Parents and caregivers have noted that this helps reduce stress and make travel days smoother for everyone involved.
Watch on CHEO’s YouTube channel.