'Just be kind': Parents of children with autism share travel tips amid Dubai Airports initiative

personalised support for passengers with intellectual or developmental disabilities in advance – families of children with autism have shared key tips for traveling.

For Yasmin Carey, planning ahead is everything. “My top tip is to contact the airline in advance and ask for the DPNA code to be added to your booking — this alerts employees to provide personalised support for passengers with intellectual or developmental disabilities,” said the mother of Ellis.

She also creates a visual travel schedule and chooses flight times that suit her child’s routine, referring to the airport website and going through the travel planner for details on the inclusive journey and useful tips.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

Yasmin brings along noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, and sunglasses to help Ellis manage sensory overload. “What might look like a meltdown is often just a way of coping. We’re not asking for special treatment — just a little understanding,” she explained.

Radio host and dad Hassan Dennaoui, known as “Big Hass,” also shared his preparation tips by posting a video of his travels with his son, who has autism. The preparation always starts ahead of time. “I recommend walking children through the entire journey ahead of time, making a countdown, and building excitement together,” he shared.

For Hassan, contacting Dubai Airports about the Travel Safari programme allowed his son to conduct travel rehearsals ahead of their actual trip, supporting familiarisation and readiness. On travel day, he emphasised the importance of taking plenty of time and not rushing.

He suggested creating a checklist of essentials tailored to the child's specific needs, including favorite foods, comfort items, entertainment devices, backup chargers, and spare clothes. Big Hass also highlighted the value of the Sunflower Lanyard for smoother airport navigation.

"People on the autism spectrum have no malice or hate inside them. Once you try to understand autism, you'll understand the hearts of people on the spectrum, and that's the most beautiful thing," he shared.

Another parent of a child with autism, Ambreen Suhaib, starts her journey with her child by packing a dedicated kit with sensory toys, an iPad, snacks, noise-cancelling headphones, and a spare change of clothes.

“I recommend picking up the Sunflower Lanyard on arrival — even if your child won’t wear it, you can wear it yourself and still receive support,” she advised.

As Dubai International Airport (DXB) is a Certified Autism Center, it provides a range of services to make travel more autism-friendly, including the Sunflower Lanyard: a discreet way to signal hidden disabilities that provides access to priority lanes and an autism-friendly route through check-in, passport control, security checkpoints, and boarding. The lanyard is available from information desks in Terminal 3 and from Guest Experience Ambassadors (GXA) in all terminals.

Ambreen also suggested checking the airport map in advance, dividing responsibilities if traveling with family, and letting employees know if you prefer to board first or last. She recommended looking for the sunflower sign in queues for immigration and police, which leads to the priority route.

“Autism isn’t always visible. You may not see it, but it’s there. Stimming — things like rocking, clapping, or making sounds—is how our children self-regulate in overwhelming places like airports. Meltdowns aren’t bad behavior — they’re signs of distress. Please don’t stare. Be kind.”