Letting the sun(flower) shine on hidden disabilities

Almost 4 million Australians are believed to be living with hidden disabilities, including autism, and airports, with all their bright lights, noise, and chaos, can be a real challenge for them. Australian Aviation speaks with Emma Beardsley and Dr Tom Tutton of Aspect Autism Friendly on the troubles faced by autistic people at airports and how we can make their lives easier.

AA: Can you give us an idea of what it means to have a hidden disability?

EB: A hidden disability is any disability that’s not immediately apparent by looking at someone. So, it’s not particularly easy to tell that somebody has a disability, or in my case, a whole host of disabilities that are not particularly visible. I quite often say I’m probably the least autistic-appearing person you’ll ever meet – right up until you put me in an airport, and I become probably the most autistic-appearing person you’ll ever meet.

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