Anyone who has been in close proximity to a family on a flight or traveled with their own children knows how tough the travel process can be. Being patient in lines and remaining calm during a long flight can be a struggle for all kids, but some families have more difficulties than others. Those who have children who are developmentally challenged may find the process even more stressful; however, in the last few years, many organizations in the industry stepped up and provided resources and programs to aid the process by helping developmentally challenged kids get used to air travel. Dr. Wendy Ross, director of the Kevy K. Kaiserman Center for Developmental Medicine and Genetics at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, is at the forefront in this field. My mom, a speech and language pathologist, attended a recent event highlighting Dr. Ross’ efforts. Her organization, Autism Inclusion Resources, worked with Philadelphia International, the TSA and Southwest Airlines to develop a program in which families with autistic children can experience the travel process,  from the curb to boarding an aircraft to baggage claim, without taking off. Many other organizations followed in her footsteps. On a recent American Airlines flight to Miami, I came across an article about the AA Abilities Employee Resource Group as I leafed through the February 2015 issue of American Way. The article highlighted the work of their program to help acclimate autistic children to the travel process. It is encouraging to me to see these efforts taking place, having come in contact with individuals who are developmentally challenged through my mom’s work, and especially at a time when the frequency of children being diagnosed with autism is increasing so dramatically. — Rob Setzman, digital coordinator & account executive