AN SNP MSP is working with the National Autistic Society Scotland and Scottish Autism to allow people with the condition to familiarise themselves with the often stressful process of checking in and boarding flights.

Mark McDonald has identified best practice including fast tracking queues and security, airport staff consulting directly with the family or carer of the individual so as to tailor their assistance, fact sheets with pictures to so passengers know what to expect before arriving at the airport, familiarisation with a terminal on one or more occasions before travel. He has also called for dedicated telephone numbers or emails. The Aberdeen Donsiden MSP said: "Many of the processes in airports, such as queuing, going through security and experiencing the different sounds and smells can cause sensory overload and lead to difficulties."