At Autism Double-Checked, we love celebrating stories that highlight courage, milestones, and the impact of thoughtful preparation. Recently, we were inspired by the experience of five-year-old Vivianna and her family as they embarked on her very first real flight with Breeze Airlines.
For Vivianna, flying was more than a new adventure — it was the culmination of months of practice and preparation through the Autism Flies program at T.F. Green Airport in Rhode Island. Her mom, Jessica, shared how important that preparation was.
“For Vivianna, the unknown can be overwhelming. She needs to see, feel, and practice things before they become comfortable. The program gave her exactly that: a safe space to learn, explore, and understand what flying would be like. We practiced first in October 2024 and then again six months later. Each time, she grew more confident, more curious, and more ready.”
Even with all the practice, the actual flight brought anticipation — and a little anxiety for her mom. But with support from Autism Flies, Vivianna’s family had tools and accommodations that made the experience joyful and stress-free. The Hidden Sunflower lanyard she received in one of the Autism Flies event goodie bags signaled to airport and airline staff that she might need extra time or patience. Jessica described the relief she felt.
“Every single person in that airport, and I truly mean every person, saw that lanyard and gave her the biggest, warmest smile. As a mama who is constantly advocating for her child, it was a tremendous sign of relief. It meant the world to feel understood without having to say a word.”
As Jessica reflected on the night before the trip, Vivianna had been repeating with pure joy, “We fly high in the sky tomorrow!” She continued, “It brings tears to my eyes knowing how far she has come and how supported she has been throughout this journey. This is not just a flight for her. It is a milestone she has prepared for, worked for, and dreamed about.”
On November 17th, Vivianna boarded Breeze flight MX716 from Providence to Orlando. Jessica recalled the extraordinary care the flight crew provided.
“They treated Vivianna like royalty. We were seated at the very back of the plane, and you would have thought it was first class with how attentive, kind, and genuinely caring they were. They made her feel seen, valued, and celebrated. They turned her very first flight into a memory we will treasure forever.”
Programs like Autism Flies are invaluable for families with autistic children. By giving children a chance to practice and build confidence in a supportive environment, these programs make real-life experiences like flying approachable and joyful. Jessica emphasized the importance of preparation for children on the autism spectrum.
“People sometimes say, ‘Just take her, she will deal with it.’ But only families with autistic children truly understand that preparation is not optional. It is essential.”
To celebrate this milestone, Vivianna sent a thoughtful note and gift to her flight crew — a gesture of gratitude for the care and support they provided on her first journey through the skies. This small act captures the heart of what this experience meant: bravery, preparation, and joy.
From all of us at Autism Double-Checked, we celebrate Vivianna’s first flight and the loving support of her family that helped her soar with confidence. Her story is a beautiful reminder that with support, preparation, and understanding, new experiences can become cherished memories.
