The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) has announced that Bradley International Airport is the first U.S. airport to earn the “Autism Double-Checked” certification, which means that BDL has obtained the highest level of autism-readiness to help accommodate the needs of travelers on the autism spectrum.

In order to receive the certification, BDL team members completed training courses, detailing how traveling can cause stress and anxiety for individuals on the autism spectrum due to unfamiliar environments, fear of the unknown and an individual’s unique sensory needs. The CAA said the training educated the team on how to better understand what someone with autism may be experiencing in an airport setting, how to best assist them and any fellow travel companions, and what type of resources can be offered if needed.

“Navigating an airport is not only an essential step in many journeys, but also one of the most challenging parts of a trip for individuals on the autism spectrum,” said Alan Day, founder and CEO of Autism Double-Checked.