‘We’re going to Disneyland.’
It’s a sentence many people dream of hearing. For Jenna and Nathan, two adults supported by the North East Autism Society’s residential services in Sunderland, it was a moment they had been building towards for years.
Their trip to Disneyland Paris was a whole new world for NEAS, and a powerful reminder of what can happen when people are given the right support, encouragement, and opportunity to step outside of their comfort zone.
For the team at Ashton, planning and preparation was the key to making a trip of this magnitude a success. Over time, staff introduced new experiences to help build confidence around travelling and staying away from home.
“We’ve been preparing over the last couple of years to get them used to going away a little bit more,” said Ashleigh Brash, Assistant Manager of Ashton. “Jenna, for example, goes to York every year and stays in the same surroundings doing the same activities. Last year, we decided to see if she could stay in a hotel and she absolutely loved it. She coped so well.”
That success gave the team confidence to think bigger.
"Why not take a positive risk and see how it goes? Everything was calm at home, and everyone was doing really well, so we thought, why not push things a little further? Positive risk taking is so important."
Every detail of the trip was meticulously mapped out in order to maintain routine and structure for Jenna and Nathan.
“Everything was planned pretty much down to the minute,” Ashleigh said. “Jenna likes to know what’s happening and when.”
The team worked hard to make sure both Jenna and Nathan felt prepared and reassured throughout the process. Of course, with any trip, unexpected challenges can arise, but pre-planned strategies and self-regulation tools ensured any turbulent moments could be navigated with ease.
Travelling through an airport, for example, can be overwhelming for anyone, but support from Newcastle Airport’s special assistance team helped ensure the experience was smooth throughout.
Ashleigh said:
“Newcastle Airport were absolutely fantastic. We met them at the special assistance desk and they guided us through the whole process. We didn’t have to wait in queues at security or anything like that. They even offered to guide us past duty free, but Jenna and Nathan were keen to look at the shops!"
Tara Hurst, Customer Operations Manager at Newcastle Airport, said: “We’re delighted that Jenna and Nathan had such a positive experience travelling through Newcastle Airport and enjoyed a wonderful trip to Paris.
“Everyone at the Airport takes great pride in delivering the very best experience for our passengers, ensuring every journey is as smooth, supportive, and enjoyable as possible. This dedication has seen the Airport win multiple awards for its outstanding customer service.
“We encourage any passengers requiring assistance to book directly with their airline at least 36 hours before departure, and to visit the Special Assistance desk on arrival so our team can provide the support they need.”
The flight itself, which is anxiety inducing for many, quickly became part of the excitement for Jenna and Nathan.
“They loved it,” laughed Ashleigh, a self-proclaimed nervous flyer. “Nathan spent the whole time looking out of the window, and Jenna was saying ‘bonjour’ to everyone.”
On arrival, Jenna and Nathan embraced the magical experience. With their Mickey Mouse ears at the ready they threw themselves into everything the park had to offer.
“They absolutely loved the rides,” Ashleigh said. “We went on everything, including the Tower of Terror.”
Thrillseeker Nathan, who frequents the fairground at South Shields every Saturday, fully embraced the rides, while Jenna navigated the busy environment with the reassurance of familiar routines and support around her.
While the original plan was highly detailed, the team found they could relax into a more natural rhythm once they arrived.
“It ended up being more free-flowing than we expected, but we still kept the same structure each day,” Ashleigh explained.
Like any trip abroad, there were some trials and tribulations along the way.
Finding suitable gluten free options for Jenna proved difficult at times, and travelling from the airport to the hotel using public transport added some stress to the journey, but the group took it in their stride and lessons were learned.
“I’d definitely recommend a private transfer,” said Ashleigh. “The train made the journey longer than it needed to be.”
Minor hiccups aside, the experience was everything they dreamed of and more. Even the return journey through Charles de Gaulle Airport, something the team had been nervous about, went smoothly.
“We were a bit worried about coming home, but it was really quiet and we got straight through,” said Ashleigh. “They also have various assistance services, and they allowed us to bypass a lot of the queues.”
Now back home, and with unforgettable memories forever etched in their minds, Jenna and Nathan settled quickly back into their usual routines at Ashton.
The impact of their trip stretches far beyond the confines of Disneyland itself. It has opened the door to new possibilities and showcased to others what can be achieved.
“I hope this gives others the confidence to step out of the comfort zone to achieve things you wouldn’t normally expect. It’s easy to fret about the potential negatives, but the positives can be huge.”
