At Autism Double-Checked, we believe that preparation makes possibility—and few stories illustrate that better than Kristen Catino and her son, Jake.
Jake recently achieved something that once felt out of reach: he took his first real flight. It wasn’t just a short hop or symbolic journey. It was the culmination of patience, practice, and perseverance—and it all started with three Autism Flies events.
These events are designed to mimic the entire airport and flight experience, from check-in to takeoff. For families with autistic children, the airport can be a sensory minefield. But with time, support, and exposure to the unfamiliar, what once seemed impossible can become second nature. That’s exactly what happened for Jake.
As Kristen shared with us, “We never would have taken that flight with Jake without all the opportunities we had to practice through Autism Flies. He did AMAZING!” Her heartfelt message reminded us why we do what we do. Jake’s success is a testament to the importance of preparation, community, and the belief that every child deserves to explore the skies.
We had the honor of welcoming Kristen and Jake as special guests at our Autism Flies event at Bradley International Airport on April 22nd. Seeing them there—this time not as participants but as mentors—was inspiring. Kristen offered to volunteer at future events, and Jake was excited to speak with families who are just starting their journey. He’s living proof that with support and practice, fears can fade, and new horizons can open.
And as we celebrated these personal milestones, we also marked a major community achievement: Bradley International Airport is now the first in the U.S. to be fully Autism Double-Checked. This designation is more than a label—it’s a promise to families that inclusion and understanding are taking off.
To Kristen and Jake—thank you. You remind us why we do this work, and how far families can go with the right support and a little bit of runway.
