The free guide, thought to be the first of its kind produced by a UK airport, uses images to show what parents and children can expect from checking-in, to going through security and returning home.
An airport can cause distress for children with autism because of the unfamiliar environment, but they can cope if prepared for the change in advance.
The guide was the initiative of airport employee Katy Gough, who secured funding from a Manchester Airport scheme to improve the travelling experience for passengers. She worked with autism charities such as the National Autistic Society to understand the difficulties faced in airports by children with autism.
Jane Asher, president of the National Autistic Society, said: "This well-illustrated and clearly worded book will be a great help to parents, carers and children with autism themselves."
The guide is available from the information desks in Manchester Airport and has also been supplied to local autism charities and schools with special-needs units.
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