Dad spent a year planning a special holiday for his autistic son and it was worth it to see him smile.

Adam Murphy was feeling proud when his 26-year-old autistic son Ryan enjoyed his first trip abroad. Adam, who is now 50 and recently diagnosed with autism himself, spent 12 months preparing for the journey to Torremolinos, Spain.

As Ryan has additional learning disabilities, Adam was aware that taking him to unfamiliar places can be a challenge. As a full-time carer, Adam knew he had to plan the journey to a point where they both knew the trip would happen.

The preparation was lengthy but necessary. To make it a reality, the father-son duo asked for help from charity Fly2Help. They made a visit to Gloucestershire Airport to get on an aeroplane and listen to plane sounds online, as well as do a pretend airport check-in at home.

Adam was delighted when Ryan had a brilliant time. He was able to go swimming, shopping, and even dance at the mini disco. Adam said he had never seen Ryan dance that way and for as long as he did.

To make Ryan feel more at home, Adam chose a family-friendly hotel with activities he knew his son would like. He also contacted the hotel and asked them to send him a menu beforehand.

Adam and Ryan even made up their own slogan for the trip: "Spain Spain, on an aeroplane!"

The dad added that Ryan was able to direct him around the area without even having been there before, which made him feel like he had made the right decision. He was immensely proud of his son for his huge achievement.

Adam shared some top tips for travelling abroad with a person with disabilities: call the airport to ask if they have the disability services you may need; buy a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard in your language and a translation for the country you are visiting; and never put a person with disabilities under any pressure.

Adam concluded: "I want people to see him go through check-in or standing by the swimming pool on holiday. There are so many families being told that their child may never experience all these fantastic things life has to offer. I still can't believe I took him on a plane. All the steps I have been able to put into place, and this was possible, because of the way Ryan teaches me - I listen, and I learn from him."

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