Sunflower lanyards at the information booths, a pass so a grown-up can walk a child to the gate, a quieter rest area, and play areas open around the clock. Ask for the lanyard first; everything else follows.
The Rest and Recharge area on the Concourse A mezzanine “generally remains quieter than many areas throughout the busy concourse.”
“The green lanyard with sunflowers discreetly signals that the wearer, or a member in the group, has an invisible disability and may need additional support.” “There are no prerequisites for asking for or wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower-branded lanyard.”
DEN doesn't say when it's quieter. The one calmer spot it names is the Rest and Recharge area on the Concourse A mezzanine, with seating and recliners.
The airport links to two short “Let's go to the Airport” videos from the Autism Center of Excellence, one in English and one in Spanish, plus TSA Cares. Watching one together the night before lets your kid see the airport before the real thing.
The Arc holds Wings for All practice days at DEN: families check in, go through security, wait at the gate and board a plane that doesn't take off. Registration for the next one is closed, so join The Arc's alert list (thearc.org/wingsforautism) to hear about the one after.
Ask for a Sunflower Lanyard at any of the four information booths, in the terminal and in the center of each concourse. The booths have a sunflower decal. No proof is needed.
A grown-up who is not flying can ask the airline ticket counter for a Dependent Needs Pass to walk a child to the gate. It is up to the airline; bring the passenger's name, the flight number and your photo ID, and you go through security too.
Child play areas near Gate C54 and Gate A25 are open 24/7.
Rest and Recharge area, Concourse A mezzaninequiet zone
The airport suggests arriving at least 2 hours before boarding.
Drop-off is on East and West Level 6 of the terminal. There are two security checkpoints, East and West.
Customer service by phone, text or chat: 6 am to 10:30 pm.
Free nursing and changing rooms are on every concourse after security and in two spots in Jeppesen Terminal, open 24/7, with a sink and a changing table.
Each concourse has an outdoor deck with firepits.
The CATS team (Canine Airport Therapy Squad), more than 140 registered therapy animals, visits travelers in the airport.
Service dogs are allowed in all public areas.
The airport links a guide for traveling with children with developmental disabilities.
