airport problems for autistic child

tiannaleigh

I am due to go on holiday sunday morning with my autistic 4yr old and im dreading the airport,last year whilst waiting in the que to check in my daughter got very distressed,when it was my turn, I had just put passport etc on the counter when she ran of at great speed,I had to leave all my documents and cases but before I could catch up to her she had gone onto the next closed counter and ran down the conveyer belt to were all the cases go,security would not let me follow her and they would not go after her either,they were all panicky and on there walkytalkies,thankfully she came back on her own accord after me shouting and pleading but she could have just as easerly ran further away.
people have said I should ring the airline and ask for advice but were do you phone ,who do you ask for etc ,im so rubbish at these sort of things and ive already got butterflies thinking about it,once on holiday she is great and loves it, which is the only reason im going again but im sick with worry about the airport,any tips would be greatly appricated

joolsybools

Can you get a child rein for her? Obviously not all the time but for situations like that.

tiannaleigh

joolsybools wrote: »

Can you get a child rein for her? Obviously not all the time but for situations like that.

Thanks for reply but unfortunately ive tried her with one and she just screams and falls on floor and wont walk she is so stuburn she wont give up
last year she was in the pushchair but she had stood up ,turned round and climbed out,she is a lovely girl but she is very strong ,stuburn and hyper these 3 things can make her really difficult to control

calleyw

joolsybools wrote: »

Can you get a child rein for her? Obviously not all the time but for situations like that.

Unless you have another adult with you. I would have thought that would be your best choice as it is rather late in the day to do anything about it now.

I suspect that it would not be your first choice. But I really can't think of anything else.

Is there any games or toys that she likes to play. As that could distract her while you are waiting in the queue.

Next time you book tickets to go away. Make sure that they know you have someone with extra care needs and due to that you can't wait for hours on end in a queue.


Have a good time away.

Yours


Calley

Blackpool_Saver

i am wondering if airports have queue jumps for disabled children like they do for rides at amusement parks....

calleyw

tiannaleigh wrote: »

Thanks for reply but unfortunately ive tried her with one and she just screams and falls on floor and wont walk she is so stuburn she wont give up
last year she was in the pushchair but she had stood up ,turned round and climbed out,she is a lovely girl but she is very strong ,stuburn and hyper these 3 things can make her really difficult to control

I saw this reply after I had posted my reply.

I see that makes it very hard.

Perhaps you could talk to information when you get there and explain the situation.

They maybe able to help and talk to the airlines check in desk for you.

Is she taking her own suit case with her. Would making her responsible for a little case or bag stop her running off. As she then has something for her focus on.

Yours


Calley

mandragora_2

Look on the website for the airline for a 'disabled passengers' link, or something called special assistance or 'need help' - she's likely entitled to 'special assistance' - early boarding, possible faster queue - see what they say. All the best with this, must be a worry.

tiannaleigh

All your reply's have been great you have all gave me some really positive idea's to work on,
Ill have a look at there website now,and also her own case to look after may help to,thanks again

freezspirit

I agree with mandragora ask for assistance if possible ring tomorrow, I have a hearing impairment and can get easily disoriented by large crowds and noises so usually when I book a flight I book assistance at the same time (it might of changed I haven't been out the country in 5 yrs).

I go to the airport about 3 hours before my flight just incase I have to queue to book in. Once I'm booked in they take me to what I call a holding pen (small enclosed waiting area thats quiet. Just before boarding starts they take me to the gate to get the plane. So its less stressful on me.

It depends on the airline and airport what help can be provided.

It depends on the degree of autism your daugther has I know you can't generalise it but what might help calm/control (sorry not quite sure on right term) your daughter in this situation is to give her something to focus on. A couple of examples that spring to mind are a rubiks cube or a mp3/mp4 player with their favourite music/show on. Years ago I had a friends whos brother had autism and would scream blood murder when he had to sit in the car for any journey yet once they gave him his favourite toy or his photo album. He would sit in the car quiet as a mouse.

covlass

We travel every year with our Autistic daughter and so far every airline including the budget ones have been fantastic.

Call the airline to let them know you are travelling with a special needs child they are normally really good. Look out for a member of staff at check in and explain that your daughter has special needs and the waiting in line is causing her distress.
Airlines operate in different ways some give speedy boarding others will ask which would be better for you boarding first or last, if they dont ask make sure you tell them which would be better for your daughter.

Dont be affraid to ask for help over 13 years I have never flown with any airline who refused to help in anyway.

Enjoy your holiday x

salt_and_pepper

Hi, i have an autistic 8 year old son. apart from explaining his needs to staff, and carrying proof ie blue badge or dla letter i would make a picture schedule for her. They use them all the time in special school and don't have to be elaborate. You would need to do something like, car/taxi for the 1st picture, wait in queue 2nd picture, treat for 3rd picture (Do you plan to eat in the airport or buy sweets?) Aeroplane for the 4th and destination for the last one. If you do something like this and do it simply, even a line drawing would be go, it will show your daughter what is happening and the treats will reinforce good behaviour.
Good luck and happy holiday