airport problems for autistic child

vivatifosi

I asked my DH this question as he works for an airline and many years ago did check in. Please speak to the special passenger needs department, not only is it better for you as a passenger, its better for those who are on check in if they know what peoples' needs are in advance so that they are best placed to know how to help you.

Savvy_Sue

Would she be OK with a backpack which had a strap or reins attached, or would she realise you were being sneaky? All the other suggestions are great, of course, but I'm sure I've heard of one child who would happily wear a monkey backpack with a strap attached, but not normal wrist strap or reins.

I'm talking about this kind of thing, but I know nothing about this company.

carlislelass

what will she be like on the plane? we once spent 4hrs on a coach where there was an autistic child...bedlam

robpw2

could you take her to the airport a couple of times before you set off and show her round etc get her used to the place

asbestos2008

We have travelled regulary with our autistic son, after a disasterous and stressful time a few years ago, which ended up with me being pulled aside by US security guards after my son attacked me violently after having to remove his shoes. The guards were fantastic and gave me this advice
1) Contact airline and inform them of special needs - having done this since it really helps, we are always given priority boarding so my son can look around the plane without a sea of people and bulk head seats so if he does have a meltdown no one in front will have their seat kicked apart.

2) Our son uses a maclaren major - use the disabled line at the airport, moves faster, my son no longer has to get out of his chair or remove his shoes or anything he happens to be holding. They do take swab tests to ensure no explosives, drugs etc but these are done discreetly. Also on the passport control re entering the UK.

Since having this advice our aiport trip is the least stressful bit of the holiday :rotfl:

For the plane we take his fav toys, he is only 5 and loves his DS, we have taken a portable dvd player with fav films

HTH

asbestos2008

carlislelass wrote: »

what will she be like on the plane? we once spent 4hrs on a coach where there was an autistic child...bedlam

My autistic son is better behaved than most kids his age are on the plane - usual because we plan activities etc. He has travelled to florida 5 times in the last 3 years and he has only has 1 meltdown on the plane - 3 at the airport prior to assistance!!
There are usually more kids screaming on planes than my son.

We shall keep him locked up then just incase he offends anyone then!:mad:

asbestos2008

Forgot to add, consider getting a maclaren major stroller, my son uses his as a safe haven, instead of bolting it he will jump in his chair. As it is higher up than a normal stroller your dd will not be able to put her feet on the floor to stop the chair.

robpw2

i thought about using a buggy or something like this- it would make things a lot easier for you than reign i have to agree with asbestos in what she is saying

notwithit??

i work at an airport and we have produced a Airport awareness booklet for parents to go through with their children, kind of like describing what you will see and what happens at each stage. you and your child can look through it before getting to the airport to familiarise yourselves and prepare? also the airport staff and airline staff are very happy to pre check you in and help you avoid the queues at security. i do it all the time! let me know which airport you using, i could send you one in the post:D

3_cheeky_princesses

Thank you Op for the thread

We are taking our Aspie 6yr old daughter for the first time on a plane from Stansted to Reus Spain. We are trying to prepare her beforehand as much as possible.

I am feeling nervous about it tho as her behaviour can be unpredictable if she feels people are looking at her or is out of her usual routine and unfamilar stuff and she has a thing about her ears too so i am hoping her ears dont pop or anything :eek: