1st time flying with my DS9 PDD-NOS

[mrsbert]

I'm getting kind of nervous about our trip to WDW next week. Instead of driving the 11.5 hrs., we've decided to fly. I've gone over stories with my DS9 about what will happen at the airport and how we will get on the airplane. We are flying on Southwest and have notified them regarding him having a disability when making reservations and will do so again when I get to the airport. He seems fine about everything and maybe I'm just going overboard.

Can anyone give me some words of advice about getting through security and onto the airplane? I'm mostly concerned about a couple of areas. He doesn't have hurry in his bones. Also, when excited or nervous, he'll stim but also, he has trouble with following directions and having appropriate reactions to things.

Oh, I don't know, just typing this is making me so nervous!!

 

[barbarasc]

I'm getting kind of nervous about our trip to WDW next week. Instead of driving the 11.5 hrs., we've decided to fly. I've gone over stories with my DS9 about what will happen at the airport and how we will get on the airplane. We are flying on Southwest and have notified them regarding him having a disability when making reservations and will do so again when I get to the airport. He seems fine about everything and maybe I'm just going overboard.

Can anyone give me some words of advice about getting through security and onto the airplane? I'm mostly concerned about a couple of areas. He doesn't have hurry in his bones. Also, when excited or nervous, he'll stim but also, he has trouble with following directions and having appropriate reactions to things.

Oh, I don't know, just typing this is making me so nervous!!

You'll be fine....if you relax I am sure your son will see that you are not worried and be more relaxed. Not sure when your flight is BUT I suggest arriving EARLY even earlier than the 2 hours the airline prefers. Arriving early will give you more time to get thru the line and give you the option to wait if the crowds are a little crazy. When you check in @ the counter make sure you advise the airline of your sons situation they may be able to advise the crew on the aircraft. When you arrive at the gate advise that you would like to PRE-board, this will give you the extra time you might need to find your seat and get settled. GO prepared! Take his favorite drink (you'll have to get in once you are near the gate area and thru security), some snacks are always a good idea, a favorite toy, blanket etc, things that bring him comfort. Remember medications.....pack them in the carry one bag. Bathroom.....remember they ar very small on an airplane, so a bathroom break before boarding is always a good idea.

I think you will be surprised at the kindness of others.....if you need help ask for it. There are always folks willing to lead a hand if you need it.

Good luck not that you need it.....everything will be GREAT!!!

Here's some pixie dust for the ride

 

[krisnme]

My Asperger/Nos DS is a veteran flyer, and you will be fine! Just make sure as you approach security they will check your ID against your ticket, at that time tell the guard you need special needs/handicapped line. That way you can take your time. I make sure I tell EVERYONE at security my child has Autism (and yes use this word as they don't understand otherwise) and that he cannot be seperated from me. At that point they almost always slow down and become very helpful. At the gate, ask for pre-boarding (use Autism again). Tell your flight attendant as you board that your child has special needs. I find that the front of the plane is usually the least stimulating as most of the commotion is behind you, and you can get off first and avoid the crowds. I also make sure my DS has a tag that identifies him as Autistic and has emergency contact info. you never know if you may get seperated in an emergency. for some reason my DS gets hungry the moment we get on the plane, and never likes their snacks, so be sure to bring some faves! Headphones or earplugs are a lifesaver as the engine noise can really wear on their nerves after a while (another reason for front of the plane) Have a great trip!

 

[mrsbert]

Thanks so much for the replies so far. I appreciate the reassurance.

 

[bookwormde]

I was very nervous the first time my DS Aspergers flew also, We pre briefed for both the airport (and security) and the flight. I booked the first flight out so the airport would be less crowded and got there early so there so no "hurry" issues. Lots of entertainment items. We also did a disability pre board on SW so we were not caught in the "crush" which helped a lot.
You can get the blue "ticket" to preboard at the SW customer service desk in the concourse.
Your child has other specific rights und FAA regulation and there are links to them on SW's web site.
SW does an exceptional job of training their gate and flight personnel on disabilities so it is rare to have an issue from that side.
There was certainly some anxiety for my DS but in the end it went pretty well. DW, DS AS and my other DS sat in one row near the back of the plane and I sat in front of DS in case he pushed on the seat, so it would not disturb anyone. On the return flight from WDW my 2 boys were contesting who would get the window seat to see the "ants".
Plan, but relax
bookwormde

 

[mbb]

Oh, I so know how you feel!

Our boys were 4 the first time we flew.
We planned, pre-plannned the plan, tossed that plan and started again...so stressful.

And in the end, they were great.
Even with a mechanical issue, that saw us board, all ready to go, then deplane, wait until whatever it was was fixed, get back on, wait some more, then finally go!!

2 things that "saved" us:
1) DVD player, fav movies
2) Snacks. I brought snacks, and bought at the airport too. We had a whole bag just for distract and redirect with food! LOL!!

1 thing I wish I'd thought of:
Wheelchair assistance.
Neither of them have that "hurry bone" either. Love that!

Anyway, having a chair for them would have made the long fast walk between gates soooooo much easier....remembering the jellyfish imitation they both decided to do on the floor, and then DH and I having to carry them to run for the flight is still painful!!
It would have made the waiting at the gate soooooo much easier.
I could have let them curl up in the chair, drape their comfort blankie over top of them, and had a little sensory break.

Direct flights are hard to come by in our neck of the woods, so we generally have a connection.

Best advice? Try to relax, and enjoy
You're going to come home thinking, we should have flown long ago!!!!

HTH!!