ADHD and flying

[NikiM20]

DD9 is ADHD and has never flown before. I dont want her to go into full meltdown mode on the plane. Is there anything I can show her, that will tell her excatly what will happen step by step? I dont want to get kicked off the plane, and I dont want people judging because my 9 yr old is in a meltdown. Help!! Please!!

ETA: Not that I really care about what others think, but small group on a plane KWIM.

Its n ice that people understand

 

[bookwormde]

I have never heard of that many problems with ADHD, flying and meltdowns. Now if your child has spectrum characteristics that can be a different story.

First if your child’s behavior is a manifestation of her diagnosis they cannot remove you from the airplane unless the behavior poses a significant safety hazard (not just because it bothers the passengers or staff).

My DS9 Aspergers is taking his first flight (since 11 months old) to WDW in August.
I carry a copy of the FAA regulations. We also will do a medical pre-board to be able to sit together (SW) and so he has time to “settle” before the crowd arrives. We have talked a lot about flying so intellectually he is prepared. As to the crowded confines of the plane and the “social situation” that it engenders, that is a lot tougher to simulate. We will arrive extra early to have extra time if needed to pass through security.

We also book flights which are at less crowded times like the evening

Do not worry about what other people think, just focus on your child’s needs. Airline personnel are getting much more familiar with the issues of spectrum individuals so this is helping.

I have flown lots so I am comfortable and enjoy it. This helps a lot. DW is not so happy flying so this is a bit of an issue.

bookwormde

 

[kirbydog48]

My DS 8 has ADHD and has flown three times. The first time was on SW, and before he was on medication. The combination of being excited and being confined made it tough (lots of seat kicking, etc.) The other two times were on Jet Blue, and he was on medication. Those little TVs are fantastic! We brought Bose noise cancellation headphones and he was completely absorbed the whole flight. We also bring his gameboy and I might treat him to a new game for the flight. I'd say bring lots to occupy her...whatever she's into (Ipod with music, coloring books, games, etc.). Also maybe arrive extra early to the airport and have some physical activity to help use up some energy before having to sit.

 

[KNovacovschi]

My DD10 went on her first flight in aug 07 on airtran and had no movies and she did well...she took her gameboy and also listened to the stereo....I was actually shocked at how well she did....I guess it depends on the child...my DD is actually quite a hyper child as well...

 

[arminnie]

First if your child’s behavior is a manifestation of her diagnosis they cannot remove you from the airplane unless the behavior poses a significant safety hazard (not just because it bothers the passengers or staff).

Please don't worry too much about getting kicked off the plane because of noise. Basically she just needs to be in her seat with the seat buckle appropriately fastened. And follow the rules during takeoff and landing. Those are the safety issues that are not negotiable.

Of course you don't want her to have a meltdown - but mostly for her sake. Don't waste too much time wondering about what others "might" think.

I don't even have kids, and of course I prefer not to hear someone screaming. But I can live with it. Mostly I just feel sorry for the child who is so upset.

 

[Schmeck]

I have never heard of that many problems with ADHD, flying and meltdowns. Now if your child has spectrum characteristics that can be a different story.

First if your child’s behavior is a manifestation of her diagnosis they cannot remove you from the airplane unless the behavior poses a significant safety hazard (not just because it bothers the passengers or staff).

My DS9 Aspergers is taking his first flight (since 11 months old) to WDW in August.
I carry a copy of the FAA regulations. We also will do a medical pre-board to be able to sit together (SW) and so he has time to “settle” before the crowd arrives. We have talked a lot about flying so intellectually he is prepared. As to the crowded confines of the plane and the “social situation” that it engenders, that is a lot tougher to simulate. We will arrive extra early to have extra time if needed to pass through security.

We also book flights which are at less crowded times like the evening

Do not worry about what other people think, just focus on your child’s needs. Airline personnel are getting much more familiar with the issues of spectrum individuals so this is helping.

I have flown lots so I am comfortable and enjoy it. This helps a lot. DW is not so happy flying so this is a bit of an issue.

bookwormde

Just to note: even a copy of the FAA regulations does not keep you from being removed from a plane if the attendants believe it is a safety issue. If a person, with a disability or not, refuses to stay in his/her seat, or be buckled in, then removal is necessary. We had a pilot just about ready to kick a guy off for not getting in his seat on our flight back from WDW a few years ago. Also, even if the person is disabled, making any threatening statement is also cause for removal.

One way to get used to being on a crowded plane is to ride around town in a crowded bus.

 

[Kimmumum]

My DS14 is ADHD and has been flying since he was 6 months old. He usually brings his IPOD, PSP and sometimes a portable DVD player. We always bring gum and hard candy for him to suck on as well. He has never had a problem flying. Good luck

 

[bzzymom]

DS 11, has been flying since the age of 2.5. He has ADHD and anxiety with OCD manifistations. He does pretty well. His biggest issue with flying is that if the flight is supposed to take off at 7:30 and it doesn't take off on time, he gets upset, not full melt downs, but he complains about it over and over and it does get annoying to people sitting near him. We prepare him that the time can be changed due to the weather condition, pilot changes, or many other factors. We allow him to take a gameboy, a book, and a snack. He understands that the gameboy is not allowed when the plane leaves the terminal until after the FA gives the message that it is OK to use them. He will read the book until he can play his game. We also travel in the early morning flights, and sometimes he has gone to sleep most of the trip.

 

[NikiM20]

Thanks all, she has ADHD with some minor sensory issues, so im hoping the pressure changes etc will do ok.