Anyone have a child with SPD and have flown?

[disneyworldmama]

My middle dd has albinism and sensory processing dysfunction. She doesn't' handle new situations well and looses control. Well, we are flying to WDW in December and I am very nervous about flying with her. Does anyone have experience flying with a child with SPD? Any ideas on how I could prepare her?

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

DD4 was recently diagnosed with mild SPD, and we just flew from NC to Arizona in April (LONG flight!). She had flown before as an infant, but she didn't remember it. She particularly didn't like takeoffs and landings because she doesn't like loud noises. I had prepared her for that, although we didn't use ear plugs. I explained to her about the noise and the bumps when we touched down, and they were not as bad as she had imagined them to be. During the flight, she wore headphones and watched DVDs or played with her Leapster - it pretty much blocked out other sensory cues. We also packed favorite snacks, and she thought it was very cool to put the tray table down and be served a drink. She also enjoyed the tram rides at the airport. We approached it as an exciting adventure, albeit a noisy one, and she did great! She also doesn't like her routine messed with (gets very fussy if her food is prepared at a restaurant differently than the time before), but she was comforted by the presence of her family and rolled with it much, much better than I thought she might!

Best of luck to you!

 

[disneyworldmama]

It is nice to hear of someone who had a positive experience! I have a few months before we go but I just need to remember that I have to be calm and not anxious abotu how she will do or she will pick up on it and it will just make thigns worse

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

My advice (for what it's worth) is to try to anticipate whatever might send her out of control (for us the noise thing is a big deal) and talk about it beforehand. We talked a lot about the noisy plane, and I think she expected to hear the sounds of a motorcycle in the seat next to her after all I warned her! The reality was not as bad as her imagination, but that could cause your DD stress. Mine likes to be able to anticipate what is coming, and I told her to cover her ears when I heard the plane start to rev its engines.

Consider putting her by the window if that helps, or in the middle seat so she feels safer. Distractions like a DVD player worked great for us, as did always having a favorite snack. Her big sister was a big help too!

The biggest thing I have taken away from our OT sessions is to help your child cope and give them the skills to deal with the stressors. For us, talking about what is going to happen helps DD a lot.

 

[hrmom2stq]

Hi!

My DS (10) has Sensory Issues - although he is much, much better after several years of specialized OT - and some things that always have worked for us include requesting the bulkhead seats - that way he does not feel so cramped in and has a bit more room. We also pack favorite snacks/drinks. I bring a square of fabric that provides comfort (something given to me at OT). If he is starting to feel nervous or out of control he will rub that or fidget with something that gives him comfort and like the other person said, I prepared him for everything - over prepared him - for the possible smells, the cool air from the panel above your head, the sounds, the tight seats, etc.

Good luck!

 

[averysmom]

Ds had SPD - each time we've flown has gotten a little easier.

We absolutely use earplugs and request to sit away from the engines - we have explained to the reservations person and they made sure that we were sitting in the quietist area we could.

Ds has a blankie that we basically wrap him up in - the soft blankie and the light pressure actually relax him.

He sits on the inside (window) with the shade shut and if I can convince the ppl in front of him and behind him to shut their shades too.

We turn off those stupid blowing air things from above - those were his downfall the first trip - it never occured to me that they were the reason he was (almost) freaking out.

Finally - we bring along our portable DVD player - distraction works!

Oh - and he gets a big of sudafed. He has chronic problems with negative pressure in his ears - and I think the sudafed also knocks him out a bit!

HTH!

 

[TAEMom]

DS6 has fairly significant sensory issues. He's much better after a year + of OT though. We have flown a number of times and he has never had a single problem, which is amazing. As you know, preparation is the key - both the psychological preparation so that they know what to expect, as well as physical preparations, so that you are prepared with comfort items and distractions while on the plane. And remember, she'll take her cues from you - if you seem calm, that will go a long way toward keeping her calm.

Having learned more about SPD over the last few years, I believe that DD11 probably had (and still does to some extent) SPD. She was always a nightmare on flights, and until she was about 6, she could be counted on to throw up as the plane descended for landing (never sure if it was from being upset the whole flight, or whether she felt lousy/nauseous the whole flight, which caused her to be upset!). We once tried Benadryl when she was about 2 or 3, with terrible results. Instead of a cranky nervous kid, we had a cranky, exhausted (she refused to sleep), nervous kid. Never tried that again! Now, she does best sitting in the middle seat and wants to be able to squeeze DH's hand on takeoff and landing.

 

[MarylandMom]

My daughter also has SI issues. We just returned from DW this week! I'm not sure how old your daughter is, but we have found that for my DD she does best when she has a stroller to use through the airport and her carseat while flying. She likes the ability to pull the canopy down on her stroller and we check it at the gate just before boarding the plane. We also alert the agent at the gate of her SI issues (I even bring a letter from our OT) so that we can preboard and get her settled first. On our last flight we had front row seats, so my DH boarded first and set up the carseat and had the DVD/Leapster ready to go. I just stayed with DD in a quiet area and then boarded the plane last. This also seemed to work well.

We too have found that her Leapster is a godsend for flights and waiting in line. Earphones are also very helpful, especially when viewing DVDs on our laptop or personal DVD player. She also enjoys having a blanket/towel to place over her stroller canopy at times. She likes the cacoon effect and it helps to block out some of the sensory overload.

DD has a history of throwing up on flights. I'm not sure if this is related to her SI issues or not. On this last trip we bought her a pair of the elastic wristbands that help with motion sickness. (You can find them at drugstores.) We were surprised that she did not become ill on our arrival or departure flights. When we arrived in FL, she loudly exclaimed, "Wow Mommy, I didn't throw up at all! Yipeeee!!" All those around us were laughing and I'm sure relieved!

Good luck on your trip! I was so nervous the first time we took DD to DW. She ended up having an amazing time and we actually noticed improvements during the trip. We learned the hard way not to do too much and to watch for signs that she's had enough. Once we learned to do this we've had great adventures! I also wanted to mention that you may want to check on the DISabilities boards for information regarding the GAC pass. Your child may qualify for one. We have gotten one for our DD and it makes all the difference in the World. Best wishes to you and your family!

 

[mommiepoppins]

my friends l boy has it. She said he was fine during the flight with the dvd player and he had head phones

 

[all4fun]

I was looking for some children's book titles on travel at Amazon.com and I came across this DVD called "I'm a Good Little Traveler"

Here's a link.

Product Description
An engaging story that prepares children for traveling on an airplane, Shae by Air details the JOURNEY, not the destination. Made by a parent, and told from a young child's perspective, Shae by Air is a fun, educational way to prepare young children for the long lines and the security checkpoint (removing shoes and coats, walking through the beeping metal detector), the ear popping that accompanies takeoff and landing, as well as how to entertain and behave themselves while flying (no kicking the seats!). Your child will want to be a Good Little Traveler, just like Shae! Designed and filmed with the input of child behavior specialists, the premise of each of the DVD Toolkits is that children, even small ones, have the capacity to understand what to expect and what is expected of them, and with that the ability to be respectful good little travelers. The Toolkits are FOR CHILDREN (ages 2-6).

I saw this several weeks ago and thought it might be a good way to help prepare an extra sensitive kid. Just a thought!

hth

 

[stacy6552]

Even though you aren't there yet, call your local elementary school and ask if there is someone in special ed, you could speak to. Your pediatritian might be able to refer you to a similar county program for preschoolers, which would be even better. Special ed teachers know all the tricks. They can also probably anticipate what your child might do in the extreme past whatever behavior your child already exihibits and help you plan for it.

 

[disneyworldmama]

Ds had SPD - each time we've flown has gotten a little easier.

We absolutely use earplugs and request to sit away from the engines - we have explained to the reservations person and they made sure that we were sitting in the quietist area we could.

Ds has a blankie that we basically wrap him up in - the soft blankie and the light pressure actually relax him.

He sits on the inside (window) with the shade shut and if I can convince the ppl in front of him and behind him to shut their shades too.

We turn off those stupid blowing air things from above - those were his downfall the first trip - it never occured to me that they were the reason he was (almost) freaking out.

Finally - we bring along our portable DVD player - distraction works!

Oh - and he gets a big of sudafed. He has chronic problems with negative pressure in his ears - and I think the sudafed also knocks him out a bit!

HTH!

Great tips, thank you so much!

 

[disneyworldmama]

I was looking for some children's book titles on travel at Amazon.com and I came across this DVD called "I'm a Good Little Traveler"

Here's a link.

Product Description
An engaging story that prepares children for traveling on an airplane, Shae by Air details the JOURNEY, not the destination. Made by a parent, and told from a young child's perspective, Shae by Air is a fun, educational way to prepare young children for the long lines and the security checkpoint (removing shoes and coats, walking through the beeping metal detector), the ear popping that accompanies takeoff and landing, as well as how to entertain and behave themselves while flying (no kicking the seats!). Your child will want to be a Good Little Traveler, just like Shae! Designed and filmed with the input of child behavior specialists, the premise of each of the DVD Toolkits is that children, even small ones, have the capacity to understand what to expect and what is expected of them, and with that the ability to be respectful good little travelers. The Toolkits are FOR CHILDREN (ages 2-6).

I saw this several weeks ago and thought it might be a good way to help prepare an extra sensitive kid. Just a thought!

hth

Awesome, she loves to watch DVD's, thank you! I will go and order it now

 

[snowangel72]

Thank you for that link to the DVD. I am ordering one too! My son is sensitive and I think this will be great for him.

Melanie

 

[maroogreen]

Even though you aren't there yet, call your local elementary school and ask if there is someone in special ed, you could speak to. Your pediatritian might be able to refer you to a similar county program for preschoolers, which would be even better. Special ed teachers know all the tricks. They can also probably anticipate what your child might do in the extreme past whatever behavior your child already exihibits and help you plan for it.

I would second this idea but go one step further. ECI , or Early Childhood Intervention (also called Child Find/Child Serve in some states) is a federally funded program available to ALL children , regardless of income (too much or too little), race, etc., before they reach school age. It is free to parents and can help in a wide variety of situations. This is what we pay our taxes for and I highly suggest utilizing their services. They deal with all income levels, not just the economically disadvantaged and have pretty much seen it all. If you can't find it in the white pages of your phone book, call your state education agency. They have a variety of goods and services at their disposal.

 

[disneyworldmama]

I would second this idea but go one step further. ECI , or Early Childhood Intervention (also called Child Find/Child Serve in some states) is a federally funded program available to ALL children , regardless of income (too much or too little), race, etc., before they reach school age. It is free to parents and can help in a wide variety of situations. This is what we pay our taxes for and I highly suggest utilizing their services. They deal with all income levels, not just the economically disadvantaged and have pretty much seen it all. If you can't find it in the white pages of your phone book, call your state education agency. They have a variety of goods and services at their disposal.

We are hooked in with ECI. I have two that are involved with ECI. Two of my daughters have 2 therapists that come weekly, one has OT every other week, and swim therapy twice a week. They both have albinism and one has severe developmental delays and also SPD

 

[maxtomsmom]

I work with young children birth - 5 in early intervention as a special educator. A parent with a child with severe PPD recently asked what to do to prepare her son for a long plane trip. Like the great advice others have given you, one more thing you could try if it is feasible is bringing your DD to the airport. Have her watch the planes. I find the parking lots can be loud with the planes taking off and landing. You can talk with her and reassure her that inside the plane is not as loud. Some airports have restaurants where you can watch the planes. The larger airports do not allow you inside, but sometimes the smaller ones do. We did this for my older son just to help him understand the airport when he was 2. It was a help.

I also recommended having my client begin to use soothing music when he got upset. She would play it as he had an episode and was bringing him down. She used the same music on the plane. She told me he did well up until the point they landed when they got home. He had a minor episode. Normally it would have been worse, but the music seemed to help him.