ASD and the TSA?

[The_Alice]

Hey all, I have a question. We are surprising our kiddos with a trip to Disney. This will be our ASD kiddos first time flying. We are working on social stories about the airport, flying, travel, etc. with his Para-Educator and at home.

But with the 6 year old pat down vid, I am wondering what would happen if he were selected for random screening? It leads to a big can of worms I hadn't thought of. Namely we have told him it is NEVER okay for anyone to touch him there (unless Mommy and Daddy are helping him in the tub, etc.) and that if someone tries to touch him in those places he is to make a big noise. So you see our dilemma?

Just wondering what other parents have done to prepare their children with ASD for security in the airports and what if anything can be done to make the TSA or airlines aware of the possibility of a major meltdown in security?

Thanks in advance!

 

[ccgirl]

Hey all, I have a question. We are surprising our kiddos with a trip to Disney. This will be our ASD kiddos first time flying. We are working on social stories about the airport, flying, travel, etc. with his Para-Educator and at home.

But with the 6 year old pat down vid, I am wondering what would happen if he were selected for random screening? It leads to a big can of worms I hadn't thought of. Namely we have told him it is NEVER okay for anyone to touch him there (unless Mommy and Daddy are helping him in the tub, etc.) and that if someone tries to touch him in those places he is to make a big noise. So you see our dilemma?

Just wondering what other parents have done to prepare their children with ASD for security in the airports and what if anything can be done to make the TSA or airlines aware of the possibility of a major meltdown in security?

Thanks in advance!

I would talk to his Para-Educator so you can prepare him for the possibility of this happening before it happens. Make sure you tell him one of you will be there with him. Good luck.

 

[DZNEE4US]

We have flown 3 times with my son who has ASD and he's now 3 1/2. We have never been patted down, only had to go through the scanner. What ends up happening is that I go through first (my husband holds him back) and then call him to come to me, so he walks (more like runs) through it without a meltdown.
I thought I heard that the TSA was going to be more "aware" of persons with ASD, and know how to deal with them.
Depending on your child's age, they may not need to deal with that.
I think the 6 year old on the news was a crazy exception to the norm, and there may be more to that story than they are reporting.

 

[disney david]

I Have posted this before i would print it and bring it with you it might help to know what has to be done and allowed so the tsa agent dose not try to deny your right. Also remember at anytime you can ask to speak to their supervisor to have them explain to you step by step what will the process of the pat down and you can explain to them about any concern you may have. People like to pt down the agents but most of them are willing to work with you and want to make the process as easy as they can.


http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1572.shtm

 

[grumpyskirtgirl]

We just flew last weekend and was in your same situation. It has been drilled in his head that NO ONE is allowed to touch him unless mommy or daddy is there and to scream if it happens.
After the video went viral I had a slight moment of panic. But then I decided that if he was chosen, I just wouldn't let go of his hand. When we got to the airport I went immediately to the "family/medical needs" line. While we were de-shoeing and loading up our carryons I caught the eye of the screener, pointed to my son and said "autistic, He cannot let go of my hand for more than 10 seconds". He just nodded and waved our entire group through. Something similar to this happened every time.
It seemed like they were being VERY careful to not be on YouTube again.

 

[bookwormde]

We did strories, videos and lots of encouragement, in the end he was very matter of fact about both TSA and flying. Do not underestimate the incentive of "going to WDW"

bookwormde