Autism and TSA at airport.

[avander3]

Does anyone out there have any tips for us traveling with my six year old non-verbal autistic DS. We are getting a little worried about the lines at the airport security check point. He should be ok in line for a while with some distractions...but if the lines are really long we are in trouble.

Would they let him and my DW through before us if he gets upset?

 

[Kuffam]

What time are you flying? We find early morning or late evening flights work best for short lines.

 

[avander3]

We fly out on the Sunday the 21st of Oct at 3:20 PM. It was the only direct flight (that we could afford)!

 

[livndisney]

Here is a link to the TSA website for traveling with Children with disabilities.

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

Hope this helps.

 

[avander3]

Thanks for the link.

I have also sent an e-mail to TSA.

I will post their response.

Thanks!

 

[Schmeck]

The link didn't have anything to say about what to do before you get up to the security officer, which sounds like you will need to stay in line. Can he stay in a stroller while in line?

 

[Kaler131]

My DS4 has Autism and he just stayed in his stroller until we got to the screeners. He did fine with that.

 

[brergnat]

If you are taking a stroller, I'd say leave him in there until you have to take him out.

There is a DVD out there for kids that goes over taking a plane flight, and it includes security checkpoint footage and direction for kids. If you kid is at ALL into videos, I'd highly suggest this. It's called:

The I'm A Good Little Traveler! DVD Toolkit Series: Shae by Air

Go over the process at home with your child if possible, using PECS or a story board. If it is practical, take a trip to the airport with him. Park in short term and take him inside so he can see the ticket counters, security lines, etc. Obviously you can't go through, but if he got to see the place before hand and maybe take some pictures (let him do it if possible) he will know what to expect when the time comes.

Practice taking shoes off and pretend to "wand" him with a stick or baton-like object. Make beeping sounds as you do this. Have him walk through a door frame at your prompt. I read someone suggest this once: go to the supermarket with a small backpack or suitcase and when you get to the checkout, have your child take off his shoes and put the bag on the belt and then walk through, allowing the cashier to "scan" him with the scanner. Ask a cashier you and your son are familiar with to do this for you as a favor. When you get to the airport, explain "it's just like the supermarket...see the belt? Remember?" It sounds silly but it may work. I "practice" stuff with my autistic 3 y/o all the time, and he gets a kick out of doing it "for real" when it's time.

 

[tinkandpan]

Please also be prepared that the security at MCO is really not all that sympathetic or helpful to those with any disabilities. We had an issue with them yelling at my dad the last time we flew with him (he is a para and can't transfer out of his chair)

 

[DIS-NH]

We travel to WDW twice per year, always flying. I have (2) Autistic sons, one high functioning, and one non-verbal.

We always book early morning flights on the weekend, or if we're flying mid week, we book late morning/early afternoon to avoid the business travel crowd.

There is not much you can do about the lines, but I would inquire if there were other screening areas that may have shorter lines. For example...When we are heading home from Orlando, most people (for term B) automaticaly head for the security lines on the left. BY simply walking over to the second screening area on the right, we've actually walked right thru with little or no wait.

As we go through the screening area, I inform them that my son is Autistic. They have always been good about working with me to make the experience go as smoothly as possible. We've been selected (randomly) for additional screening on three occassions. I infomed the screeners, and they worked with me to wand him in a way that would not upset him.

Good Luck.

 

[LauraAnn630]

My best friend, Amy and her daughter that has autisum had some trouble going through security.

Tessa (8) went through first and was very very upset. When Amy tried to get security to move faster to get her through they got mad. They held her up, taking there time and told her they didnt care. Amy was worried Tessa would run away , throw up or hit herself.

Very upsetting for everyone.

Im hoping this dosent happen that often.

Keep us posted!

 

[brergnat]

FYI: TSA screeners should NEVER cause a parent and child with a disability to be separated! If this happens to you, ask to speak to a supervisor. When going through, the parent should always go first, IMMEDIATELY followed by the child. You can even request that you be allowed to carry your child through. They cannot deny you that request if your child has a disability (obvious or hidden).

The best thing to do is inform the first security officer that you see that your child is autistic and non verbal. Request that you NOT be separated from your child and let them know what may happen if that occurs (i.e. running away, screaming, etc.) TSA screeners are not always the sharpest knives in the drawer, so you will have to explain what special things you need them to help you get through the process and what will happen if they DON'T assist you!

 

[LisaBi]

My son has Down Syndrome, and security is always a struggle. He is very verbal, but that's not necessarily a good thing in this situation. He has a real problem with people touching him or his stuff, or strangers talking to him unless he initiates the conversation (including friendly CMs at WDW). It's always a fight to get his shoes off and his backpack on the belt. And now he is saying stuff like "I'm going to shoot them if they touch my stuff." I'm so scared that one day he is going to say something like that within earshot of a TSA agent.

 

[avander3]

Thank you for all the suggestions and advise. I have heard nothing from TSA (I e-mailed them last week). We may try to take him to our local airport just so we can get him acclimated and to see how he reacts. We are also thinking of taking one of those cheap strollers…but he is 80lbs.
We are only 20 days away! We are very excited…and very nervous!

 

[avander3]

Please also be prepared that the security at MCO is really not all that sympathetic or helpful to those with any disabilities. We had an issue with them yelling at my dad the last time we flew with him (he is a para and can't transfer out of his chair)

That really makes me sick...If something happens like that to my family I may be spending the week in a holding cell at MCO...

 

[judisohn]

My daughter, now 11 has high-functioning autism and wears a scoliosis brace (the heavens thought she didn't have enough challenges). While she is fully verbal, she does not maintain eye contact nor will she always answer direct questions appropriately. She also moves awkwardly (the brace doesn't help).

When we travel, my husband and I have a routine where I go first. I quickly explain to the TSA agent that my daughter has motor and communication issues and may need hand scanning due to the clips on the brace. I go through security first, my husband stays on the other side with the kids until I clear. That way, no matter what there's a parent on both sides. Then my daughter goes through and I can help with whatever she needs. So far, she has never been stopped. The agents don't even look at her.

Most TSA agents just nod like, "whatever." They've seen it all and they're not worried about an 11 year old kid.

 

[Belle1997]

I just got back from a trip to WDW. For the first time at MCO I got a really nice screener. She was friendly, helpful and just plain nice. She even helped me put stuff back on my scooter. So they are out there.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Please also be prepared that the security at MCO is really not all that sympathetic or helpful to those with any disabilities. We had an issue with them yelling at my dad the last time we flew with him (he is a para and can't transfer out of his chair)

I have to jump in here and disagree. MCO has been nothing but awesome with me, and I'm a paraplegic, too. So not all experiences at MCO are bad.

 

[avander3]

Thank you for your message expressing your concerns about airport security and travelers with special considerations.



This information along with other travel tips is located on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website at www.tsa.gov. All travelers, and particularly those who travel infrequently, are encouraged to visit the section on travel tips before their trip. Frequent flyers should review the information periodically for changes and updates. The website has information about prohibited and permitted items, the screening process and procedures, and guidance for special considerations, that may assist in preparing for air travel. You can find these tips and more at www.tsa.gov under the "Our Travelers" section.



You should always notify your air carrier of your special screening needs before you arrive at the airport. This should include any assistance you will need with connecting flights. You might also want to take a copy of these tips with you when you travel. If you encounter problems with the screening process, ask to speak with the TSA screening supervisor. You can report problems encountered while traveling by calling the TSA Contact Center toll free at 1-866-289-9673.



Hidden Disability

Persons with a hidden disability can, if they choose, advise screeners that they have a hidden disability and may need some assistance, or need to move a bit slower than others.
Family members or traveling companions can advise screeners when they are traveling with someone who has a hidden disability, which may cause that person to move a little slower, become agitated easily and/or need additional attention.
Family members or traveling companions can offer suggestions to screeners on the best way to approach and deal with the person with a hidden disability, especially when it is necessary to touch the person during a pat-down inspection.
Notify the screener if you need to sit down before and/or during the screening process.
Before You Go

Provide advance notice to your airline or travel agent if you require assistance at the airport.
If you require a companion or assistant to accompany you through the security checkpoint to reach your gate, speak with your airline representative about obtaining a gate pass for your companion before entering the security checkpoint.
The limit of one carry-on and one personal item (purse, briefcase or computer case) does not apply to medical supplies, equipment, mobility aids and/or assistive devices carried by a person with a disability.
Make sure all your carry-on items, equipment, devices, etc., have an identification tag attached.
Mobility aids and assistive devices permitted through the security checkpoint include: wheelchairs, scooters, canes, walkers, crutches, prosthetic devices, body braces, augmentation and communication devices (e.g. Braille note takers, slate and stylus), dog guides, service dogs, hearing dogs, and diabetes related equipment and supplies.
Tips for the Screening Process

If a personal search is required, you may choose to remain in the wanding area or go to a private area for your screening. If you refuse either option you will not be able to fly.
You should be offered a private screening before the beginning of a pat-down inspection if the pat-down will require the removal or lifting of clothing and/or display of a covered medical device.
You may request a private area for your personal search at any time during the screening process.
You may ask for a chair if you need to sit down during the screening process.
We encourage you to visit our website at www.tsa.gov for additional information about TSA. We continue to add new information and encourage you to check the website frequently for updated information.



We hope that this information was helpful.



TSA Contact Center
_________________________________________________________________

What a waste of time. This was just regurgitated from there website.

 

[CPT Tripss]

Just a note that on our recent trip - LAS - the person checking the boarding pass and ID asked how I was. When I said "not so good, broken toe," he immediately escorted be around all the lines. So, you might want to tell the first screener, whether TSA or the airport ID checked, about your situation. If you are lucky, you will find someone with empathy.