Autism and TSA at airport.

[SueM in MN]

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.

We have been thru MCO and have also always had good experiences. My DD is non-verbal, obsessive compulsive, impulsive and is not always the easiest to deal with. We do tell the screeners that she understands and will try to do what they ask (like leaning forward in her wheelchair) if she is able. We also tell them that she may take off if they don't watch her. We have never had a problem with the security people there.

So I have to agree that not all at MCO are bad.

 

[tacomaranch]

A not so funny story about MCO and security that we now can laugh at. Our trip in Sept. 06 on the way home we did use the line all the way to right for first class folks and special needs. That was wonderful as people we all the way back for id check.

However at the security check they lady told DS to come thru. And he did all the way and kept running. The TSA did nothing at all, I was screaming and so was DH to stop our son he has autism. The light turned green and ran after DS who was not by the shuttle trains, DH came after me but the light had not turned green. All guns were out and there the three of us were surrounded by the same people who could not go get DS. We got pulled aside, yelled at then DH had to go back thru and get checked.

It was not funny and all their fault.

Now when we go thru any security, I go first, then send DS and then comes DH. We always tell the person DS has autism and is a runner. But now I am there to get him on the front and DH has the back.

Good luck and I hope it all goes well. Disney is such a magical place for dreams to come true.

April

 

[Wicked Queen]

I have a son with Autism (7 yrs.). We've been to Orlando area many times. We live in Detroit, MI. If there is a long line, I walk up to the agent that is in charge of the special needs entrance and explain the situation usually saying that he can't tolerate long lines. I've never had a problem. I also carry a doctor's note with me but have never had to use it either at the airport or at the parks when requesting the Guest Assistance Card. I've also learned that the nicer you are, the more accomodating they are (although, as with any situation....not always).

Good luck and have fun!!!

 

[wendylovesdisney]

Please also be prepared that the security at MCO is really not all that sympathetic or helpful to those with any disabilities.

I CAN'T STAND the agents at MCO. I had several TSA agents very rude to my situation and my daughter who has anxiety and other disorders.

I have 2 daughters. One has many issues that include attachment disorder, anxiety, possible autism and who knows what else. It has caused me heartbreak and I have shed blood sweat and tears for this kid. To make a long story short the TSA agents not only made her go through by herself when she was clearly freaked out, but then made rude comments about it. They did this on my prior trip pretty much as well. The local airport people here in my hometown told me the MCO people were a different breed and man, they werent kidding. Now, if my local airport thinks MCO is bad, then surely they must have a rep that precedes them. Not that someone else might not still have had a good experience. This is my opinion only and in no way shape or form is meant to upset fellow dis posters.

 

[cindy17]

A not so funny story about MCO and security that we now can laugh at. Our trip in Sept. 06 on the way home we did use the line all the way to right for first class folks and special needs. That was wonderful as people we all the way back for id check.

However at the security check they lady told DS to come thru. And he did all the way and kept running. The TSA did nothing at all, I was screaming and so was DH to stop our son he has autism. The light turned green and ran after DS who was not by the shuttle trains, DH came after me but the light had not turned green. All guns were out and there the three of us were surrounded by the same people who could not go get DS. We got pulled aside, yelled at then DH had to go back thru and get checked.

It was not funny and all their fault.

Now when we go thru any security, I go first, then send DS and then comes DH. We always tell the person DS has autism and is a runner. But now I am there to get him on the front and DH has the back.

Good luck and I hope it all goes well. Disney is such a magical place for dreams to come true.

April

OMG! The same thing happened to us! Unfortunately, we're still not laughing about it. It really was a horrible experience. It was the day before Katrina hit and the airport was MOBBED. I never realized there was a "special needs" line. We were in line with everyone else and my autistic son (11 then) ran right through the screening thing. I followed him, we were chased. When we were finally "caught" they made me take my son's shirt off to do a screening. My son was totally clueless, I was mortified for him. The place was so quiet you could hear a pin drop during this process. Everyone was staring. It was a nightmare We haven't flown since. My son has improved somewhat since that incident, but we are still petrified to deal with security issues.

 

[Jackie Psarianos]

Autism and Traveling:

I always call the airline and tell them of our situation with our son's autism and how he has to get off the plane when he realizes it's landed. They usually seat us closest to the front of the coach class so there aren't too many rows in front of us. Not to mention that two hours into the flight he asks to get off (at 40,000 ft.), that becomes interesting into itself.

We bring a portable DVD player, his Nintendo and his MP3 player, his favorite snacks and comfort items. I know it takes a lot of pre-planning but it's worth it.

Good luck and have a great trip.

 

[avander3]

I have been planning this trip since September (of 06) of last year! We are bringing the DVD player, snacks and anything else we can think of to get him on and off the plane with the least amount to stress to us, him and everyone around us...at 40,000ft he won't ask to get out of the plane....he will just have a tantrum, but we are looking at this trip as an adventure and not a holiday for the parents. I have paid the extra $50.00 to reserve our seats on the plane (5 seats together in the same row as close to the front as possible). We are banking on the plane being full of families heading to Disney for the week of teacher convention in Wisconsin. Maybe we will just blend in among the chaos. This will be a learning experience and I really appreciate the advice and experiences all have shared. We are a leaving in a mere 7 days and we are excited and apprehensive.
I will be calling the airline on Monday to let them know we will be invading the US airspace on Sunday!
Does anyone know how to get chicken McNuggets through security?

 

[SueM in MN]

Does anyone know how to get chicken McNuggets through security?

LOL
Actually, since they are not gel or liquid, they may not care about them at all. (Although, being a nurse, I have to point out that getting the chicken McNuggets from the store thru security may be a longer time period than is safe for the food).

Some airline have a McDonalds in the concourse, after you go thru security. I don't know what airport you are traveling out of, but if you need chicken McNuggets to travel, here's a way to find out.
McDonald's website has a store locator. You would need to know the address of your airport, but if there is one, it should show up on the results with the address and 'special' listed as the type of restaurant. Some of the 'special' locations are inside stores like a Walmart, but that is also how the ones at the Minneapolis airport are listed. If you click on 'visit/apply' it should bring up a map that shows just where it is.
Orlando airport has at least one.

 

[cindy17]

I have been planning this trip since September (of 06) of last year! We are bringing the DVD player, snacks and anything else we can think of to get him on and off the plane with the least amount to stress to us, him and everyone around us...at 40,000ft he won't ask to get out of the plane....he will just have a tantrum, but we are looking at this trip as an adventure and not a holiday for the parents. I have paid the extra $50.00 to reserve our seats on the plane (5 seats together in the same row as close to the front as possible). We are banking on the plane being full of families heading to Disney for the week of teacher convention in Wisconsin. Maybe we will just blend in among the chaos. This will be a learning experience and I really appreciate the advice and experiences all have shared. We are a leaving in a mere 7 days and we are excited and apprehensive.
I will be calling the airline on Monday to let them know we will be invading the US airspace on Sunday!
Does anyone know how to get chicken McNuggets through security?

You have such a great attitude!! I think when you go with the feeling that it may not be a perfect vacation, when something magical and positive happens, it's all the better. Have a great time!