I leave in 5 days with autistic DS4, flying advice

[airplane]

I don't think I can be more prepared. I booked this trip back in June so his school and therapists have been helping me prepare. I am so anxious, nervous and excited. My biggest concern is getting asked to leave the plane b/c I might not be able to keep him seated with his seat belt on. I will have to carry DS4 down the jetbridge and through the door while he is kicking and screaming. Car seats and the harness are not options for us b/c he can get out of anything. His tantrums are usually short (except haircuts!). Not knowing what to expect is driving me crazy although you would think I would be used to that by now
I have 2 great social stories. He likes reading them but it's anyone guess on if he actually understands them. Medication is not an option b/c he won't take it orally. I will have it in my purse just in case. Has anyone had any success stories you would like to share?
Depending on his temperament that morning I will change my boarding strategy. We are going to preboard, sitting still is not an issue for him and if we wait to board he will flip out if he sees 150 faces looking at him. My plans are to either carry him down the jetbridge, race him down, or let him walk onto the plane while watching a movie or playing with the ipad with hopes that he will not even notice what is happening. He rides a bus to school every day so I think once he is settled and sitting we are going to be fine, it's just getting him settled and sitting!

 

[Danadanes]

You guys will have a great time! I first took my son to Disney at about that age (ASD, now 10) and he made more therapeutic leaps than a year in ABA.

Will he wear sunglasses or a hat? Weighted vest?

The seatbelt can be fastened quite loosely, so it may not be as big of a deal as you think. I'd give him the window seat for sure. For us we would wait and board last to minimize the sit still time, but that's us...

You might want to have some "my son has ASD, thanks for understanding" type cards to hand out to other flyers.

I would also download a few new apps as a reward for getting to the seat successfully

 

[Betty Rohrer]

one problem we had with a grandson was going thru security and touching the walls. he was going to have to be patted down when person behind us told agent that grandson had touched the wall. touching the wall sets off the scanner. he is a flapper. your son will may have to walk thru scanner by self and at the least you will have to go back in by yourself while he waits for you. you will not be able to use leash/ backpack without taking off and sending thru scanner with carryons and that includes a stroller. will have to walk thru or be carried and I am not sure if you will be allowed to carry child that age

 

[airplane]

I don't anticipate security being a problem for us. He just started wearing headphones so this should help and I am also going to try a hat and sunglasses.

 

[cynditech]

I just wanted to say good luck and I hope you have a wonderful trip! I totally understand your concerns - the first time I took DS (who has autism) on a plane, he was 6. I brought some of his favorite snacks with us - and some new things for him to open - and an ipad with new movies on it. He surprised us, he did so well! I just tried to keep him occupied and focused on fun stuff. He also loved sitting at the window seat - which shocked me - but he really, I think, needed to see the plane go up and see it come back down.

Best wishes for a Magical trip

Oh - the only other thing I just thought of was the pressure he felt in his ears - he did get upset about that - but it was short lived.

 

[Nik's Mom]

Social stories are a great start. Print one out to take with you. You can read it as you are in the security line. Tell the TSA agent at the metal detector that your son has autism. They may be a little more patient with him if he doesn't respond to their requests.

Have a bag pack filled with distractions and comfort items. Headphones, snacks, books, toys, etc. have a great trip.

 

[DOREEN1779]

I wish you posted this a couple of months ago. I see you live in Atlantic City, the Philadelphia Airport runs a "Flight to Nowhere" program. It is administrated by The Children's Hospital and it is essentially a test run for a real flight. Google it and maybe you can see something that will help you.

 

[Erin1213]

If you haven't done this yet please call TSA cares 1-855-787-2227 prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. They have very useful information. They were wonderful in helping our family navigate the security checkpoints at MCO. Also calling your airline can help them in assisting you too. Have fun!

 

[disney david]

I wish you posted this a couple of months ago. I see you live in Atlantic City, the Philadelphia Airport runs a "Flight to Nowhere" program. It is administrated by The Children's Hospital and it is essentially a test run for a real flight. Google it and maybe you can see something that will help you.

This is from Boston airport and their program with JetBlue and Tsa. It a good video and service because not only dose it give parents and kids with autism the chance to go through the process of checking in security and the plane. It also is less pressure for everyone. It also nice they get to meet the pilots and flight crew and hear the noises and announcements.

http://www.charlesrivercenter.org/index.cfm?pid=14828


Also contact you airlines in your home airport and see if they do this. I know JetBlue started dojng this with Tsa in New York but their alot of airports that do this.

 

[Earstou]

My ds with aspergers first flew at age 4. Dh and I both worried that he would be running up and down the aisle during the entire flight (which is usually what he did everywhere else-running everywhere).
To our surprise, he was totally enthralled by the entire experience. He complied totally and sat quietly during the entire plane ride. We had a layover, and at first he refused to leave the plane, because he had enjoyed it so much! When I told him he would be riding another plane soon, he jumped up and got off. (Of course, then I worried about the other flights, but we had no more problems with him.)
During the layover, he stood at the window watching the planes landing and taking off, and watching the baggage handlers.
At the time we did not know he was ASD, so we did not know about social stories. But I had prepared him by reading a book about going on a plane ride, and also talking about what would happen at the airport and on the plane. Talked about sitting quietly and not running around. We also had some of his favorite snacks and some new toys to divert attention when we needed to.

We could not believe what a great experience this was for him, and I hope you have a great experience, too!