Silly question about Autistic son flying for the first time

[HeatherAndTheBoys]

My boys have never been on a plane before and they seem very excited about going on one with our upcoming Disney Trip. However I was surprised when a friend and family member asked me about my son Jacob (who is 10 and has PDD-NOS) and if I was going to give him anything to help him sleep during the flight, which I never thought about because he's very excited about going on a plane and wants the window seat. I was just planning to talk to him ahead of time about the plane, make out a schedule, and be sure to bring things to keep him busy for our 3 hr layover. But am I wrong for not being concerned that he might have a sudden moment of anxiety when he's there?? Is there anything I should do just in case??

 

[SueM in MN]

Not silly - if he's never flown before, questions are natural!

It's really hard to say what difficulty he may have - if any.
If he usually likes travel, he might just love this new wy of travel.

The one BIG hint I would give would be not giving any medication for the first time on the plane. Many people - especially children - have the opposite of the expected reaction. So, a medication meant to put child to sleep might make him very hyper instead. Or, one meant to make a child relax might work too well and put him totally out or make him groggy and cranky.
So, if you plan to use something, you want to try it ahead of time.

There is a lot of information about air travel in post 15 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread (located near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature).
There are links to some helpful resources from the Orlando airport and the TSA, including photos and videos that show the security procedure.
If he uses social stories, you can probably get some good pictures from some of those.
For the airplane itself, you can search for pictures, especially the bathrooms.

If you have traveled by air before, it might be helpful to mentally walk thru a trip and think of all the feelings - things like how your stomach feels at take off, how your ears might feel.
Since the engine noise can be kind of loud and annoying - especially for anyone with sensory issues - you may want to get some earphone/earmuffs for him. Some people have good luck with a product called Earplanes that help to equalize the pressure in the ears. They work well , from what I have read, but some kids with sensory issues don't like anything in their ears.

 

[SenecaWolf]

My DD has Aspergers and sensory issues, she flew for the first time this past April. She's not terribly affected by it but it's there and by this age she is aware of her 'quirks'.

Sue's suggestion to describe flying is the best thing to do and exactly what I did with my daughter. We talked about going thru security, waiting at the gate, boarding, sounds, what take off felt like etc... I think the most helpful thing we did was watch videos on youtube of takeoffs and landings. I searched for 'jetblue takeoffs' because we were flying jetblue and she would see exactly what she was going to be going into. Also a few of the videos had excellent sound quality and she was able to get an idea of the sounds. Trying to explain the constant hum that a plane has is hard!

She offered the window seat to her brother on the way down and I think that was her way of trying to reduce her stress. Make sure you pack comfort things in your/his carry on. My daughter had her string bag of her important stuff, including her teddy bear. Her ipod or 3DS with headphones are her escape and having to turn off electronics during takeoff got her a little nervous but I just made small talk with her during that time to distract her. Also the tv's on the back of the seats are amazing!

On the way back she was ready for the window seat but about an hour in she closed the shade. Also, she was exhausted, we had just completed a 7 day commando trip to Disney so she was sleep most of the flight, thru a pretty bumpy trip and all.

Oh yeah...she did get a little panicky during security checks. Having to give up her bag of all her comfort things while taking off/putting on shoes and people going around was a bit overwhelming. It wasn't so bad on the way down because Buffalo airport is small but going thru security at MCO was a challenge.

hope you have a great trip!

 

[Kellykins1218]

Our two youngest, 5 & 6, are both autistic. The 5 yr old is extremely active and prone to meltdowns. We got him up early for our flight and when they started the plane's engines he fell asleep right there at the gate. He woke up 5 minutes before we landed. Benadryl and other sedatives have the opposite effect on both my kids so drugging them was not an option. We brought the 6 year old an ipod touch so he could play games when he wasn't looking out of the window. Our flight had been delayed due to a mechanical issue so everyone on the plane was given free headphones and we were able to watch tv the whole flight. He watched cartoons & loved it. When we landed in Orlando, the couple behind us and the poor businessman in front of us who cringed when we sat down, all made a point of telling us how good our boys had been ) The flight home, they both played their ipods, and thanks to a week at Disney, they fell asleep halfway through the flight.

 

[kylmac]

We love flying Jetblue because of the individual tv's. My son puts on his headset and watches Cartoon Network usually-gets bored easily so I have lots of paper and a pen for him to draw on during the flight. We also have downloaded movies on our ipad and he watches those as well. Try explain security at the airport-my son does not have to take off his shoes due to his age-I think they have to be 12 and under. He still took off his shoes the last time because we all did anyway. He gets impatient sitting on the tarmac (don't we all) but once he sees the plane moving he is okay. Good luck!
Elizabeth

 

[JennyDrake]

You don't mention which airline you are flying, but (you probably already know) SWA does not have reserved seats. I'm sure there is some means by which you can get early boarding due to your son's needs.

 

[krisnme]

I like to preboard with DS(20) who is a seasoned flier. That gives us a chance to settle, get his comfort items out of his bag and not spend time waiting in an isle, crowded against other travelers. We always sit one or two rows from the front. the engine noise is not as bad in the front, and it gives him distance from the distracting attendents and the washroom. I usually tell the attendants when we board that my DS has HFA and they always treat him nicely and with patience. If there is any chance your child could have air sickness, make sure any meals are light and you give plenty of fluids before travel. I carry ginger candy and peppermints and they seem to help. He has had some trouble with pat-downs at security, and though frightened, he maintained his composure. I repeat over and over to any secuity personal that my child is special needs and MUST NOT be seperated from me at any time. They have usually done a very good job of understanding, considering my "child" is actually now a handsome young man! Your child will pick up on your nerves, so try to remain calm and cheerful even if things are not as expected. Have a great flight!

 

[Gorechick]

How do you go about getting to pre-board? This is my ASD DS 7's first flight. I think he will be fine as he is high functioning and close to typical, but I won't know how it will be until we get there. He may get overly anxious. Any advice appreciated.

 

[SenecaWolf]

I like to preboard with DS(20) who is a seasoned flier. That gives us a chance to settle, get his comfort items out of his bag and not spend time waiting in an isle, crowded against other travelers. We always sit one or two rows from the front. the engine noise is not as bad in the front, and it gives him distance from the distracting attendents and the washroom. I usually tell the attendants when we board that my DS has HFA and they always treat him nicely and with patience. If there is any chance your child could have air sickness, make sure any meals are light and you give plenty of fluids before travel. I carry ginger candy and peppermints and they seem to help. He has had some trouble with pat-downs at security, and though frightened, he maintained his composure. I repeat over and over to any secuity personal that my child is special needs and MUST NOT be seperated from me at any time. They have usually done a very good job of understanding, considering my "child" is actually now a handsome young man! Your child will pick up on your nerves, so try to remain calm and cheerful even if things are not as expected. Have a great flight!

This^^

Going thru security is always a struggle for me because of my own physical disabilities. So while I'm trying to gather my crutches, put on my shoes (one of which has an orthotic lift on it) and grap my carry on, I was also trying to make sure she got her bag and shoes and moved along quickly. I started getting flustered which she immediately picked up on. Thank goodness for my son who is used to dealing with us both and he came over and grabbed his bag and then my things without being asked . This gave me time to catch my breath and get organized again with her. By the time we got to the gate and sat down she was better.

As for preboarding, I usually ask at the gate if its possible to preboard due to my difficulties getting down the aisles with my crutches. So when they call for people with the even more space seats they also do a silent preboard for the travelers with disabilities. I know that most airlines have a phone number for special needs customers if you would like to make arrangements ahead of time.

As for making sure she's with me, we've only flown jetblue so we select the seats at the time we book. I would definitely pay for seat selection if I flew another airline though.

 

[krisnme]

How do you go about getting to pre-board? This is my ASD DS 7's first flight. I think he will be fine as he is high functioning and close to typical, but I won't know how it will be until we get there. He may get overly anxious. Any advice appreciated.

When you check in,(at the gate) tell them (TELL, don't ask!) that you require pre-boarding due to your childs disability. Some will try to tell you that is just for wheelchairs, but actually it is for anyone who needs extra time to get settled. If you are flying with other adults, they may only let you and one child pre-board. If you are the only adult, they will let all the kids on with you. I like that preboarding gives us a moment with the flight attendents to give them a heads-up about DS, just in case he has any issues mid-flight. My only issue so far has been that they wont let me wait at the washroom for him. On a few flights, after an explination, they let me sit in their fold-down seats near the door. DS is able to manage by himself now, but got a lot of stares when he opened the door and hollered "mommy! how do I get the soap to come out?!" He was about 18 at the time! Oh, just remembered that melt-down when the snacks were cheese flavored crackers...OMG! They were super nice and found him some pretzels because he did not want the snacks I brought, he wanted the nice lady to bring him something different! I have actually gotten good at slipping the attendant a favorite snack for him so he does not know.

 

[SueM in MN]

When you check in,(at the gate) tell them (TELL, don't ask!) that you require pre-boarding due to your childs disability. Some will try to tell you that is just for wheelchairs, but actually it is for anyone who needs extra time to get settled. If you are flying with other adults, they may only let you and one child pre-board. If you are the only adult, they will let all the kids on with you. I like that preboarding gives us a moment with the flight attendents to give them a heads-up about DS, just in case he has any issues mid-flight. My only issue so far has been that they wont let me wait at the washroom for him. On a few flights, after an explination, they let me sit in their fold-down seats near the door. DS is able to manage by himself now, but got a lot of stares when he opened the door and hollered "mommy! how do I get the soap to come out?!" He was about 18 at the time! Oh, just remembered that melt-down when the snacks were cheese flavored crackers...OMG! They were super nice and found him some pretzels because he did not want the snacks I brought, he wanted the nice lady to bring him something different! I have actually gotten good at slipping the attendant a favorite snack for him so he does not know.

for the bolded.

Tell them that your child needs extra time to get settled.

I like the idea about the snacks. We bring our own because, depending on what is being offered, DD may not be able to eat it. It's a good idea for anyone who the snack might not be appropriate for.
And, very good idea to slip it to the Flight Attendant ahead of time if not getting the snack from the FA would cause an issue.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

W My only issue so far has been that they wont let me wait at the washroom for him. On a few flights, after an explination, they let me sit in their fold-down seats near the door. DS is able to manage by himself now, but got a lot of stares when he opened the door and hollered "mommy! how do I get the soap to come out?!"

That is odd - what airline was this? I fly quite frequently and have never seen people not being allowed to wait outside a restroom except when the fasten seatbelt sign in on.

 

[HeatherAndTheBoys]

Thank you so much for all of your input! I really appreciate it! We are flying via Delta.

I'm hoping to take my boys for a walk through at the airport the weekend before we go so they both know what to expect but the only problem with that is the airport is about 2 hrs from us so I'm still up in the air on if I will be able to do that.

I love the idea of asking to preboard! I wasn't sure if that was even something I could tell the airline I need but now that I know this will be very helpful!

My oldest who is 13 has this thing about having to check out bathrooms where ever we go so I've been trying to explain that he can't be staying too long in the bathroom. But I saw someone say only one person can go in at a time but when it comes to my youngest I am hoping my husband will at least be able to go in with him otherwise I fear that DS will get into trouble in there

Thank you once again for all of your input

 

[Betty Rohrer]

you can not go thru security without a ticket for that day. security was the hardest part of both my grandsons MAW trips. kids have to walk thru by self and can not carry anything with them. if child touches side of scanner, will cause a possitve and can mean a patdown. you will not be able to take a stroller thru scanner with child in,if child can walk. one nice change for our Dec trip was kids did not have to take shoes off. if child needs a lovey, do not let child have until after security as it has to go thru with carryons not carried by child, special needs or not. also prepare your child to have to remain seated on plane, not be able to just walk up and down. headphones for video players or electronics

 

[pbrim]

That is odd - what airline was this? I fly quite frequently and have never seen people not being allowed to wait outside a restroom except when the fasten seatbelt sign in on.

It may depend on where the restroom is. Since the restrooms in front are right outside the cockpit, the last few times I have flown (with several different airlines) we have been told you can't linger outside the restrooms at the front due to new security rules. There isn't usually a problem with other restrooms.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

This information from TSA about travel with children may help:

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVTaEbMIV4Y

http://www.tsa.gov/assets/mov/passenger_guidance_special_needs.wmv

 

[SmallWorld71]

Just wanted to throw it out there that kids 12 and under do not have to take off their shoes anymore. When I traveled out of Logan in April with DS13 and DD9, both were asked their age by the security agent. The agent jokingly asked DS13 if he wanted to be 12 so he didn't have to take off his shoes. He, very seriously, said no. So, it is very likely that your 10 year old won't have to take off his shoes, but your 13 year old will. Just wanted you to be able to prepare them for the possible scenario. I don't know what airport you are traveling in, but we have never had problems with security at Logan.

 

[krisnme]

That is odd - what airline was this? I fly quite frequently and have never seen people not being allowed to wait outside a restroom except when the fasten seatbelt sign in on.

It has been several airlines, becouse the washroom is very near the cockpit, you are not allowed to stand and wait for it. That is why the attendant allowed me to sit nearby, but not stand except to escort DS back and forth.

 

[SueM in MN]

It has been several airlines, becouse the washroom is very near the cockpit, you are not allowed to stand and wait for it. That is why the attendant allowed me to sit nearby, but not stand except to escort DS back and forth.

Yes, we have seen the same hing.
In fact, some airlines have even announced that because of security reasons, passengers are not allowed to stand in the front waiting or the restroom. They did this as part of the whole safety spiel at the beginning of the flight.