TSA- how to prepare my son

[sl_underwood]

I have been on the phone with everyone today trying to figure out how to prepare my son who is 4 and has a variety of issues including ASD for the TSA stuff. The biggest prob is being separated from his lovey and bag and fear of being separated from us. Other issues that may or may not come to pass is his fear of being touched by strangers, wand, etc. He also has a fear of security guards, police officers, etc. Does anyone know of any videos, books, etc. that might help with this? I intend to roleplay with him ahead of time, play airport and airplane at home but I think some visuals will help tremendously. Thanks!

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

This is going to sound funny, but call the airport authority where you will be traveling from. Ask if you can come up and do a walk through. I was flying a while back and a lady was there with her 2 special needs children and they were doing a walk through in preparation for their upcoming trip somewhere. I made a comment to the TSA person about how nice that was and she said that they appreciate helping out with situations and it also helps to train their staff. The really cool part is that the TSA person showed the child how the scanners don't hurt anything by putting his own stuff through the scanner and showing the child how they get it back at the other end.

Never know...maybe they'll do this in your area if you ask.

 

[Desnik]

That is the best idea I've ever heard! I think that's great advice!

I was worried about my DS's first flying experience too. He has had many issues too and my main concern was him having to go through the scanner thing without me. They let us go together. He actually found it all really interesting and it helped to see that all of our stuff and his sisters stuff was going through too. I think the above advice is great and I would try that. Also playing airport at home is a good idea too. Maybe there are some kid friendly movies that show an airport and kids going on a plane? If I think of any I'll post back.

 

[sl_underwood]

We called the airport and were told that we couldnt practice walking through security. We had to be a ticketed passenger to go through. That was my original idea. Our small town has an airport with no security as only private planes fly in and out but someone there has agreed to let us tour his plane so we will be doing that next week. Any other suggestions would be most helpful.

 

[brergnat]

Does your son like to watch tv? Does he get really into videos about stuff like trains, trucks, etc?

There is a great dvd called "I'm a Good Little Traveler"

http://www.amazon.com/Good-Little-T..._bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1203544852&sr=8-1

It's all about flying for kids, and goes into the details of the airport and security.

I would highly recommend buying this, and letting your son watch it over and over and over (if he's anything like my 3.5 year old, he'll NOT resist this). Use the dvd to explain that he will be doing the same thing on his way to see Mickey Mouse, and that he has to learn how to be a Good Traveller like Shae too.

I find that most ASD kids really latch onto instructional/informational dvd's and really retain the info.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

I was thinking a courthouse, ours has a setup somewhat similar to the airport. Perhaps someone there might be more-able to let him have a practice run (or two or three?)

 

[Mikailova]

I was thinking a courthouse, ours has a setup somewhat similar to the airport. Perhaps someone there might be more-able to let him have a practice run (or two or three?)

This is my suggestion also. I have worked with autistic children, and unfortunately due to some sad circumstances, had to go to Juvenile Court with one of them. The security people there were very nice. Their security set up was just like the airport, stuff through x-ray, metal detector, and they were very patient with me and the boy I was there with.

My step-sister is in a wheelchair and can't go through regular security, so we make sure that we have plenty of time when we fly. They x-ray everything, of course, but they let us take her out of the chair, they pat down the chair and her, and send us on our way. We just make sure we have time, because it usually requires a TSA agent to step out of their regular position, and come over and personally attend to our family. If it's a super busy time, it could take them a bit to get freed up. You might ask if they can manually search his bag while he watches, instead of putting it through x-ray. They might not go for this, but it never hurts to ask.

Also bring some paperwork from your DR. detailing your child's extra needs. You'll want it at Disney if you need help any special extras from guest services anyway. It gives an extra push to show that you do need extra time and help. There are jerks out there in the TSA world, but every little bit helps.

 

[tinkandpan]

I know this exact question has been posted on the disabilities forum so you might want to post and get some more responses there. I think you've gotten some great ideas- that instructional video is terrific as well. Happy Travels!

 

[sl_underwood]

My son is still in foster care so we have had to go to court more than once. Our small town courthouse doesnt have any of the security measures in place. They check my purse and thats all. As for the post on the disabilities board, its mine, lol, I posted there as well. The individuals usually have some great info there but I thought I might end up with just as many responses here. I will buy the dvd, my son is very visual and loves videos. I have seen several books on amazon as well just not sure which ones are good and which ones arent. Thanks for all your suggestions.

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

If the airport you're flying from isn't too far away, I'd still suggest going there. We live in St. Louis and you can walk up to the lines for the screeners and stand there and observe what is going on. Point out that everyone puts their stuff through the scanner and that everyone has to take their shoes off.

You might get lucky and find a really nice TSA person who will answer some of your son's questions.

Definitely bring a note from his doc about his special circumstances! Also, if you have any friends or family that fly, see if they can tell him about it or even get him a "special pair" of wings from their flight to share with him.

I don't know what airline you are flying with, but we've always had great luck with Southwest...my son got to sit in the captain's chair one time (about a year ago) as the captain explained the controls to him. It was wonderful!

 

[PrincessKell]

oh I have to book mark that video for our first trip on a plane. I am not sure how well it will go at all! So many things

do you know if you can request a front row seat? When Georgia has melt downs they are pretty major, and being boxed in wouldn't help. Luckily, our flight wouldn't be that long from the North Bay to Southern Ca.

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

This is going to sound funny, but call the airport authority where you will be traveling from. Ask if you can come up and do a walk through. I was flying a while back and a lady was there with her 2 special needs children and they were doing a walk through in preparation for their upcoming trip somewhere. I made a comment to the TSA person about how nice that was and she said that they appreciate helping out with situations and it also helps to train their staff. The really cool part is that the TSA person showed the child how the scanners don't hurt anything by putting his own stuff through the scanner and showing the child how they get it back at the other end.

Never know...maybe they'll do this in your area if you ask.

WOW! This is a really good idea thank you very much.

 

[sl_underwood]

We are about 1 1/2 hours from the airport but I am more than willing to go down there ahead of time. Maybe I can do so this weekend. He has been in the airport 3x picking up family members so he should recognize baggage claim and the main lobby but thats about it. The video looks great. I cant wait for it to come. Thanks.

 

[PiperPizzaz]

They made my 11 month old go through by himself. It was awful. I wish you lots of luck!

 

[southtexasmom]

I always have DH go through first and then send the children to him, my youngest was walking at a little over 10 months and they said if he could walk he MUST walk through on his own, took us abut 10 mins. to convince him to walk through to daddy. It was a nightmare and we were holding up the line, people behind us were being very rude.

 

[sl_underwood]

I have been told by people that it really depends on your TSA agent. Some are really good with kids and others are just plain PITA's. I figure I will prepare him as much as I can and hope like heck I get a good one.

 

[sl_underwood]

Today, we went to the airport. We walked around and watched people go through security. I talked with a TSA agent and she was so nice. She had us wait around and when they had no one in the lines, she showed him how the system worked and let him walk through. The person I spoke to on the phone said that was impossible but I guess it depends on who is at the gates. He did okay. The noise freaked him out when it beeped but she explained that it was all to keep him and george safe. Now we just have to get through the plane ride. Thanks for all your suggestions and support.

 

[MSSANDRA]

This might sound silly but my suggestion is to let the TIA person know that your child has special needs as soon as you arrive at the security gate. if they know that you child can not control what might look like to them , a non special needs child just having a melt down, they might be a lot more understanding. We have a new church family that has a autisit son and the father let people know the first function they attended that they might have to leave early or find a cool down place as Zachary might need a break due to his special needs. If was great to have a heads up as he "appears" as any child. It takes about 5 minutes to know otherwise but you will not have an extra five minutes at the gate.

REminder his shoes will have to come off in case this will be an issue for him.

Prayer for a smooth trip.

 

[taitai]

You can also request private screening. The TSA web site suggests it for families traveling with small children or lots of children. It is more hands on but it also will go at a different pace and could help you out.

Good luck.
Taitai