To ask how to help DS(8) over his fear of escalators?

[Allfednonedead]

DS is autistic, but until recently was fine with escalators. Just this summer, he has decided they are terrifying.
This is a problem because we live in London and his school goes on regular trips by public transport.
If we can’t manage the fear, he won’t be able to go on the trips. At the moment, he won’t even go with me accompanying him. I would be able to go on some of the trips, but not all, and ideally I’d like him to be independent.
Does anyone have experience of this? Any tips or suggestions?

Is it anything specific about them that he's afraid of or is it more generalised?

My oldest DS is autistic and used to be really afraid of lifts, when we talked to him about it we found out it was related to how they work and how safe they are. We watched some YouTube videos about how lifts work and explained about how they have safety features to stop them falling. Once that all sank in we did some little rides such as going one floor in a shop with glass lifts, then two floors, then all of the floors. Then we did the same in places with closed in lifts. He goes in them no problem now although he has to press the buttons and he has to stand in the corner nearest the door so he can leap out as soon as they open.

I'd ask school what they can do in the way of reasonable adjustments for him (e.g., using stations with lift access or using alternate methods of transport such as buses).

Could you have a trusted family member /friend waiting at the top also? Promise of a treat straight after?
Breathing tricks en route?

This is probably all stuff you're already doing but try cut down on as much external input as possible too - ear defenders and/or sunglasses on, chew toy or fiddle toy, etc.

I wonder if London Transport Museum has any tours or guides who would be willing to talk specifically about how cool escalator engineering is and what amazing inventions they are. TFL have a video but not much else: madeby.tfl.gov.uk/2019/07/24/behind-the-scenes-escalators-and-lifts/

I was like this. It's a spatial awareness problem. The moving steps freak you out. The time it takes a slow-processing brain to work out how to put a foot on a step, that step has already moved away. I used to have tantrums of fear. The only way to do it is to practise a lot. Tell him you know he;ll handle it in the end (amazingly this comment actually works) and that he just needs time and preparation. Take him to a station and tell him you aren't going to get on the escalator today, just watch other people getting on, and then go and get the lift or use stairs instead. See if he can watch and maybe see what they do. One foot, two feet, both on the same step.

You could see if he will tolerate the travelators at Waterloo. They are easier and more fun.

You could ask if he'll let you lift him on, so he gets used to the feel of the moving stairs without the feet of having to climb on.

I feel for him. I got over it eventually but it took ages.

I symapthise with him hate downwards elestaclators, i litterly have a panic attack walking towards one and i once run off on thr underground my friend had to come find me. The took my hand and covered my eyes. (I was 31) still find them terrifying i try to focus on 1, small steps building confidence to feel safe on that one. (Was working then one day it started shaking badly, so that set me back a bit)

I would recomend distraction tactics (this worked with ds asd ) when he was younger. Fidget based that takes his attention away from his feet and on to his hands so that he is less aware of them.

Thank you all! We’ve got a plan of sorts for now.
A morning off school at IKEA, where they have a sloping travelator, and big and small escalators, and stairs to feel safe on, and all sorts of potential treats as rewards.
I think he may still miss one trip, but hopefully it will all settle down then.

I have been like this all my life!
It's a pain though I manage it.
I think the advice you have been given is great, if I was in London I would come with you both 😊

I hate down escalators too. I have to wait till there’s nobody behind me.
I’d come with you too I’d I could.