Suspected autism and flying

[Fly3344]

I have a holiday booked and it will be my 5 year olds first time flying. I think my child has high functioning autism, I set up a meeting with school and they agreed they have noticed a few traits but they want to wait a see if there’s enough evidence to warrant a referral. Child is very well behaved at school so I believe they are masking , child currently displays extreme anger amongst other issues. I’m very nervous about the flight I’m not sure if they’ll even get on the plane. I’m guessing a can’t access any additional support at the airport as we have no diagnosis as of yet?

With all due respect, that’s not helpful. Autism is about individual needs, so just because your daughter was ok doesn’t necessarily mean the OP’s child will be. This is why we need to stop with ‘functioning’ labels, needs vary regardless of overall delays.

As other have said, pre plan and preempt as much as possible.

Have you thought of having a day out at the airport? Lunch in a cafe there? It might help with what to expect in a very crowded airport.

Make sure you have lots of distractions. I bring a carry in just for my DS. Fill it with snacks so they don't get hungry, lots of things to do - colouring, stickers, iPad (and a battery pack so iPad doesn't run out!!!) change of clothes as my DS gets upset if he gets something down him. Literally think of anything that could happen and what could make things better.

at some airports you can pay to go through fast track security and fast track passport control, which will cut out some queues.
maybe some noise cancelling headphones, also iPad with games and favourite shows.
paying to sit at the front of the plane lets you get off quickly, and also access the loo quickly.
these are all things I do with my NT children - it just speeds up the journey.

Special assistance will get you through security quicker. They can also collect you at the plane when you land back home and get you to front of passport control queue. Your airline will have something on their website about it.
When you land in other countries it can be different. If going to Spain look at arena.es website though we have found sometimes it takes longer to get through as they make you wait.
Agree with others that ear defenders distractions snacks etc help

If he will focus on a tablet, or device like a Nintendo switch, bring it and let him use it the entire time. Snacks and drinks at the ready. If you are concerned about running off and have an iPhone, clip an air tag on him. An airport will have plenty of people to help.

They don't have to wear the lanyard.. you can wear it for them.. or tie it onto their backpack or something.
Yes ear defenders.. we get on the plane first and settled into our seats.. Grandson gets on his ipad..
Also do NOT be bothered about other passengers.. especially if they throw negative comments etc.
Some are ignorant and best ignored.. choose special assistance because then you will be in a corner of the airport with a few others away from all the other passengers.. much quieter.. you won't be in any queues..
Contact the airline or travel company and book special assistance.
Well worth it..

Social stories are your friend here. Be really clear about what will happen and in what order. Within the story write down what the options are if they start feeling overwhelmed.
E.g - If I don't like the noises I can wear my ear defenders.
Also some kind of written or visuals schedule that they use to check off each stage if the process to give them a sense of control.
Sunflower lanyard is a good idea. Some airports have sensory rooms - I know Manchester does.

When we've flown with ND kids, the airports have been ok with an adult wearing the lanyard on behalf of the child- it flags up that the group need assistance. Asking for assistance can mean skipping the queues if the childs not able to queue, I would also suggest you take a buggy with you even if you don't normally use one as it makes a good 'hiding space' for the child when in the airport. Airlines usually have a policy of one free buggy or car seat per child ticket, so our buggies have always been included as a result.

You do not need a diagnosis to book special assistance.

In the U.K. most airports understand autism.

If you book special assistance he and one other can go through a quieter security check. They can get a bit arsey if the whole family want to go through.

Sunflower lanyard and ear defenders are also a good idea.

If you book special assistance he and one other can go through a quieter security check. They can get a bit arsey if the whole family want to go through.

We've never had a problem with this in the UK, but coming home at overseas airports they don't like it.