To ask about taking autistic child in wheelchair space on eurostar?

[newyorknewyorkforevernewyork]

Autistic dc - can walk but would be comfortable in a wheelchair

Want to go on a day trip to France - what will happen if I take them on the eurostar using the wheelchair space - i would go with them for free

This might be the only way we can afford the eurostar

Has anyone done this? Please dont flame me

I didn’t actually end up doing it in the end for other reasons but I was planning to do exactly this OP. Profoundly autistic adult DS who is a flight risk and needs the wheelchair to keep him safe. It has been issued to him by the wheelchair service and he would not be able to make the trip without it even though he is physically mobile (he also has a blue badge). I think it’s ok to do so in these circumstances!

Whyare you so keen to take him to Paris for the day? Is he likely to enjoy it?

Is he likely to be ok in Paris? Enjoy it? Autistic people are all different, some will enjoy a trip to Paris for others it’s completely inappropriate. My dd is autistic and loved Paris. Using a folding buggy may be a better option as you can use the metro in Paris and won’t need a wheelchair space, companion fares are not only for people in wheelchairs but it’s still £39. If money is tight consider if the coach is suitable or driving is usually cheaper still, parking in the suburbs and train in

It sounds like your DC needs the wheelchair to be able to access such a trip, in which case I would say it's fully justified. I absolutely get the worry about taking space from another person in need of it, but at the end of the day that's unfortunately the reality of being disabled and needing adjustments and adapted access. Many other people needing a wheelchair-accessible space will have had that same thought and that same guilt, I'm sure, especially the first few times using accommodations. If you need one to go on the trip, then you need one- I'm not going to rank that need against other wheelchair users because each person is so different that it's not really comparable.

There are limited accessible spaces, so somebody will always be second in the first-come first-served of booking them. You don't know if that person is in the same situation as your DC or needing a wheelchair for an entirely different reason, so try not to judge yourself too harshly for using the resources that are there to help you.

Honestly, I just don't think your child is ready for a trip like this. Perhaps when he is older and can walk fine. Paris isn't the most wheelchair assessable city and this sounds like it will be too much.

Lived in Paris for 20 years - just so you know, Paris is not the most wheelchair-friendly city! Narrow sidewalks and low accessibility of public transport in general.
It's also a "compact city": high population density and road traffic (meaning city noise and sensory stimulation).
Between the journey and the stress of getting around a new city, it's quite intense to do as a day trip for anyone, let alone children.
That being said, if you decide to go, it sounds like the need to book a wheelchair seat would be justified indeed.