No diagnosis but flying with son could i ask Dr for a letter to help at airport?

[mrshess]

I dont know if anyone can help me we are due to fly very soon with son aged 4 and half who has a lot of issues ongoing over the years. He was assessed for autism and wasn't diagnosed and we were told he has autistic tendencies but not enough to diagnose.
We have had involvement from a child psychologist as he has sleep issues and behaviour issues anyway as soon as we were told he didnt have autism then they sort of said 'go on a parenting course' and dropped us from weekly sessions.

My son does have problems in social situations and will drop to the ground rather than queue up when its busy and refuse to move.
He also cannot wait more than a few minutes for anything.

Anyway last year we flew to see family and it was the most horrific time for everyone. My son went into overload and refused to do anything. There wasnt seats together and easyjet were not the most accomodating when he was screaming as he wouldnt sit next to someone other than me and my husband.
He wouldnt sit in the seats unless he was sandwiched in between my husband and I.
It was absolute hell queuing up to board as he was trying to run off etc.

Anyway we are due to fly soon again for family otherwise we would never go abroad again and i am thinking of cancelling as i am havbing panic attacks about the whole experience.

Im having trouble pre booking seats with Thomas cook which i am happy to pay for but there isa huge cock up and we arent guaranteed seats together.

Could i write to my sons Dr to ask for a letter stating he does have problems and it would be beneficial that he is seated with us?
Would a dr do this if there is no diagnosis?

With a four year old child, one of you (at least) will be sitting with him.

I'd ask your GP or Health Visitor. Preferably, GP. They may be able to help.

It IS a nightmare.....I've been there.

I sympathise totally. Do you get DLA? Am thinking if you had letter as proof, you could call up the airport and ask for special assistance (fast track through the queue and security)

We do get Dla and i was thinking of asking the airport for assistance but didnt think a dla letter would be enough.

Son is that bad he has to be sandwiched in between me and husband or he will be growling at people too close to him so just sitting next to me wont be enough for him.
I honestly am thinking of cancelling : (

ask your GP for a letter to outline his issue and possible challenges when flying; GP can state anxiety when not seated next to a parent etc but most GP charge at least £10 for a short letter

you could also just talk to the airline a head of time they may be able to help you out and advise

Well my sons dr agreed but i have to pay £30 but it will be worth it.

Yep, there's a price for everything. £30 though in these times. Shame on them.

I'd make sure you take sevearl photocopies; show them the original but if they want to keep it (or they disappear to show it to someone) give them a copy.

several!

Thanks for that i never thought of them taking the letter away. Will def photocopy a few times.

Who exactly do i show though? i presume the check in desk and the people where u board the plane at the gate but do i have to go anywhere else and inform people?

check in desk when they allocate the seats and may be worth calling the airline in advance saying you have a letter from GP.

£30???? I had a hard time separating from £10 as it was only 2 sentences letter same as ones your son is due vaccination, has been referred to paed team and for those there is no charge!