Airport security - ASD Aware?

[cwtch4967]

I'm travelling to Spain in the summer with ds (4) who has ASD and learning difficulties. I'm anticipating security being a flashpoint for a meltdown as he isn't going to understand getting out of his Mac Major (safe in there) to go through security checks, taking shoes off could also be an issue!

How helpful have you found airport staff?

I'm thinking of getting him a t shirt to wear, something along the lines - I have autism, please be patient with me.

Social stories are not an option, he has no concept of "next" yet

We went through US Homeland Security last year, and tbh they were more understanding about the ASD than UK Security! I just spoke to them at the security points and they were very understanding, even about juice! The thing you could do is alert your airline that he is disabled and they will get you escorted to the immigration desks which will cut down on queueing. You should also get a GP's letter detailing his condition and what he can't cope with. Hth

I too have found US security a lot more understanding and accommodating (as far as they can be) than UK secuirty.

we have had a mixed bag with UK secuirty - from looks, and huffy 'well, everyone has to go through security you know' type statements (err, we weren't saying we didn't want to!) to people who have been lovely and understanding and helpful.

we have a letter form our GP outlining the issues, and also stating we have to take excess liquids on board (happy to taste/have them checked etc) as dd1 ha issues with drinking, and also dietary restrictions.

could you start practising at home? mock up an archway, and try to get a routine going, maybe? the hardest part when dd1 didn't understand at all was going through the security arch one by one - we had a couple of people insist that since dd1 was walking we had to go separately (rather than through together, and be checked over with handheld wand things) which did make life difficult for a bit.

is there somethign you could have on you, that your ds loves, which he can have while out of the Mac while it gets checked? remember to try practising putting favoured objects thorugh the xray tunnel too - we had meltdowns over dd1's beloved bear going out of sight, and then her not being able to have it again until she was security checked...

I have used tshirts in the past, and they do help a bit, I have found. but a lot of it will come down to the individual staff on the day - try to make sure you have as much time as possible to go through security, so that nothing needs to be rushed.

We have always found them ok
Often they have done a manual check of the pushchair and DS has not had to get out
I usually say I need to go through first - then come back and lift him out myself - usually at that point they say they won't bother getting him out and just check it manually!

we had an awful trip last year. I was travelling alone with DD (then 3, autism) and DD2 (then 10 months). I had to take DD1 out of her buggy, security insisted that she went through the metal detector on her own (cue massive tantrum). I kept beeping whenever I went through the metal detector, so I had to go into the (naked ?) scanner and extra staff come in to hold both DDs. by then both girls were in massive meltdown. was asked several times if I really travel alone with 2 children... loads of huffing and puffing. it was awful and by far the most stressful part of the journey.

We took dd to France this year. Huge massive meltdown going through customs screeching her head off. But staff were very good and whisked us to front of queue. We are going to Tunisia in July and have rung airline and arranged preboarding and got seats at front of plane so we can get off first and get to customs first

Not travelled with a child with ASD, but did travel with some friends once, whose DD (approx 7 yo) had a pacemaker and so couldn't go through the x-ray equipment. She had the official medical card that all people with pacemakers are given
Leaving UK wasn't a problem as they let mum & daughter walk around the scanner and be body searched. Coming back from Spain (Malaga airport)however was a different story. They insisted that the child went right to end of security desks (which was out of sight of where we were) to get around the scanners, but wouldn't let mum or dad go with her. Language barrier didn't help but rest assured we had one very frightened looking child when we managed to reunite at the other side. The Spanish security people were not very child friendly and very abrupt with the poor little mite. Sorry I know thats probably not what you wanted to hear OP.

We can practice going through doors etc in the house and it will be no problem - it's the unfamiliar surroundings and lots of people that is likely to upset him. I have emailed the airport and asked if security staff have had ASD awareness training and if the airport has an ASD policy - (they may be writing one right now!)

I'm going to take some Spanish autism awarness cards with me, may help if he has a meltdown while we are away!

Manchester airport has produced a booklet on travelling through the airport for those on the spectrum. It is along the lines of a social story and may be of use to others but is beyond ds understanding. We are flying from East Midlands.

www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/alldocs/4D4CC20F97DD74008025736400407C2E/$File/Airport+Awareness+book.pdf

Well at least East Midlands is a relatively quiet airport.

Went from Gatwick last time - never again!!!

Just had a response from East Midlands Airport - I'm impressed!!!

"I have spoken with security staff here and we think we may have come up with a plan for you. First of all could you please advise me when you are travelling, your flight number and departure time please. When you arrive at the airport or when you are close if you could call my desk and we can then call security and advise them you will be coming through shortly. They can stem the flow of customers at an archway ready for you to pass through without the crowds. In this way it is hoped your son will not feel stressed or upset by the experience. "

Wow that's so positive! Can they notify the airport at the other end of your journey?

Ooo, that is good! Please update once you come back and tell us how it went in reality.

Hi

We fly all the time and after I chased Ds across terminal at Charles de Gaulle 4 years ago i established that the airline you are flying with is legally required to assist you. It does vary by airline and airport how graciously the help is given but we get a member of staff who walks us through security fast track so we do not have to do the queue- Which is a huge issue for Ds- we warn the security staff not to touch Ds without warning. A warning this child is autistic and if you touch him without advance warning he will hit you works a treat. Ds runs if stressed so I warn our escort that if he runs I will drop the hand baggage for them to rescue while I run after Ds.

Contact the special assistance department of the airline first.

Ask to board first and ask for the bulkhead seats if your child may kick out; you can also request help the other end. On many airlines after parents with babies disabled get first call on those seats. We also get an airline escort from the plane to baggage and then through immigration.

If you can, confirm the arrangements and the special assistance request by e mail - one airline we used to use has a standard procedure of agreeing and then having no record by the time you get to the airport.

We live in the US now and attitudes are so much better here than the uk but the airline is legally obliged to help you. The only ones that refuse are British airways - always - they even told me they just are not afraid of being sued. It sounds like east midlands are going to help you so best of luck.