Taking SN DC on holiday in UK: any advice?

[WestCoastWinnie]

Oldest DS (11) has FASD - behavioural issues mainly - he is in a special class here (not UK although we're both originally from UK) and we use respite quite a bit to give us a break. We have a younger DS also (6). We haven't been on holiday much as a family in the last few years as oldest does not fly/travel well. We're planning on bringing them both back to the UK for 3 weeks this summer - it's the first time in a while for both. TBH we said 'never again' last time but all our families are in the UK, and this year is a family reunion/cruise.
Does anyone have tips or advice? We keep flipping back and forth between thinking we're crazy and feeling like we should make the effort as oldest DS rarely sees his family in the UK.

I can't tell you how it will work out but I do think you should do the trip - so here's what I'd do:
Mark on the calendar when you're going
Show him pics of family he'll be seeing with labels of their names
Get pictures of where you'll be staying and any family homes you'll be seeing
Pictures of the airports
Can he do iPods? This would be good for any overwhelming situation he could withdraw and put his music on
Electronic games, books whatever should be packed and used during the flight
Bring ur own sealed snacks for the plane - electronic games good there too
YouTube videos of the area you'll be visiting and point out if we drive on the wrong side
Practise what to do if he gets upset
Pre-plan some manageable activities eg: swimming
Phone the airline and tell them ur situation - they may offer priority boarding etc and see if you can fast track security.
Email the family you'll be visiting and explain his dx - so as to avoid ignorance

Sorry slight panic as I remembered I hadnt put ds PE kit together

I would just try to plan and prepare everything I could so as to minimise any surprises - my ds always needs a couple of days to settle and I find swimming and long walks help him - good luck with whatever you decide

Thanks Frizzcat! Some really great ideas. I will contact the airline for sure, we had a horrible flight back last time - I think it would have helped if the cabin crew had known ahead of time. I do feel it's worth the risk but sometimes wish it were easier .

We all do - but I always hope that by preparing it will get better and the more we do it the more practice my ds has with it. Music has been fantastic especially dealing with noisy handryers in public toilets. Stay calm keep your expectations low then nothing is a disappointment and if the worst doesn't happen it's a bonus!