ASD and flying abroad

[SparkleTwilight]

We have booked a family holiday this summer, our flight is 8 hours long and will be DS’s first holiday abroad.

Does anybody have any tips on flying with a child with autism? DS will be 3.10 by the time we fly, he is a very active boy and doesn’t like sitting still. He is generally ok with noise, crowds and new environments, although I do worry about that the plane and ear popping.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

how exciting for you all! Can I ask are you using PECs (picture exchange communication) or have you ever introduced social stories in preparation to new situation or over come a challenging situation?

Either way, these are fabulous resources that introduce a new scenario or explain a sensation that may occur, in a calm and soothing manner.

If you need any help please feel free to message me

Hi Lazygirl, we did start to use pecs but DS became very frustrated when we tried to teach him, we may give it another go, as that was back in November and he might have a bit more patience for it now. We've not tried social stories, do you have any recommendations?

Thanks for the reassurance zzzzz, you've given me some very useful tips and ideas too. Snacks and cartoons will be a must! I completely forgot how noisy airplane toilets are. I do hope DS enjoys the whole experience

I found the easiest way to introduce PECs to an unwilling participant is sticking them on everything the symbol represents and pointing to the symbol/ verbalising its name when handing it over eg drink. It sounds crazy but really works
I have a few social stories www.etsy.com/uk/shop/lazygirllloves? they can be customised also.

Hi, yes I think DS is still considered non-verbal/echolalic, he sings nursery rhymes brilliantly, can count, recognises letters, animals, shapes, etc and can copy words but is unable to use these words as a means of communication.

So instead of asking for 'juice' he'll lead me to the hand to the juice, or bring me his cup, or try to climb on to the kitchen counter to get the juice himself .

I've not heard of Keezy but will look it up now, thanks!

You have been given some very good counsel.

May I ask where you are flying from?. If it is for instance Gatwick airport then I would contact these people asap:-

www.gatwickairport.com/at-the-airport/passenger-services/special-assistance/hidden-disabilities/

The link below can be printed out too:-

www.gatwickairport.com/globalassets/documents/passengers/prm/autismguidetogatwick.pdf

zzzzz it’s so lovely to hear that your DS has made so much progress, I can’t wait for the day that I am able to have some sort of conversation with my DS!

Attila I am flying from Gatwick thanks for those links they are very helpful