Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

SN children

Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

Flip

Original poster

flying with autistic child

13 replies

12345678910 · 17/05/2008 13:23

any last tips going on monday

only got a definite diagnosis last week of autism

she appears to be excited that we r going on a plane, but says little else, mind u she says little anyway.

OP posts:

ManxMum · 17/05/2008 13:29

My son just loves flying! He usually falls asleep.

A bag with treats and drinks in and if it long haul and you can afford it, a personal DVD player.

Board plane last if you can.

amber32002 · 17/05/2008 13:38

I have to know where we're going - maps, photos, plans. I have to know the schedule of what we will take, what we will do at each stage, what will happen at the car park, check-in, boarding, during the flight, at the end, where we're going etc. If I'm missing any of the detail, I'll worry myself sick about it. At my age it's not something others will "see", but a child will just get distressed or disruptive.

So, the more info, the better. And definitely take something that comforts and is very familiar - a favourite toy/blanket/jumper - whatever works.

Original poster

12345678910 · 17/05/2008 14:10

ok thanks yep i have the favourite blanket ready and a toy was thinking about the dvd player but we have 2 children and couldnt afford two i dont think, so either two or none i think.

OP posts:

mybrainaches · 17/05/2008 14:13

My ds was fine when we flew, he was 5 at the time, the worst was just a flicker of panick on his face as the plane speeded up the runway, but it was very short lived.

TopBitch · 17/05/2008 16:18

Bring a favourite toy, lots of food and drinks, books on tape or a dvd player.

You will have to buy the drinks after you go through security.

amber32002 · 17/05/2008 17:33

PS, watch out for/warn child about any likely flickering/flashing lights or sudden loud/grating noises. Don't try new "holiday clothing" for the occasion either - make it something they're really comfortable wearing already. And enjoy yourselves

Homsa · 17/05/2008 20:35

DS, also autistic - fine with flying (i.e. oblivious to everything except his pocket calculator) aged 2, total hyperventilating screaming panic aged 3, slightly anxious but brave now, aged 4...

When panicking, we found that having a blanket for him to hide under helped a bit. But he still spent most of that memorable flight screaming at the top of his voice almost non stop for 1.5 hours... I'd say be prepared for the worst and grateful if it doesn't happen!

onthepier · 17/05/2008 21:16

I also have an autistic son. We bought him a toy aeroplane a week before we flew and let him take it on the plane. He really enjoyed it, kept saying "big aeroplane, little aeroplane"!

Original poster

12345678910 · 17/05/2008 22:54

homsa,how did others react when ur ds screamed, we have told the airline and they have said they will put us somewhere more appropriate but we will see if it happens!!

booked r seats to worth the money 2 b together

OP posts:

Romy7 · 18/05/2008 17:26

My dd2 isn't autistic, (athetoid cp with some sensory issues) but really struggles with the 'voices from nowhere' thing when they make announcements over the tannoy - ie someone speaking loudly - loud music for the safety brief - etc... We've done the screaming thing for hours too so have to explain, re-explain, and show her where the ladies stand to talk to the passengers, where the microphone is (look when you get on), and where the speakers are for the 'voices' and music to come out. We also try to warn her when it is about to happen, and can mostly get away with her sitting on my lap and a death grip rather than a mainline flip out these days! Thought I would mention it as it is our main trigger point... She does it at the theatre and used to do it with story tapes at school too... Hope you have a peaceful flight!!!

Homsa · 18/05/2008 21:15

tbh I was so busy with DS I didn't really notice (or care) how other people reacted! I suppose we must have got some tuts and stares, and I remember that some flight attendant was flapping around us offering this and that, none of which helped... Can't think where a "more appropriate" place would be in an aeroplane - other than putting DS in the cargo bay, you would have heard him anywhere!

Just remembered, one thing that seemed to help DS was the safety instructions card which had pictures on it that showed people getting out of the aeroplane (via a slide, lol). He was clutching that as if his life depended on it - as if he was thinking, there's a picture here of people getting out of this, so I will get out too!

Hope it goes well!

Wuxiapian · 19/05/2008 07:19

My son loves flying - once we're up in the air, that is. He doesn't like the sudden speed and noise when taking off.

Take nibbles and a couple books to occupy her. She'll be fine.

Hope all goes well.

wooga · 19/05/2008 12:52

My son loves flying too,he has a couple of books about going on an aeroplane that he loves going through and he likes to act out our past airport visits!

The only thing that caught me out last time was the delay in getting our luggage from the conveyor belts-ds was really upset by how much longer it was taking because it was so much slower than the other times.

With hindsight I'd have kept a surprise toy or something to bring out and distact ds at a time like this-will definitely do it next time!

Flip