Long haul flights x2 and extended family trip....

[noideaoffuturenow]

...which we are all very much looking forward to, inc DS 10. BUT; DS is Autistic & likely ADHD & we have avoided travel for many years due to his difficulties sitting for long periods/waiting and finding transitions hard. He likes to be in control. Is obsessed by gaming and has real trouble getting to sleep. Seems to need sensory input. All of his major meltdowns in the past have been at family events/parties. Though he loves them I think he gets over-stimulated, then incredibly sensitive and just feels an over whelming need to escape. I've been trying to figure him/this out alone; he's never had OT assessment or the like. (We've had no supper since diagnosis at all-he's in MS school & we were told would have fit the 'Aspergers' label if it was still in use). Does any one have any suggestions for making this easier for him? We've contacted the airline and have been offered speedy boarding. I've got games/kindle/audible sorted and will have his favourite crunchy/chewy snacks. What else can I do??? He sucks his thumb to get to sleep, but I know he's now embarrassed by this (I've NEVER asked him not to-the opposite in fact as I know it soothes him). But I know this will add to his stress on a long flight. HELP!

[TomeTome]

There’s a blanket to hide under for thumb sucking. Familiar snacks and drinks, noise cancelling headphones are brilliant. Lanyard for the airport here means no queue or minimal. Hoodie helps block out side vision.

[SearchingForSolitude]

As well as priority boarding think about security and disembarking. Some airports have a sensory room/quiet room. Noise cancelling headphones can help.

[noideaoffuturenow]

TomeTome-what is the blanket?

[TomeTome]

As in on long haul flights they give you a blanket which mine just hide under when they want to chill.

[GreenAndSpringy]

We have family overseas so travel nearly every year.

The lights get dimmed on long haul flights nowadays. If you can get him a window seat that isn’t in the front row/bulkhead it’s unlikely anyone is going to notice someone with digits in their mouth, with or without a blanket.

Toilets can be an issue, not all airlines (or airline crews) manage the facilities in the same way. You might have to prepare him or think about tactics for dealing with whatever you might find (even take your own cleaning kit/wipes)
Noise cancelling headphones are great for dampening the continuous roar and creating a calmer environment, it will also allow him to concentrate on his games and hear the dialogue of any movies. Be aware that some airlines cut into the entertainment system soundtracks very loudly, very insistently, often and without warning, particularly at the beginning and ends of flights.

If your kid has a chance to get to know other children on board you might be able to facilitate the friendship. This might involve you swapping seats so that they can spend time together. My own autistic kid has had lovely experiences with children her age on flights as well as having gone to soothe lots of crying babies and infants, turns out she’s extremely good at it, very young kids seem to love it when other children take an interest in them.

I find long haul flights give kids like ours who struggle to get to sleep a massive advantage. You can turn it to your advantage in many ways, including the new time zone adjustment.

For ourselves, we love flying, particularly flying long haul. I know it’s not common to hear this about those who are autistic, but it’s not misery for everyone.