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Linda J
We are flying to Orlando this fall, and both our sons have autism. This will be their first time on a plane and I can only pray things will go well while we're on board.
I believe both boys are ready for this trip, but it would certainly help if anyone who has gone through a simular situation could give me some tips on what you found worked or what you wish you had done differently. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks everyone for your advice. When I read about having the boys watch movies about flying, the first movie I thought of was Airplane!
That probably wasn't what you were thinking of though... :)
Once again, thanks for the tips!
Answer
I have flown several times with my autistic son...once from Tokyo to Washington DC! While our kids are always unpredicatable, there are a few things I have learned.
1) Book either the earliest flight out or the very last. While this may mean adjusting your dates a bit or even spending a night at the airport to make a 600am flight, there can be benefits. Extremely early flights or red eyes flights tend be less than full. This can mean less people and more room. It can also mean two tired boys...let them stay up a little late the night before or run them hard the day off. You want them tired enough to doze off. I also gave my son benedryll before each flight (he has allergies anyway and the cabin pressure was often uncomfortable for him). If your sons take meds to help them sleep, talk to your pediatrician about how to adjust the dosage or time you give them to accomodate the flight,.
2) Tell the airline from the moment you book that you are flying with two special needs children. Take advantge of every service they offer...early boarding (although I tend to wait for last call..less time in seats that way), assistance to connectors and baggage claim, anything. When you buy the tickets (or if you have) make it clear that you must all be seated together (unless you have another adult with you), with no exceptions. Take a look at the seating chart for your flight and request either a full row of three seats and/or bulkhead seats (more room). Make it clear to the airline that seating you in a row of five with two other people is not the best of ideas. In most cases they are able to accomodate that request. I have never had an issue with them moving folks so we could all be kept together.
3) Prep the boys! Talk about flight. Talk about how long it will take, things you can and can't do on a plane. Take longer car rides to get them used to more time in a confined seat. If you have taken road trips before, use that to explain the idea of having to sit for a long time. Show them pictures of the plane, the seats. Read books, watch movies...anything to get them excited and informed.
4) Prep yourself. Each boy should have a backpack with some favorite toys and new things. The favorite should include any stim items or comfort items they have. Flying, no matter the amount of prep, may prove stressful for them so let them wave the string, bounce the slinky, twirl thier straws...anything that will help. Bring toys, handheld games or even portable DVD palyers with headphones to keep them focused and involved. Pack in a few new things...anything they really like (coloring books, small bags of legos, matchbox cars...for my son it was a large collection of colored drinking straws..he would connect them into all sorts of things). You can either surprise them or let them choose items for the trip. Pack a few extras in your suitcase to slip into the bags on the flight back. Pack some snacks and bottled water (check regs to see what you can bring). ALWAYS pack a full set of extra clothes for everyone. If your sons don't like dripped on shirts or spilled on pants, it can be a long flight if you don't have spares handy.
5) When you board the flight, immediately buzz and speak to the flight attendents. Explain you are travelling withtwo autistic children and that you may need some help at some point. The attendant can be your best friend on a flight! If a meltdown happens (or you see it coming) buzz the attendant. Explain what is going on. She may be able to move you to a more secluded row. In any case, let HER handle any complaints or comments from other passengars if the issue arises. Do not get into a verbal confrontation..simply ask her to take care of it.
Once you land thank everyone. When your trip is over, and assuming everyone was supportive and helpful, write a note to the airline praising the crew on your flights...or pointing out how they failed to meet your needs. Both are equally important.
6) Have scheduled times to get up and move. Now, turbulance can interfere with this plan, but it is best to let the boys know that after they finish their snack, you will all walk to the absolute farthest restroom from where you are! Practice "plane walking" at home...walking with hands are our sides (pockets could be really helpful here..hands in pockets), no stopping, no jumping, waiting our turn,etc.
7) Think ahead...if your children dislike loud noises, the engines may be too much. Headphones (hooked into something or just covering thier ears) will be a huge help. Kids with sensitivity to vibrations shouldn't sit against the side of the plane and may need to sit on a pillow or folded blanket. You can put arm rests up to give everyone more room. Seat belts must stay on, no exceptions. If your child is flying in a car seat, they must stay strapped in. Practice this...some autistic children are bothered by the pressure. Finally, get a note from your doctor explaining the boys' issues. This may come in handy if you are hit for security checks. It will not exempt the boys, but a note explaining the boys issues with touch or long lines may help. Also, be sure you practive having the boys take off their shoes for the security gates. My son freaked out...he didn't understand he would get the shoes back!
Travelling with our kids can take a lot of prep...often times half of what you did won't even be an issue, but it is always best to be prepared. I have known dozens of families with autistic children who travel...you can do this and the boys will be fine. Even if things go a bit off course, just roll with it.
I have flown several times with my autistic son...once from Tokyo to Washington DC! While our kids are always unpredicatable, there are a few things I have learned.
1) Book either the earliest flight out or the very last. While this may mean adjusting your dates a bit or even spending a night at the airport to make a 600am flight, there can be benefits. Extremely early flights or red eyes flights tend be less than full. This can mean less people and more room. It can also mean two tired boys...let them stay up a little late the night before or run them hard the day off. You want them tired enough to doze off. I also gave my son benedryll before each flight (he has allergies anyway and the cabin pressure was often uncomfortable for him). If your sons take meds to help them sleep, talk to your pediatrician about how to adjust the dosage or time you give them to accomodate the flight,.
2) Tell the airline from the moment you book that you are flying with two special needs children. Take advantge of every service they offer...early boarding (although I tend to wait for last call..less time in seats that way), assistance to connectors and baggage claim, anything. When you buy the tickets (or if you have) make it clear that you must all be seated together (unless you have another adult with you), with no exceptions. Take a look at the seating chart for your flight and request either a full row of three seats and/or bulkhead seats (more room). Make it clear to the airline that seating you in a row of five with two other people is not the best of ideas. In most cases they are able to accomodate that request. I have never had an issue with them moving folks so we could all be kept together.
3) Prep the boys! Talk about flight. Talk about how long it will take, things you can and can't do on a plane. Take longer car rides to get them used to more time in a confined seat. If you have taken road trips before, use that to explain the idea of having to sit for a long time. Show them pictures of the plane, the seats. Read books, watch movies...anything to get them excited and informed.
4) Prep yourself. Each boy should have a backpack with some favorite toys and new things. The favorite should include any stim items or comfort items they have. Flying, no matter the amount of prep, may prove stressful for them so let them wave the string, bounce the slinky, twirl thier straws...anything that will help. Bring toys, handheld games or even portable DVD palyers with headphones to keep them focused and involved. Pack in a few new things...anything they really like (coloring books, small bags of legos, matchbox cars...for my son it was a large collection of colored drinking straws..he would connect them into all sorts of things). You can either surprise them or let them choose items for the trip. Pack a few extras in your suitcase to slip into the bags on the flight back. Pack some snacks and bottled water (check regs to see what you can bring). ALWAYS pack a full set of extra clothes for everyone. If your sons don't like dripped on shirts or spilled on pants, it can be a long flight if you don't have spares handy.
5) When you board the flight, immediately buzz and speak to the flight attendents. Explain you are travelling withtwo autistic children and that you may need some help at some point. The attendant can be your best friend on a flight! If a meltdown happens (or you see it coming) buzz the attendant. Explain what is going on. She may be able to move you to a more secluded row. In any case, let HER handle any complaints or comments from other passengars if the issue arises. Do not get into a verbal confrontation..simply ask her to take care of it.
Once you land thank everyone. When your trip is over, and assuming everyone was supportive and helpful, write a note to the airline praising the crew on your flights...or pointing out how they failed to meet your needs. Both are equally important.
6) Have scheduled times to get up and move. Now, turbulance can interfere with this plan, but it is best to let the boys know that after they finish their snack, you will all walk to the absolute farthest restroom from where you are! Practice "plane walking" at home...walking with hands are our sides (pockets could be really helpful here..hands in pockets), no stopping, no jumping, waiting our turn,etc.
7) Think ahead...if your children dislike loud noises, the engines may be too much. Headphones (hooked into something or just covering thier ears) will be a huge help. Kids with sensitivity to vibrations shouldn't sit against the side of the plane and may need to sit on a pillow or folded blanket. You can put arm rests up to give everyone more room. Seat belts must stay on, no exceptions. If your child is flying in a car seat, they must stay strapped in. Practice this...some autistic children are bothered by the pressure. Finally, get a note from your doctor explaining the boys' issues. This may come in handy if you are hit for security checks. It will not exempt the boys, but a note explaining the boys issues with touch or long lines may help. Also, be sure you practive having the boys take off their shoes for the security gates. My son freaked out...he didn't understand he would get the shoes back!
Travelling with our kids can take a lot of prep...often times half of what you did won't even be an issue, but it is always best to be prepared. I have known dozens of families with autistic children who travel...you can do this and the boys will be fine. Even if things go a bit off course, just roll with it.
Gift ideas (Educational gift preferred) for a 12 year old and 9 year old(boys)?
usc2
Any gift ideas for these two boys:
12 year old kid :
-Besides : Video games, clothes, money, and gift card.
-Hes doing excellent in school so looking for something fun for him.
9 Year old kid:
- Trying to find an educational gift idea besides backpacks and markers etc.
Under 60 for each please.
haha much thanks
Answer
What about something like Lego Mindstorm. It is kind of expensive, but maybe it can be a gift for both of them. Then you could combine their budgets.
(PS - Don't you hate it when people answer you by finding fault with the question?)
What about something like Lego Mindstorm. It is kind of expensive, but maybe it can be a gift for both of them. Then you could combine their budgets.
(PS - Don't you hate it when people answer you by finding fault with the question?)
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Title Post: Has anyone flown with their autistic children before?
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