Living Well With Autism
- Welcome
- Coping
- Autism handbook
- Meal time tips
- Bed time tips
- Play and engagement tips
- Communication Tips
- How to Use Picture Cards and Schedules
- Pragmatic Language Visual Helpers
- Sign Language Visual Helpers
- Behaviors picture cards
- Eloping picture cards
- Self Care Visual Helpers
- Food Visual Helpers
- Bedtime Picture Cards and Schedules
- Cooking Visual Helpers
- Restaurant Visual Helpers
- Dentist Visual Helpers and Tips
- Beach Picture Cards
- Speech Therapy Picture Cards
- OT and Sensory Picture Cards
- Therapeutic Horseback Riding
- Saint Patrick's Day
- Mardi Gras Picture Cards and Activities
- Easter Picture Cards and Activities
- Halloween Picture Cards and Activities
- Thanksgiving Picture Cards and Activities
- Christmas Picture Cards and Activities
- Holiday Picture Cards
- How to Use Social Stories
- Travel and Holidays
- Special interests
- Safety tips and abuse prevention
- Online Resources
- Contact Mary
Traveling by plane: tips and picture cards
Before You Go
- Prepare your child in advance with visual helpers (below).
- If possible, choose a non-stop, morning flight.
- Car or train travel may be a better option for some trips.
- Pack your carry-on bag with water, chewy and crunchy snacks, and sensory toys. Remember, you cannot take water through security, generally. Purchase it at the gate.
- If possible, arrange in advance to have your child seated next to a window, with no occupied seats in front of him (because children may kick the seat in front of them).
Surviving Security Screening
I did check with the TSA for their tips before writing this article, but I did not find their suggestions very helpful or, in reality, executed with consistency. In practice, I think approaches vary from airport to airport.
Some airports are starting to have "practice runs" designed for kids with autism, so you may want to ask about that in advance. I think it's a great idea.
In my experience, going through security screening, with or without a child, is not fun, but keep your cool. At the security gates, consider the handicapped entrance, which may cut your wait in line.
Since the alternate security check for handicapped individuals tends to be more physically hands on and thorough, you can ask the checker to touch your child as little as possible, but they might not comply. Expect them to check your child's wheelchair or stroller. Being touched by a stranger may not be comfortable for your child, but if you prepare them in advance with visual helpers and simple explanations, I have found that it helps a lot.
Click here to download a social story about going on a plane trip.
Click here to to download picture symbols related to airport security screening.
Board Early and Give Them a Heads Up
At the gate, ask to seat your child before the other passengers board the plane, if needed.
As you board, warn the attendants that your child may vocalize or squirm.
I do find that an upbeat and loving attitude (rather than appearing anxious or embarrassed) earns me more tolerance for him--I've never been hassled about my son's behaviors on the plane (and he does flap and vocalize, sometimes).
