Traveling with an autistic child might be a challenge, it requires planning and patience to achieve success.

Traveling by air with kids can be difficult since they can feel very uncomfortable with the length of the flight and the plane noises. Children love places where they can run, jump, play and even lay down to take a short nap, but an airplane might not be the most comfortable place to do such things. For many families, air travel can be a little stressful. But when it comes to traveling with children with autism spectrum, traveling can be a major challenge.

Today Autism Soccer is sharing some tips to try and make air travel a pleasant experience for your special kids.

Speak up

This step is one of the most important in order to have a good flying experience. When booking a flight, call the airline and mention your child’s condition. Many airlines have policies to help people with specific disabilities and are willing to make the aircraft comfortable for their needs. When arriving at the gate, is a good idea to tell the flight attendant that your child has ASD and explain why is a good idea to board first, getting settled in the seats early can make the whole flight easier.

Pay for what matters

If your kids are happy, you will be happy too. If your child likes the window seat, pay the extra fee to get it. In the long run, it’ll be money well spent, and you’ll be calmed and relaxed because your child is having a good time.

Plan for the worst

Better safe than sorry. Plan for situations that might not even happen. Pack a few of your child’s favorite toys, favorite snacks, water bottles, some change of clothes if an accident happens when eating or drinking beverages and lollipops or candies that can actually help if his/her ears start bothering. If your child is into iPad or a gaming device, bring it along with a charger that can be used on the plane.

Communicate

It’s a good idea to introduce yourself and your child to the person who sits in front of you and illustrate his/her condition. Explain to them that you’ll try to keep your child content during the flight, but ask for tolerance because it’s hard for your both of you. When doing this, people are more understanding, can actually help and understand better what's going on.

Try to plan everything before booking a flight.

Others suggestions are:

Take someone with you for support:
Take a friendly-face that can help you with your child during the flight, having a friend or someone close there to help you will be appreciated, especially for stretching your legs and taking a walk around the airport.
Be flexible:
You may have planned for different entertaining places like park or beaches, or other touristic places, but changes in routine for your autistic child can be a little difficult and can lead to meltdowns. Try to understand and be supportive. Be patient and give some love and help your child with the difficulties he may face.

If planned correctly, you can successfully have a pleasant flight with your child. Remember, try to walk in your child’s shoes to understand their needs and support them in every way possible.

For more content about the Autism Spectrum Disorder, facts, and general information about the topic, make sure to follow our social media and keep reading our blog. Autism Soccer is here to help autistic children develop safely and offer them support to achieve success!

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They need your help.

The work of a parent never stops. Every time they go out of their house with their children they need to keep absolutely everything in check. Did they take the toys, the food, the extra clothes, the snacks, the favorite stuffed animal? Did they forget something? Of course, that extra sweater in case the weather gets chilly! How could they forget? And would you look at the time? They’ll lose the flight; they’ll be late to the party; they won’t make it to the play! One could say that being a parent is like practicing an extreme sport sometimes.

Now imagine what it’s like for parents of children with special needs. They don’t only need to be sure that all former things are taken care of, they also have to watch out for all their medical needs. The syringes, the medicines that they must take several times a day, the wheelchair. One could say that being a parent of a child with special needs is like practicing an extreme sport at all times. At least, traveling definitely is. Here are a few tips to make your life easier if you’re one of them!

Start small

One thing you should take into account is that your kid probably isn’t used to all the movement, changes and noises that involve traveling long distances. If you make a long trip the first time around, you and your family are probably bound to hate it or spend the whole time stressed beyond belief. Travel close to your home, start with little trips so your child can get used to what traveling means and what it involves. Try peaceful destinations at first, such as the beach or the mountains, and start escalating from there.

Make a plan

The more you plan, the less likely it is for things to go south. Make a list two weeks before the trip and start gathering all that your child will need; you can also add any extra items that you find necessary before traveling. Map out your trip and talk to your kid about it, get him or her used to the idea, show them pictures, so they know what to expect once you get there. If you’re staying in a hotel, ask for their accessibility to children with special needs.

Consult with your child’s physician

If you have any doubts about the things your child could need when you’re out of town, be sure to contact his or her physician so they can help you figure out the best way to pull this through. Have him write you a medical letter. This way, if your kid needs any type of assistance, every medical services provider will know his or her medical history thanks to it. You can also ask the doctor what things could be harmful to your child and what could you do with them without any risk. Try finding numbers or references of pediatricians in the area you’ll be visiting.

Find transportation to meet specific needs

If you’re going to fly, pick the airline wisely. Some of them do better than others when it comes to accommodating individuals with special needs. Prepare your kid for the experience of flying or traveling by any other mean. Show them pictures or videos and read about it with them. The TSA has launched a brand new helpline for individuals with special needs, called TSA Cares Travellers, may call 1-855-787-2227 before traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint.

Finally, remember that it’s a family trip that’s supposed to be fun. It might not be on the first attempt, but don’t give up just yet. Try to anticipate any possible scenario that could upset your child and prepare beforehand. Give yourself a day to rest once you’re at the destination, kids get tired pretty quickly, and they might need the extra rest to recover some of their energy. If you’re traveling these holidays, we hope you have an awesome time! See you in January at Autism Soccer with more of our content.