new here and need advice

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-21-2004
new here and need advice
5
Tue, 06-05-2007 - 10:03pm

My name is Mindy. My son Nathan is 6 yr old and is in the process of seeing the specialiest to see if my son has this or not. I have a question about taking a plane trip with a child with Asperger's Syndrome. My son and I are going to NC for a week to a family reunion and we have to fly there. My son has a hear time with alot of noise and with alot of people. He will shutdown his self or he is start to cry or hit himself. He loves animals and I will be taking some of his stuff animals. Is there any thing that I can do before hand to help me deal with him and for him to make it alot more claim for him? Any infomation that you have to share with me will be great. We are leaving in 2 weeks for our trip.

Thanks,
Mindy

DS:Nathan
DOB:10/30/00

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-25-2003
Tue, 06-05-2007 - 10:40pm

Hi Mindy and welcome,


I have flown a few times with my Aspies and I have some tips:



  • Prepare
-Paula

visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Tue, 06-05-2007 - 10:40pm

I just got home from a plane trip with my 6yo Aspie....well, not JUST got home, but I remember it fondly.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-10-2006
Wed, 06-06-2007 - 8:46am
Hi Mindy!
I second the headphones! Nick has a pair that he wears anytime we will be someplace there will be alot of noise as well. They block out alot of the noise and awfulness that may drive your little one nuts! At the airport, find a nice quiet spot to sit (if possible), depending on where you are flying out of, maybe the airline you are using has a red carpet club or business center to get away for a few minutes. Maybe if you explain your situation they might let you sit in a conference room for a little bit, doesnt hurt to try? If not, there are lots of nooks you can find. Pre-board first and sit at the front of the airplane, less engine noise. The bulkhead row has more room as well. Have him sit next to the window too, fun to look out! Bring lots of books, coloring, Gameboy, whatever will keep him busy. I always took a sipper cup for Nick when we flew (he was 4 when we last flew), it helped clear the ears, a water bottle will work too. Snacks too, lots of them. Airport food is $$! I also carried Nick piggyback through alot of the airport, no easy feat as it was just me and him, but I carried the backpack on my front and him on my back. It was alot easier than trying to chase after him when he got overstimulated and hyper and wanted to run. You can also check at your library, there are some videos out there about the airport, that might help! Hopefully everything will go OK for you! Good luck!!
Christine

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Christine

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-03-2004
Wed, 06-06-2007 - 9:32am

Welcome, Mindy,

The ear-clearing became a big problem for us at one point and lollipops to suck on were our savior. Of course it is sugar unless you get the sugar-free at the health food store... Anyways, our ds learned to clear his ears now, but we had some hideous landings before we found out about lollipops.

Our son loves airports, watching planes take off and land, etc. and he shares this avid aero-interest with his dad the pilot, so the rest of it is not a problem for us.

Good luck!

Sara
ilovemalcolm

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-09-2007
Sat, 06-09-2007 - 9:35pm
First you should talk to your pediatrician or specialist, if you have one, regarding if you should take him at all. That is not what you would want to be told, I'm sure, but in his best interest putting him through all of those negative emotions would not be worth the trip. The airport, the plane, the unfamiliar surroundings and people in NC all make for a horrible nightmare for your son. My Aspie son is 8 years old and was diagnosed at age 4. We took a flight across the country when he was about 2. He had a hard time relaxing or even being in the plane until it started to descend and the change in pressure put him right to sleep. A delayed flight home made things extra difficult waiting in the airport and we didn't even know about Asperger's at the time. Our children cannot adapt, accept, or snap out of the very emotions that make them who they are. If you have a trusted person that that your son is comfortable with who could take care of him so you can go, that might work but most likely he would have difficulty with that as well. We often must set our own desires aside to make the best decisions for our sweet babies, but in the long run we know we have done the right thing for them and it makes it all worthwhile. God doesn't give these children to losers but to the winners that He knows can love and care for them the way they deserve. God bless you richly
momadoma