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One common question I get is: "What should parents do when traveling with their autistic child on an airplane?"
Here are four quick thoughts:
1) When you get to the airport, tell the airline that you have an autistic child. They will often allow you to skip lines that could otherwise be challenging for both you and your family.
2) Bring a bunch of distracting toys. Most people try to stop their child from stimming. This is a time when you want your child to zone out. Bring whatever toys or media devices that will help your child to sit quietly for some or all of the flight.
3) Enlist the support of the people around you. Tell the people in your row (as well as the rows in front and behind you) that you have an autistic child. By doing this, instead of them judging you, they will be inclined toward sympathy and perhaps even offer to help. One mother I know handed out business cards to all the people in her section of the plane that read, "My Child is autistic. I apologize for any inconvenience. I'm doing the best I can." People were friendly and helpful to her throughout the flight.
4) Finally, there are some people who will judge you and your child no matter what you do or say. They are allowed to be unhappy and it is not your job to fix their misery. Remember that all you can do is your best. Just do what you can to take care of your child and don't worry about everyone else. You're probably never going to see them again anyway.
Jonathan Levy's book What You Can Do Right Now to Help Your Autistic Child is available at Amazon.com as well as all other major booksellers.
