kathyanne Report post Posted August 16, 2011 Hi... Can anyone help/// we live abroad in NZ and my son who suffers from AS, is coming to visit us for the first time over here in december... hes flown before but only with us when he was younger, now hes an adult, he has communication difficulties and social issues like most with AS, does anyone know if airlines help asbies with airflights.. i.e getting to and from terminals etc... does anyone have any experience or are you an aspie that has flown alone and how did you cope?? i would really appreciate any feedback, kat. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tally Report post Posted August 16, 2011 This leaflet was produced by Manchester Airport specifically for people flying with autistic children. It is a bit childish and the photos are of Manchester Airport, but the general information about things like going through security could be very helpful. http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/alldocs/4D4CC20F97DD74008025736400407C2E/$File/Airport+Awareness+book.pdf There may well be support available at the airport. Just looking at Manchester as an example, their website seems to suggest that he could book someone to accompany him in the airport: http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/Content/AirportAccessibilty I am an aspie and I have flown alone a couple of times, but only as far as Belfast. But going through the airport is much the same process as a long flight. If you look anxious, you are likely to be picked out for additional security. It's worth looking up the different kinds of security checks they might do, just so your son is prepared for what might happen. It's best also to remind him that airports are not a good place to make jokes. If your son has (or can get hold of) an Autism Alert Card, I would recommend he carries this somewhere easily accessible in the airport. It can also be a good idea to prepare a short speech in advance, so he doesn't have to try to make sense if he gets into a panic. It doesn't need to be much, just something like, "I'm autistic so I need you to explain things very clearly and make sure I understand what's happening." I have found though, that they are very good at explaining exactly what they're going to do and giving very clear instructions. But preparation can make you feel more comfortable. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kathyanne Report post Posted August 17, 2011 hi there.. thanks so much for that, and i found the airport information really good... appreciate it . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
