Taking Flight With Sensory Issues

June 5, 2017 by Anna Snyder

Update to original article: Covid-19. For Autism Speaks resources on mask policies while traveling see here and for Southwest Airlines new mask policy exemptions for people with disabilities see here. For other airline mask exemption policies see here.

Family air travel involves challenges, particularly flying with young children. For many families in our area, summer vacations include air travel to destinations all over the world. However, for some families with children on the autism spectrum or with other sensory disorders, air travel isn’t an option. Some avoid flying altogether because of the very real fear of the unknown – what if they plan a trip, pay for airline tickets, and then everything goes wrong once they get to the airport, are going through security, or in the middle of a flight? Not being able to fly can severely limit time with families and vacation or even medical care options.

How can families with children on the autism spectrum alleviate the stresses involved with air travel and make it possible and more manageable?

Organizations such as Autism Speaks and The Arc have teamed up with airlines to provide programs to help families take flight. In partnership with Autism Speaks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting solutions for the needs of individuals with autism and their families, JetBlue Airways hosts Blue Horizons for Autism events across the country. These events provide families with the opportunity to walk through the airport experience in a realistic setting to prepare them for travel. While the program has been offered in just a few cities so far, JetBlue and Autism Speaks are working to expand their offerings. For more information about future events, visit the Autism Speaks Facebook page: www.facebook.com/autismspeaks. Autism Speaks offers a helpful bibliography of travel tips and resources on their website as well. Visit www.autismspeaks.org and search “traveling tips” for a list of books and websites.

United, American, Delta, and Southwest also have dedicated assistance teams to provide any necessary accommodations. All recommend families contact the airline directly well in advance of any scheduled flight.  The Arc, a nonprofit organization that serves the needs of individuals and families affected by developmental disabilities, sponsors the Wings for Autism/Wings for All program across the country. Like JetBlue, Wings for Autism provides airport “rehearsals” for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and intellectual/ development disabilities. Families are able to practice the entire process, from checking in to navigating through security to actually boarding the airplane. Currently, there are no events within driving distance of Southwest Florida on The Arc’s calendar, but families interested in bringing the program closer to home are encouraged to contact The Arc at wingsforautism@thearc.org.

LARC, Inc. is the local chapter of The Arc, and serves Lee County and northern Collier County. LARC’s Hope Zapata offers tips to parents traveling with children on the autism spectrum. “Notify the airline to request specific seats, and contact TSA Cares, a helpline that provides support for the security screening process, as soon as possible. Consider the possibility of taking some type of practice run by contacting the airport to find out if there is an access program in place for families with children who have special needs.” Though the local chapter of The Arc does not regularly offer air travel events or opportunities for families with children on the autism spectrum, “new opportunities always arise,” said Zapata. “Stay in touch by checking our website www.larcleecounty.org and signing up for our newsletter.”

Wings for Autism/Wings for All’s website provides a wealth of information for families traveling this summer. Visit www.thearc. org/wingsforautism.

Advice

Lee Cosentino of Naples has two sons, Nicholas and Christopher, with whom she travels regularly. Her oldest, Nicholas, is in first grade and was diagnosed with ASD at a young age. “I was nervous the first time we traveled, but that was because Nicholas was only seven weeks when we adopted him,” she explained. “He and I traveled every couple of months his first two years. Because he grew up used to traveling so often, he grew accustomed to it and felt more comfortable than if we hadn’t traveled so often.”

“When Nicholas was about 18 months old, the sensory disorder was apparent to us, though we didn’t have an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis for another year. We were working with an occupational therapist to help him manage his environment. There we were prescribed a therapeutic listening program (specially designed headphones and music) to relax him, which we brought on all of our plane trips. We were taught a skin brushing protocol as well, and we took his special little brush with us everywhere. It was very calming and grounding for him. And of course, we brought along special items from home, such as a stuffed animal or special toy. These types of items are helpful for any child, but especially for children who may need these items to feel like they can cope with the stress.”

Lee’s son happens to enjoy air travel and airplanes in general. “As for air travel,” she said, “we have really lucked out there. Not only has Nicholas been traveling often since he was a baby, but he also developed an obsession with airplanes, which has helped him cope with the logistics of air travel. Because he became hyper-focused on getting to the plane, he was able to overcome his anxiety and all the challenges related to his sensory disorder.”

Another local mom, Kristi, shared her air travel experience. “My son, Andrew, is 13 years old. He has autism and various developmental disabilities. He also has anxiety which makes it extremely difficult for him to communicate with anyone he doesn’t know very well.” Traveling was – and is – a daunting proposition for Kristi and her son. “I have only traveled once with him to Connecticut with my parents, and it was relatively uneventful. Of course, my positive experience could be due to the fact that I had two other adults to help me. Fortunately, during that experience, we avoided all but one minor meltdown. We are planning to go away for another trip up north mid-June, and I’m concerned it won’t go so easily this time around.”

Be prepared

Preparation is key to flying for any family, and especially so when you are traveling with a kid with ASD. “Many children benefit from a little preparation,” said Charlene Westman, owner of Building Blocks, Inc. in Naples. “Social stories are a great tool to help prepare children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Several examples are easily found on the internet, or you can prepare a story specific to the trip your family will be taking. Pictures can help some children enhance understanding. A social story about air travel can be read frequently in the days and weeks ahead of the trip.” Autism Speaks provides a social story that you can print out from its website at www.autismspeaks.org/air-travel-resources.

“On the day of the trip, be sure to bring your child’s favorite items. Try to include items that can keep his or her interest for long periods of time. Activities may involve paper and pencils, coloring books, or electronic tools such as tablets, DVD players, or video games. For families who plan to offer electronics on the flight, don’t forget extra chargers or batteries.” Westman also recommends sensory items for children: “Tools for successful air travel may also include chewy tubes, weighted blankets or vests, and your child’s favorite drinks and snacks.”

Westman also encouraged parents to consider long-term goals regarding family vacations. “I would highly suggest taking pictures along the way. After your trip, you can review the pictures as a family to help your child develop positive emotional memories about your trip. This type of shared positive experience can be very powerful.”