A few special considerations if your move consists of one or more airplane rides:

• It is a good idea to have earplugs or noise canceling headphones for your child. If this will be your child’s first time in an airplane, be sure to discuss the sights and sounds of the airplane ride in your social story (see “Preparing for Transitions”.)
• Try to book a direct flight if you can, or at least minimize the number of connecting flights. Children with autism often have difficulty coping with the “popping” of their ears as the airplane ascends and descends. A lot of children do not understand this phenomenon. Give your child gum, hard candy, chew toys, or a drink during this portion of the plane ride; this encourages swallowing and reduces the effects of their ears popping.
• Contact the airport where you will be departing, explain your child’s diagnosis, and request a time to come to the airport and do a “dry run” of what your child should expect. The airport may allow you to come during a time of day where it is less crowded and let you walk through exactly what will happen on the day you leave, even allowing you to walk your child through the security gate. Take pictures while you are there and add them to your social story.
• If there is a layover at an airport, research the airport in advance to see if there is a child’s indoor play area. More and more airports are offering these. Take advantage of the play area, if available, and let your child run around, climb, play, and slide in order to get some energy out and be ready to sit for the next leg of your trip.
• Some airports have a USO lounge that serves as a quiet haven for military personnel and their families. These lounges provide free amenities, including snacks, internet access, and TVs. If you’d like to take advantage of the lounge, be sure to have your Military and/or Dependent ID cards handy.
• If your child is a picky eater or has allergies and if your flight will provide one more more meals, prepare in advance for this. Contact the airline to see if they make special meals or have an alternate meal option. For example, you may find that the vegetarian meal provides more food that your child will eat than the regular meal. Plan snacks ahead of time.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time for your flight. Explain to the airline at check-in that your child has autism and request bulkhead seating (at the front of the economy section.) This will give you a little extra leg room and will likely put you close to a restroom. If you think looking out the window will be interesting for your child, then request a window seat. On the other hand, if you think your child may become anxious at the thought of being in the air, then request an aisle seat or a seat in the middle section. If the flight will not be full, request a row to yourself.
• Go through the security checkpoint early to avoid the crowds. Give the security guard an information card (see “Preparing for Transitions”) that explains autism and increases his or her understanding of why your child may not follow the instructions.
• Go ahead and board the airplane when they make the first call for special boarding. Having a child with autism requires extra time to find your seat and get comfortable. This will also give you extra time to briefly talk to the airline attendant(s) about your child’s special needs. Give them an information card if necessary.
• If you have a child who is a frequent wanderer, it may greatly benefit you to invest in a type of personal locator product in the form of a watch or attachable belt unit. With all of the other things you need to keep track of, such as luggage, carry-on bags, other children, and plane tickets, this may ease your worries should your child wander out of sight when you turn away for a moment to dig in your bag. A personal locator product can cost $200 and up, but it may prove to be a great investment for your move and for the future.
  • A less expensive way to track your child is to get a military-style dog tag made with your child’s information (name, age, parents’ names and contact information, allergies, and other pertinent information; specifying if your child is nonverbal, for instance.) You can also get a bracelet made with the same information. Or, get creative and pin the same information on a small laminated index card attached to your child’s shirt or shoelace. For an older, verbal child, teach the child his or her name, age, parents’ names, and a phone number to call. Role play a scenario in which your child accidentally gets lost. Discuss the “Information Booth” at airports and how your child can find one. Write key words down for your child on an index card, such as “Information” and “lost”. Carry a recent photo to alert security personnel in case your child wanders.