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I have always flown with my severely autistic child, last journey was an 8 hour flight to New York. When he was 6 I prepaied him with some web resources, films about planes etc. When he was young he did not like the ear popping but that was compensated by being allowed to eats a lolly and sweets. I have always been positive about flying but let him wear an autism awareness badge (ebay) as not to have to explain incase he started to behave undesirable. (the badge said: I have autism, if found alone call.xxxxxx) I just waited in the seated area so was always one of the last to get on the plane, you do not want to be first that means a 45 minute wait before anything happens. Flying has never been a huge problem but than I have never been nervous about it or thought very deeply about what could go wrong with his sensative ears etc, etc. Take his favourite toy or but something he might like like a leapfrog playset. And if your child start shouting, crying etc, toff luck for the other passengers, you did your best to keep him quiett and if you take him often enough he will get used to it. Called desensatising, lol. I can fly around the world if I wanted to and my child would happely follow :-)

what exactly are you concernd about? Is it flying itself, or travelling generally, being in a new place? I agree with Pluto dont get on the plane first. I would make sure you get allocated seats and go on last otherwise you will be stuck on the plane for ages which is not good for any child. But make sure you get off first! Whenever I go anywhere new with Simba, I do a lot of prep, we look at maps, pictures of where we are going. Simba likes to know detail so I go over time of flight, train, how long its going to take, What happens at the airport, how we get to where we are staying. I take lots to keep him occupied - colouring, sticker books and best Teddies and favourite snacks. Not had any problems over and above what most parents get with kids getting bored hanging around

It's about keeping their anxiety levels low, so do whatever you need to at the airport in particular. A friend of mine's daughter took a complete panic attack at the door of the plane and in the end the plane left without them as she wouldn't calm down. I wouldn't go with a budget airline in case something like this happens (first time you just don't know) - an airline like BA would probably be quite helpful and they tend to have another flight sometime soon. You don't want to be on the only flight that day/week with a budget airline or you could get well stuck. There is a good Topsy and Tim book about them flying which you might find helpful. Otherwise, I just try to accommodate their needs (I have two with asd). Have a good flight.

Hi all Thanks for your reply's, our main fears are - our total lack of control !, the lack of compliance1 When we need to do one thing and little boy has to do it his way ! total meltdown ! more total melt down!! lol. Inappropriate behaviour. oh and armed police swooping down on us like birds of pray towing child protection office's in their wake! seriously though mmmm yes all of the above but I guess that's just an ordinary day any way lol ! good idea about boarding last and getting off first and also the badge, we have started to prep him as well and he is does know the airport we are going to. he will have a carry on case full of books and quiet toys to be in charge of (hopefully that will distract him a bit !) I pity the poor people in front of us and am quite prepared for endless round's of "Sorry") mmmm been there before ! Cheers Len

I agree with all the other posts. You can also get credit size cards from the Autistic Society that explains a bit about why yor child might be acting a little differently. I found these invaluable to give out quietly whenever necessary. people would often say---oh, no problem---but think that was because I had made the effort to help them understand.

We read the Topsy and TIm go on an aeroplane millions of time (I was very nervous re ED (not dx ASD at the time, but very anxious which could lead to who knew what . She was 5 at the time). They had their own suitcases which we used as our carry on luggage, and lots of activities/comics inside. Have to say, turns our she's a fab traveller, - nose pressed to the window all the way. My top tip is to remember to tell him that you're coming home! We focused on the travels and trip and forgot to say we were only going for a week!

Hi Imc thanks the cards and returning idea's sound great ! Little boy has not been dx yet ! we have an appointment when we get back from half term with the ed psycn for an ASD test!, hopefully we will get a good result from that, as little boy needs the support in school. my wife is slightly nervous about using the ASD label, but we both know he is ! He does not seem to be too bothered at the moment, I think I'm the one who's worried lol I can just picture it; little boy whooping every five seconds because there is an echo ! we trying to keep him quite, him shouting don't talk daddy or don't talk mummy followed by !!!!!!!!! Mmmmmm yes ! but hay ho, he will probably be great ? I just hope he won't hog the window lol Regards Len