Can a child with autism fly on a plane?

It will be most beneficial to your child if you are as detailed as possible (e.g., ask your child to take his or her shoes off when appropriate). Boarding. Notify the gate attendant that you are traveling with a child with an ASD and you will be allowed to board early or board last depending on your preference.



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Air travel can be an exciting, yet anxiety provoking experience. This may be particularly true for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) because of factors connected to flying, including a change in routine, navigating unfamiliar environments and considerable sensory stimulation.

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Delta, Southwest, and United all allow this extra support. JetBlue may be a low-budget carrier, but they have a program that allows for silent boarding, so passengers with disabilities can settle in and get used to their surroundings before the other passengers' board.

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If she can sleep on a plane, naptime may be a good time to fly. Plan ahead for your seats. Consider requesting bulkhead or aisle seats, particularly if your child likes to kick his or her legs or move around. > If possible, visit the airport ahead of time to help your child get used to the crowds, sights and sounds.

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Boarding. Notify the gate attendant that you are traveling with a child with an ASD and you will be allowed to board early or board last depending on your preference. Advantages of boarding early include not needing to wait in line at the gate or on the airplane while other passengers take their seats.

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DPNA. If you're travelling with a child who has autism, this four-letter “airline autism code” could make your flight a whole lot easier. It stands for “Disabled passenger with intellectual or developmental disability needing assistance“. This code lets the airline staff know that you need extra help.

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A disability notification card helps TSA agents know what to expect so that they can better serve individuals with autism, cognitive disorders, or other challenges. This will help the TSA agent to adjust their expectations so that your family isn't treated differently for having someone who is on the autism spectrum.

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Contact your airline's disability assistance department for more information. Create your own social story to help your child walk through specific events she will experience at the airport and on the airplane. Some airlines provide their own social story you can use or build on.

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The TSA has an excellent video on its YouTube account that specifically addresses autism. Passengers with developmental disabilities, including autism, have the right to be screened without being separated from their traveling companions. If a pat down is required, remember you can request a private screening.

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Tip 6: Skip the queues Once in the terminal, it is worth talking to a member of the staff near the check-in line, as they can normally send you down to a disabled or priority passenger line to check in, which is less stressful.

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A person with a disability may have a physical or mental impairment that impacts a major life activity - such as walking, hearing, or breathing. This may be on a permanent or temporary basis. For example, a person with a temporary disability may have a broken leg that is temporarily fused or immobilized.

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Options for Air Travel for Children with Severe Physical Disabilities
  1. Option 1: Use a Car Seat. ...
  2. Option 2: Fly with Your Child on Your Lap. ...
  3. Option 3: Use the CARES Harness or Other Approved Devices. ...
  4. Option 4: Make Your Own Modifications. ...
  5. Option 5: Take a Medical Flight. ...
  6. Option 6: Stretcher Service.


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A parent who purchases airline tickets for a family should receive a guarantee from the airline that it will seat the parent and child together without fees or a last-minute scramble at the gate or having to ask other passengers to give up their seat to allow the parent and child to sit together.

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JSX, Breeze, and other airlines, as well as Autism Double-Checked, provide practice boarding events across the country so families can get their kids used to flying. Some are offered in conjunction with the Arc's Wings for Autism program or other local autism organizations.

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Download and complete a Notification Card to be provided to the TSA officer who will be conducting your screening. The Notification Card is intended to describe your health condition, disability or medical device to the TSA officer in a discreet manner, helping to ensure your privacy.

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