Traveling with Autistic Child

Hi, I travel with my youngest George back and forth to Chicago A Lot! We call him curious George because he always asks questions (by the millions) and at the worst possible Moment... like standing in line at the airport... Mommy Why Do people have butts? (think of his line of sight) he answered that one himself.... To keep their pants up... Whew....

Last trip to Chicago was on Frontier (I love them) the private TV as awesome he watched a children's movie, then dug in his back pack, that I had filled with stuff from the dollar store... clay was the real winner here, but I also had a sticker book, and crayons (the BIG ones) and silly putty and crackers with cheese, an extra couple juice boxes, well you get the idea... when we were ready to get off one plane and on another.. the lady in front of him turned around and looked at him, and said "I didn't know there was a child behind me.... " WOW

By the way I made him carry his back pack (roll it on wheels actually) so he looked all big like a real traveler, He loved that

Our lay over after the bathroom, and getting a snack, we counted how many blue shoes walked by then counted the planes landing in English and spaniash (thank you Dora and Diego) The second half of the trip was much like the first play dough won again....
Good luck and safe travels....

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Good Luck
B. Garcia
Barbgarcia.com
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Most of the larger airports now have children's play areas; many of which are enclosed. These provide a wonderful outlet where children are *welcome* to move around and would be a great place for him to play with his bouncing ball. If he needs a place that's completely away from the crowds, you can utilize one of the Nursing Rooms (usually near the restrooms). You can often find an airport map online that will show bathrooms, departure/arrival gates, food services, and the children's play areas. In addition, autistic children tend to do better if they are prepared in advance for a new experience (it's less overwhelming), so it may be helpful to do some repetitive exercises each day that will show your son how the traveling experience will feel and let him see what his *positive* options are when he starts having a hard time sitting/waiting. As a homeopathic way to help ease some of the internal stress, there is a supplement called Bach Flower Remedies (comes in easy to use drops), which *naturally* helps to *calm* without any unwanted side-effects. The company also came out with the same formula in an orange flavored, candy-like chew that's sweetened without the use of white sugar.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday!

As a teacher (ex) of autistic students, I must say you have the advantage of knowing your son well..and what has a chance to amuse or not (new stuff...or old comforts..or both?)
I guess what I would be concerned with are situations that would really irritate him...set him off. I had students that became impossible to work with until they could calm down (self-regulate or just wind down). Do you know the airports you will be passing through at all? If so...maybe keep in mind areas that are always quieter for some break-time. If not..find out where those areas are ...are you traveling with another adult who can help??
Interesting ideas can be obtained from adults with autism (they have conventions that they must travel to) for ways to keep calm. It might be worth a bit of research. Good luck.