autismpop

Our family tried a trip by plane to California from MN last year with our 4 yr old daughter (this is before she was formally dx'd - not that it really matters) and it was utter hell. Screaming in the plane, running all over the place in the airport -- of course all the dirty looks of others all the way, and our combined exasperation at trying to keep her calm. Now with the holidays fast approaching my wife is planning yet another excursion to the west for family/holiday visits and I'm already getting anxious about a repeat of last year's travel trauma. Would welcome any advice as to how to make the holiday travel experience even one iota more manageable!

fonzie83

Hey, there, we had the same problem with our son. What we do now is keep him busy, busy, busy . I pack his back pack with chewing crunchy snacks, for some reason Aspies like to chew and it is also good for the ears. I also packed his nintendo DS, his I-Pod with his favorite songs, clay, something that he didn't get to play with much at home and were special just for the airplane. We make a picture scavenger book of things to look at while walking thru the airport and he can check them off while walking. Basically we just try to keep him busy. Seems like alot to do but it beats the yelling and trauma. If your lucky she will fall asleep..haha.

mortisha69

I completely agree with Fonzie83... keep them busy!! (favourite books, MP3 player if he likes music, NintendoDS or whatever games console you have- with earplugs!!! (trust me, if he can stand the earplugs, it's worth it- less noise all around!) and all other things you can think of to keep him busy... plus you have the in-flight 'enertainment' to help- if hopefully it plays something he likes, unlike 2 flights we had and our son complained the whole time, asking why they put such 'wrong shows on tv' as he put it....
we are on our 2 yearly trip back to the states from London, UK. 8 hour flight. we had it all the first time we went, screaming, running around, as you say- the dirty looks and we have one better- almost being thrown/removed from the plane!!! but all this was BEFORE diagnosis. now we know, we know better... we have a plan already in place, down to every 15 minutes practically and I've written a 'social story' all about the trips- a different one each time we go. the story is all about the trip- what he can expect, what will happen. we've found it's worked brilliantly, especially if we give him the story a week before we go. And i have to say, we use Melatonin as well, and it works. He takes it regularly already as he has always had serious sleeping difficulties and we just make sure he has it at his 'regular' time- ie- 20 min before we want him to sleep. As it's a substance already produced in the brain, it's not like a sedative but has a sedative effect.
but if I were to give 1 peice of advice after 4-5 trips to the states so far, I would say prepare, prepare, prepare..... sounds abit OTT, but it's not and it will save alot of 'trauma' definately.

fonzie83

Yep, we use Melatonin as well, the MD already told us to use 3mg for bedtime. So I just take it along for the plane and give it to him and about 30 mins later....zzzzz....it's all natural and no prescription is needed for this little jewel. But as we all know kids are unpredictable so keep the busy stuff ready just in case.

pokemonmom

Hi, I'm not sure if your 4yo girl uses electronic games or music, if she can be distracted by these they come in very handy. Lots of prep work is usually needed, do the social story using pictures, make it a bedtime story or something. Take a backpack with her favorite things and snacks, books, crayons, etc whatever you know that helps her stay busy &/or calm. A personal DVD player with her favorite movie (or laptop).
I see many suggest Melatonin, and some add Valerian to help their kid rest...that's great, but don't be afraid of getting her Doctor's opinion( I would try the supplements before going to see how they work for her.) Ask for help. Many adults who have trouble flying take something prescribed by the Dr to help them relax for the flight. I'm not saying knock her out, just something to help her not be quite as reactive to all the stimulation.
I also kept my sons in the window seats, that way I was able to block their path to the aisle and the subsequent running.
I use some of the strategies for long car trips too.