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ASD moms - travel suggestions

bugmommybugmommy
in Special Needs

We are leaving on Friday to visit DH's family in Australia.  We are experienced travelers so this isn't a huge deal, but this is the first time we've done it since the kids were 2.5 and 6 months.  We have direct flights so we are doing Charlotte to LAX and then LAX to Sydney.  If you can think of anything I'm forgetting please let me know:

- I've got copies of the letters stating their diagnosis and a letter from DS#1's dr. noting his medication.  I also have spare medication.  Will be in carryon.

- I called the airline and booked the bulkhead seats from LAX to Sydney (the 13+ hour leg of the flights).  Note to parents that they let me book these in advance since the boys have autism.  We didn't book these on the first flight because we would like to get them used to "regular" seats.

- We've done social stories discussing security (walk through slowly, wait for mommy, additional screening, etc.)  We have done the pat down outside of sports stadiums, so hopefully this won't be a big deal.

- I have a CARES harness for DS#2 to use if he won't leave the seatbelt alone on the plane.  We've done social stories on how we can't get up when the flight attendants or pilot tell us to stay in our seats or kick the seat in front of us.

- Everyone is carrying their own bag (backpacks) with an iPad with headphones, stickers, change of clothes, painting books (the kind you use with just water), teddy bears, and a few small toys.  I'm packing sandwiches and snacks for them in my bag so we don't have to worry about dinner.  

- Both are potty trained but use pullups at nights so we will be putting those on in LA with pj's.   I have ear plugs for loud public restrooms or loudspeakers.

Hopefully they will sleep the majority of the flight to Sydney since we board when its about 1am our time.  I've been totally calm about this until today when I started mildly freaking out, but I think it's mainly my own anxiety kicking in :)

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Re: ASD moms - travel suggestions

  • malcivarmalcivar member
    I think you may have it all covered.  Also - so excited for you!  Hope you guys have an awesome time in Australia.  That being said, you mentioned teddy bears so I'm assuming these are their sleeping bears.  If not and they have something they usually sleep with (for DS, it's his stuffed elephant), then I'd make sure to bring that (and maybe make sure you have a spare on the off chance something happens to them).  
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  • MirandaHobbesMirandaHobbes member
    All I can say is sounds awesome!! My DH is also an Aussie and hasn't been home to see his family in almost 20 years. I would love to go. Sounds like you've got everything in line- the couple times I've flown with DS I've had to bring way more snacks than I thought we'd need (and oral fixation stuff like suckers, etc). Although I'd lay off the sugar and maybe bring some sugar-free gum for takeoffs or just to occupy their mouths!
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  • bugmommybugmommy
    I did see your TSA article but I dont think it should be an issue.  Hopefully.  Or you will see us on the news...
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  • SobachkaSobachka

    Hi Bugmoomy!  So excited for you!

    We just got back from an 18+ hour long flight with DS. I think you got it all covered, but here are a few things that I really used/needed:

    -baby wipes because messes happen when you need to stay seated

    -GFCF lolipops

    -activity books - we did all kinds of activities on the airplane, matches things we saw to what we had in books

    -small blanket he loves and uses for comfort

    -thick socks - because he took of his shoes and floors were not the cleanest so it was OK to wear those socks on the floor

    -paper seat covers for bathrooms - those were not always stocked and mine NEEDS to sit down.

    -Our own toothbrush/toothpaste

    -Order GFCF meals in advance and CHECK ON THEM before you depart the gate. I asked several flight attendants to check , and DS had lots of yummy food.

    Good luck! Hope the trip goes well and y'all have lot of fun!

     

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  • malcivarmalcivar member
    You know, I never would've thought of things like the socks and toothpaste/brush but you're right, I could totally see myself losing it realizing that I didn't have this on hand.
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