Plane journeys

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Hi
I am writing an article for our magazine AuKids - for parents of children with autism in the UK and wondered if anyone out there had any tips/suggestions/quotes/advice for the following query posed by one of our readers....

We are going on a family holiday abroad and taking the dreaded plane journey. I'm panicking about how this is going to affect my son with autism. How can I minimise stress for him and the rest of the family?

also does anyone have any thoughts on what they were most stressed about regarding taking planes? Or maybe still are? And what helps.

Cheers

Tori
AuKids Magazine

I remember my biggest fear before my first plane ride was, of course, the flying part. It was pretty scary that first time you feel that jet speed down and off the runway. After the first time, I love plane rides! Wish I could ride planes more often to visit different places.

Maybe more experienced users are better for advice, but my sentiment is just getting through the first time. Good luck!

Is the kid scared of planes?

If he is, I'm not sure what will help. I don't feel particularly fearful of planes. Perhaps asking why he feels fear of plane journeys.
Perhaps to explain what's going to happen on the plane and then to explain what's happening as it's happening would help(ex. "we're waiting for the plane to move" "the plane is going into the air" etc.). Also, if one parent is afraid of flying, have that parent sit in a different place with the other kid/kids, so that the fear isn't picked up so much.

One thing I do know, they need to be sure to have sucking sweets to reduce the pain/discomfort of taking off and landing (ears popping can really hurt sometimes). Sometimes it doesn't hurt at all but best to be prepared.

Whilst I love traveling (and living in Oz, the only way you can travel to other places is by plane), I can find airports pretty stressful places especially when they are crowded and you have to go through all the security checks and people around you are grumpy. It can bring on the sensory overload.

I find departing first thing in the morning is the best as the crowds at the airport are minimal and it makes the whole process much less likely to overload me.