I completely understand your concern about telling the airline. The reason I did is because if any situation were to arise with Nigel’s behavior or his response (or lack thereof) to a flight attendant, or even if they thought he “seemed suspicious” because of his lack of eye contact or making an inappropriate comment, I wanted them to have on record that they were notified that he has autism. That way the airline can’t say that I neglected to inform them if, God forbid, anything were to go wrong. And I really think that, at least in Nigel’s case, it’s something that really should be on record with the airline. In Kaeden’s case it might be different, especially if flying completely alone. Nigel was with Aidan (although Aidan is younger), and I don’t know if that made a difference to the airline. Also, different airlines might have different regulations. (Although if he is capable of flying alone, I think that if the airlines did not allow him to, that would be discrimination.) There’s a lot to consider, especially with having connecting flights. That was my other issue – I only felt comfortable with the boys flying alone because it was a direct flight. But that’s for the time being. As our boys continue to grow and learn, I think that, with enough preparation, it won’t be too long before they’ll be able to maneuver even the connecting flights. I’m taking the same approach with him driving – not now, but we’ll work on it for the future.

Not sure if this helps you in deciding, because you have other variables involved, but I just thought I’d give you my thought process on this.

Best wishes!

xo

It’s great, terrific, wonderful! Glad the boys did okay. Glad you were reunited with your sons.

My question is this: I have been afraid to tell the airline when Kaeden flies solo that he is autistic. I’m not sure they would accept him as an unaccompanied minor flying internationally knowing that. Do you know if there are laws that allow me to state that he is autistic and still allow him to fly?

On the website, the information states (in so many terms) that the child must be able to function on his own. As a parent I wouldn’t send Kaeden if I didn’t think he’d do okay, but with autism you seriously just never know. I’d like to be able to honestly tell them he is autistic without worrying it could lead to the consequences of him being unallowed to fly alone.

On another note, Kaeden KNOWS that at 15 he can officially fly alone, unaccompanied. He believes he’s ready to do so. I know he is not. We have gone over what if’s- what if the flight gets canceled? What if you end up in another airport? what if…

His answers always amaze me- I would go ask…. for help. I would look at the board to see where I need to go…I would…

However, the stress of something like that could set him off when he’s had no sleep, his meds haven’t been handed to him (he easily forgets to take them on his own), and though his english is good, it’s not perfect.

is

HUGE

huger than huge

GINORMOUS!

I also get sick watching movies which movement. I can’t go into those IMX theaters. And even lately, with our large HD TV and the camera circling one person over and over again makes me sick.

And it’s rare that I can get on or off a plane without having been sick. The take off and landings always get me.

I can so relate to your kids.

Sniff, sniff. They are growing up too fast and I’ve only known them a couple months.