Flying with a non-verbal, lower functioning ASD child:

Go to the counter and ask for a special needs pass. It will let you board the plane first, alleviating the stress of so many strange faces in a crowded plane. I have had no behaviors with my son since I've done it. Some airline clerks are nice about it, others not so much. Ignore them. You're giving everyone a better plane ride because your child will not be stressed and screaming.

Flying with ASD children in general:

Electronic devices are great for planes but 2 things you need to think about....

1. Will my child freak out when they ask you to put this electronic device away? If they will, wait until you are in the air before giving it to your child. When you have to put it away, try and have a favorite snack, book, or other non-electronic something available to switch them out with.

2. Will my ASD child insist on playing a noisy game over and over at high volume? Try and make sure your phone, iPod, iPad, or other electronic device has some kind of volume control, or remove the games that are loud or otherwise obnoxious. If your child can do headphones....GREAT! If not, this will need to be something you will want to think about.

3. I make sure I have hand wipes available, clorox wipes (an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure....flying back with sick ASD kids is not something you want to do! That, and my 3 yr old stimms by biting his hand), and a small plastic bag for garbage.

Hope these thoughts helped. Happy flying!

Suckers to relieve ear popping.

My son is heavily into video games. Whenever we have to fly, I purchase him a new game and tell him he can only play with it once we are on the plane. It usually keeps him quiet for most of the trip.

DSi with head phones (and a new game)!! And lots of snacks!

Take extra changes of clothes. It's easy to spill drinks and foods on a flight, and your child may be very uncomfortable when that happens.