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GioiaMia
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Re: autistic son and mom kicked off plane
Posted by MrsPJB2007
Posted by Tilde
So what options do you suggest? My nephew has autism so we can never tak him to Disney? He can never see his family in Jamaica?
Before he was diagnosed, I would have been the most p!ssed off and vocal passenger about some kid interrupting my travel plans. Now, I am just in tears because I have a reminder that he can never experience many things that he SHOULD be able to experience.
What are our options? What are our choices? It is just sad and IMO no one's fault.
PS I understand that they were complying with FAA regulations but what was she supposed to do??
I'm very sorry about your nephew with autism--but my nephew also has been diagnosed with autism...although his is not as severe as most.
I don't think anyone is saying that he should NEVER be on a plane--but he is 2 yrs old and autistic...perhaps he just wasn't ready to be on a plane at all. When he gets a little older and his tantrums are more under control, I'm sure he could be on a flight. But in this case--the child wasn't able to control himself when asked.
Whether he had autism or not--if he was a 2 yr old throwing an uncontrollable fit---i would have wanted him removed from the plane as well if I was a passenger.
My nephew is seven years old. The tantrums may never stop. They have gotten worse as he is older and harder (impossible) to restrain. He may get on the plane and be an angel OR he may be flipping out the entire time.
And I totally understand about the other passengers, I hate being stuck on planes with "that kid" or "that adult" for that matter LOL
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Posted 6/25/08 3:15 PM  |
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GioiaMia
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Re: autistic son and mom kicked off plane
Posted by isabelle2137
PS I understand that they were complying with FAA regulations but what was she supposed to do??
There really didn't seem like there was anything she could do. Which is sad, I agree, but I don't think it's wrong that they were removed from the flight - and his mother does.
I don't either. I totally understand why they were thrown off but I wish there was something else that can be done.
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| Posted 6/25/08 3:16 PM |
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MarisaK
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Re: autistic son and mom kicked off plane
It's very sad for the child and his mother. And at that point, maybe there was nothing that she COULD do to calm him down. - In which case I feel even worse for her. -
But he was on an airplane. It's a billion dollar business, holding up that flight for 10 mintues has an effect on every other flight in the air, every pilot, passenger, crew member, etc - it's not as simple as 'have some compassion'
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| Posted 6/25/08 3:16 PM |
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smdl
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Re: autistic son and mom kicked off plane
While I undertand the mom and the difficulty, I can understand why she was removed.
I once traveled to Vegas and apparently a family of 4 had to be divided. The dad was upgraded to 1st class with the older child. The mom was put in coach with the younger girl. The little girl refused to stay still. She screamed and cried. She was removed from the other side of the aisle to behind me. She kicked my seat every minute. I had had it. The flight to Vegas is a few hours. There was no way I was going to be traveling that way. How was that fair to me????
I called the flight attendant they told me the mom was trying to calm the child, I told her that it was TOTALLY unfair to ME. I had paid full fair for a vacation with DH.
I told her to move me and DH to 1st class if it did not stop immediately. Flight attendant dragged her feet but saw I was serious. They could have exchange the dad's seats with us.
She moved the woman to across the aisle again so she could not kick me.
It lasted over 30 minutes.
We did not move around and eventually she calmed down but man.... you also have to think about other passengers.
DS hates being strapped down and will scream a very high pitch. We have postponned traveling for this reason. I cannot imagine going through a temper tantrum in an airplane full of passengers.
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| Posted 6/25/08 3:18 PM |
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MrsPJB2007
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Re: autistic son and mom kicked off plane
Posted by Tilde
My nephew is seven years old. The tantrums may never stop. They have gotten worse as he is older and harder (impossible) to restrain. He may get on the plane and be an angel OR he may be flipping out the entire time.
And I totally understand about the other passengers, I hate being stuck on planes with "that kid" or "that adult" for that matter LOL
I know what you mean---my nephew is 13 years old and big for his age--he has had violent tantrums to the point where he's thrown chairs and desks at school and nearly injured his teachers. It is a rare thing, but because of this, my brother and SIL are very scared to even let him go on a school field trip. If they travel on a plane--the only way they can do so is with some type of sedative being prescribed to him. It totally stinks
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| Posted 6/25/08 3:18 PM |
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GioiaMia
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Re: autistic son and mom kicked off plane
Posted by MrsPJB2007
Posted by Tilde
My nephew is seven years old. The tantrums may never stop. They have gotten worse as he is older and harder (impossible) to restrain. He may get on the plane and be an angel OR he may be flipping out the entire time.
And I totally understand about the other passengers, I hate being stuck on planes with "that kid" or "that adult" for that matter LOL
I know what you mean---my nephew is 13 years old and big for his age--he has had violent tantrums to the point where he's thrown chairs and desks at school and nearly injured his teachers. It is a rare thing, but because of this, my brother and SIL are very scared to even let him go on a school field trip. If they travel on a plane--the only way they can do so is with some type of sedative being prescribed to him. It totally stinks
Ooh I didnt even think of a sedative. I mean, it is not ideal but it may be an option if it is 100% safe. I never thought of that - I am sure my sister has considered it but myself personally I never thought of it.
I do still wish there were better options!
Message edited 6/25/2008 3:21:19 PM.
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| Posted 6/25/08 3:20 PM |
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MrsPJB2007
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Re: autistic son and mom kicked off plane
Posted by Tilde
Ooh I didnt even think of a sedative. I mean, it is not ideal but it may be an option if it is 100% safe. I never thought of that - I am sure my sister has considered it but myself personally I never thought of it.
I do still wish there were better options!
oh don't we allll wish there was something better! it was a last resort for him..he's been on sooooo many meds....but its hard. i feel so terrible for the little guy.
some  for your nephew and mine. 
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| Posted 6/25/08 3:23 PM |
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GioiaMia
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Re: autistic son and mom kicked off plane
back at you! you just talked me down - i was so furious and upset reading the article and you brought me back down to earth somehow. thanks!
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| Posted 6/25/08 3:23 PM |
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TheWhiteRabbit
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Re: autistic son and mom kicked off plane
Posted by Tilde
So what options do you suggest? My nephew has autism so we can never tak him to Disney? He can never see his family in Jamaica?
I would guess that the family should speak to their doctor about the situation and knowing the circumstances ask the doctor what if any suggestions he has to make is so the child can do the things the family wants him to do.
Now, I am just in tears because I have a reminder that he can never experience many things that he SHOULD be able to experience.
No where did any airline say that autistic children are never allowed to fly or are banned from flights, just at that moment the child was unable to take that flight and was removed.
PS I understand that they were complying with FAA regulations but what was she supposed to do??
She waits until her child is calm enough to fly another day. What if it was just a 'regular' child who's extremely spoiled? Where do you draw the line? Saying, "Oh, you have to understand he is autistic..." doesn't make the behavior OK, it's very unfortunate but the behavior was the issue.
I think the airline was 100% correct, I would not want to fly on a plane where there was a child (autistic or not) that was disrupting a flight to the point that all the staff including the pilot are distracted and not perhaps able to properly perform all their duties and thereby affecting MY safety.
ETA: This is one of those posts I thought "I really shouldn't post on this topic"... 
Message edited 6/25/2008 3:40:30 PM.
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| Posted 6/25/08 3:36 PM |
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MsSissy
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Re: autistic son and mom kicked off plane
Posted by CoopersMom01
YES! A child who cannot be controlled who does not have special needs should not get different treatment over a child who can't be controlled with special needs IMO.
You don't think there are parents out there that will say "he has special needs, he can't help it", even if he isn't? Just so they can stay on the plane even though their child is being disruptive?
Since parents don't carry around a document stating their child is a special needs child, we will have to take every parents word for it.
Maybe far fetched, but I honestly believe people would start doing this.
I honestly, don't see another answer than what the pilot did.
I really do feel for the mother. It's a terrible situation to be in.
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| Posted 6/25/08 3:43 PM |
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GioiaMia
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Re: autistic son and mom kicked off plane
Posted by KittyTheStray
ETA: This is one of those posts I thought "I really shouldn't post on this topic"...
 No I understand everyone else's points. And I don't have an issue with the actions of the airline.
There is no "better day" there is no "better behavior." We won't know how he will react until we are on the flight. There is no reasoning with him when he has a fit for whatever reason ( a certain sound, the texture of the seat, the smell in the air ). So because of that, we would not ( at this point ) take him on a plane and it is just a sad situation.
It is like saying "He can fly if he behaves and listens to his mother." Well, Good Luck with that - I hope the planets are aligned correctly.
I really wish that we could just teleport everywhere. 
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| Posted 6/25/08 3:45 PM |
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ave1024
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Re: autistic son and mom kicked off plane
I'm sorry but if the kid is being unruly to the point of disrupting the cabin, they have to leave the plane.
Waiting around for the kid to calm down is simply not an option. First off even if the kid calms down, who's to say that the kid won't start up again 10 minutes after the plane takes off? Is it worth it for the rest of the passengers to have to deal with a flight being diverted because of this?
Second how long is it considered "acceptable" for the plane to stay grounded and we wait for the kid to start to behave so the plane can take off? What if there are passengers on the plane that have really tight connecting flights they have to make? Sitting on the ground for an hour waiting for this family could cause these people with connecting flights to miss their flights. Is that fair?
And this isn't just for kids with special needs. These rules would apply to any unruly children (or adults for that matter).
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| Posted 6/25/08 3:49 PM |
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TheWhiteRabbit
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Re: autistic son and mom kicked off plane
Posted by Tilde
There is no "better day" there is no "better behavior." We won't know how he will react until we are on the flight. There is no reasoning with him when he has a fit for whatever reason ( a certain sound, the texture of the seat, the smell in the air ). So because of that, we would not ( at this point ) take him on a plane and it is just a sad situation.
 Then I would definitely think his physician being consulted would be the best option, and hopefully there are some kind of natural relaxation techniques or herbs they can suggest - and then a sedative as a last resort. I agree with you, it's not what you want to do if you can avoid it but at least it is an option.
I really wish that we could just teleport everywhere.
I think EVERYONE shares THAT wish!!!
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| Posted 6/25/08 3:50 PM |
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QuoteTheRaven424
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Re: autistic son and mom kicked off plane
dumb question - do they have flights that are "special needs" friendly?
if they don't - they should
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| Posted 6/25/08 3:50 PM |
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KGools
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Re: autistic son and mom kicked off plane
Posted by Mssissy
Posted by CoopersMom01
YES! A child who cannot be controlled who does not have special needs should not get different treatment over a child who can't be controlled with special needs IMO.
You don't think there are parents out there that will say "he has special needs, he can't help it", even if he isn't? Just so they can stay on the plane even though their child is being disruptive?
Since parents don't carry around a document stating their child is a special needs child, we will have to take every parents word for it.
Maybe far fetched, but I honestly believe people would start doing this.
I honestly, don't see another answer than what the pilot did.
I really do feel for the mother. It's a terrible situation to be in.
OH, I don't doubt it for a second... people are sick like that.
But I'm saying special needs or not, if a child is throwing themselves on the floor of a plane and putting themselves in an unsafe situation than attention and action must be paid (from the side of the story that we heard - the mother's - I feel like the flight staff was a little harsh to the mother and the child, but that's just my spin on it). BUT, what if, special needs or not, a child was screaming their head off but strapped in and in no harm of hurting themselves? Should they be removed? I know that that is slightly off-topic considering in this case, the child was thrashing around on the floor, but most of the posters are saying "remove the screaming kid".
I'm in no way saying that I wouldn't be annoyed by a child throwing a screaming fit on an airplane (or anywhere for that matter) but my first response wouldn't be to get them off the plane as fast as possible (I'm more of a stu-er... I sit and stu and talk/complain about it to dealth... LOL!).
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| Posted 6/25/08 3:57 PM |
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MsSissy
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Re: autistic son and mom kicked off plane
Posted by CoopersMom01
Posted by Mssissy
Posted by CoopersMom01
YES! A child who cannot be controlled who does not have special needs should not get different treatment over a child who can't be controlled with special needs IMO.
You don't think there are parents out there that will say "he has special needs, he can't help it", even if he isn't? Just so they can stay on the plane even though their child is being disruptive?
Since parents don't carry around a document stating their child is a special needs child, we will have to take every parents word for it.
Maybe far fetched, but I honestly believe people would start doing this.
I honestly, don't see another answer than what the pilot did.
I really do feel for the mother. It's a terrible situation to be in.
OH, I don't doubt it for a second... people are sick like that.
But I'm saying special needs or not, if a child is throwing themselves on the floor of a plane and putting themselves in an unsafe situation than attention and action must be paid (from the side of the story that we heard - the mother's - I feel like the flight staff was a little harsh to the mother and the child, but that's just my spin on it). BUT, what if, special needs or not, a child was screaming their head off but strapped in and in no harm of hurting themselves? Should they be removed? I know that that is slightly off-topic considering in this case, the child was thrashing around on the floor, but most of the posters are saying "remove the screaming kid".
I'm in no way saying that I wouldn't be annoyed by a child throwing a screaming fit on an airplane (or anywhere for that matter) but my first response wouldn't be to get them off the plane as fast as possible (I'm more of a stu-er... I sit and stu and talk/complain about it to dealth... LOL!).
Ah, OK I gotcha!
In that case screaming child = Tylenol, Robitussin or Motrin I kid I kid
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| Posted 6/25/08 4:03 PM |
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nrthshgrl
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Re: autistic son and mom kicked off plane
I think as long as they are being consistent with all passengers, it was fine that they were kicked off.
He was rolling around on the floor while they were taxing. That is unacceptable. If I was the pilot, I would have told the parent she has to get him in his seat. If she couldn't, I would taxi them back to the terminal.
There was a story awhile ago about a toddler getting kicked off the plane for having a full-out tantrum. I agreed with it then.
There are rules & regulations that need to be followed for my child's safety & others.
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| Posted 6/25/08 4:06 PM |
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GioiaMia
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Re: autistic son and mom kicked off plane
Posted by QuoteTheRaven424
dumb question - do they have flights that are "special needs" friendly?
if they don't - they should
A while ago I heard of a rich guy letting people use his private jet for free - to take special needs kids and their families to their destinations.
But this was before rising gas prices, so who knows if he still does it.
But there is nothing available on commercial airlines.
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| Posted 6/25/08 4:09 PM |
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JennyPenny
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Re: autistic son and mom kicked off plane
Message edited 11/22/2010 12:32:45 PM.
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| Posted 6/25/08 4:22 PM |
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DancinBarefoot
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Re: autistic son and mom kicked off plane
Many years ago I got stuck at LaGuardia (along with thousands of others) during a storm. Flights were delayed for hours and hours. I needed to get out of NY, so I wound up getting transferred to a flight out of Kennedy (which was also experiencing delays).
So, plane gets boarded by 125 or so passengers, we taxi down the runway, and all of a sudden we trun around and head back to the terminal. Now, this flight was already delayed 3 hours, and I needed to make a connection in Las Vegas to get to my final destination, so I was really annoyed.
Turns out, a bunch of guys had been drinking during the 3 hour delay and were unruly to the flight attendant, so they were kicked off the plane. FAA regulations prohibited the flight from taking off with their luggage on board, so there was further delay while htheir baggage was found and removed.
I missed my connection in Vegas and the graduation ceremony in Texas I was supposed to attend as a result. Needless to say, I was pizzed . . . but I would have been more pizzed to listen to a bunch of foul mouthed drunks for 6 hours on the flight to Vegas. This all happened before 9/11.
So, while this mother thinks the flight attendants could have been more understanding, and she could very well be correct, there are other concerns that need to be accounted for.
For the record, I'm a parent to a "normal" child, but I'm also a former Special Olympics Coach so I get it.
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| Posted 6/25/08 5:44 PM |
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JRG71
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Re: autistic son and mom kicked off plane
Strike 2 for American Airlines. 
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| Posted 6/25/08 5:52 PM |
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mrswask
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Re: autistic son and mom kicked off plane
Posted by Mssissy
Posted by quasi3
did the mom agree that the child was rolling around on the floor?
Yes:
"He just melted down. He saw me getting upset. He was upset. He was on the floor rolling around," Farrell told WTVD.
Unfortunatley, thr FAA has rules. I don't think they can start saying they apply to you but not you.
God forbid something happened to him when he wasn't in his seat.
Agreed!
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| Posted 6/25/08 5:55 PM |
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groovypeg
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Re: autistic son and mom kicked off plane
Posted by stinkysmom80
I duno, it sounds a little exaggerated.
I cant believe that the crew were yelling at 2 year old.
actually it can happen and it happened to me.
i was a 1:1 for a little boy and i traveled to florida with them for vacation and the crew was so rude, and they did yell at us and did not understand that the little boy had autism.
people who have autism have every right to fly. we tried to prepare him as best as possible. we chose a flight that was not as crowded and i practiced everyday with him in an actual airplane seat that was donated to the school so he could learn how to sit on a plane.
unfortunately in the moment the air pressure changed aggravated him and he did not want to sit. we did the best we could but the crew definitiely did not help.
Message edited 6/25/2008 6:05:23 PM.
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| Posted 6/25/08 5:56 PM |
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stickydust
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Re: autistic son and mom kicked off plane
I agree that, given the particular circumstances, the boy should not have been on that flight. It created an unsafe situation for both himself and other passengers.
However, I think that as a society we have become increasingly intolerant. Small children cannot always control themselves, and they have, frankly, the same right to be there as you do. And while their fussing, or playing, or crying may be annoying to some they are by no means the only annoying travelers. I personally am also annoyed at the people who speak too loudly, the guy who snores on an overnight flight, the guy with the BO, the person coughing (I don't want their germs).
My point is you cannot control everyone around you and commercial airlines are public which means you really have no right to a relaxing flight free of bothersome noises - if that is what you want rent a Leer jet.
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| Posted 6/25/08 6:16 PM |
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ggt08
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Re: autistic son and mom kicked off plane
I'm sorry, a child with autism or not... If the tantrum is getting to the point that it did, then I agree with the airlines. A child a few months ago was kicke doff the plane for having a tantrum...
I know, personally, when I am on a plane with kids who scream or throw tantrums- it drives me nuts. I paid for my ricket just as much as they did. I do have compassion but as the same time, I want some peace and quiet already..
I am a teacher who has children with autism mainstreamed in the class. Same thing applies. If they start to throw a tantrum or have a meltdown to the point where its disrupting the other kids, the teacher takes him out of the classroom.
It is tough and I agree- kids with autism have great challenges- more people should be educated on autism and how it affects a child....
But i still agree with the airline- and yes it is only my opinion...
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| Posted 6/25/08 6:17 PM |
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