Alright – so, Remember when United Airlines’ logo was “the friendly skies”. Well – no more or at least not friendly to autism children and their parents. We have all heard the autistic child flying on United couple of weeks ago that had a meltdown due to her disability.
United kicked this child and her family out instead of accommodating her disability. If you travelled with a child that has autism – then you can understand how hard that is. Our kids are routine oriented, yet un-predictable. This kid would not eat what the airline was offering and had a meltdown. As a parent, you can bring everything your child ever ate or might want – then at that time, they might ask for something totally different.
I remember once on a flight, my son all of the sudden asked for a car ride. Oh la la…. Luckily, it was not United and the airline crew and passengers were very understanding. There was an autism teacher on board who played with him and distracted him. They even allowed us to walk on the hallway when he would not sit. They also allowed us to get out first and asked the other passengers to wait. If we can make accommodations for people with physical disabilities that use wheel chairs, then why can’t we equally be reasonable towards people with developmental disabilities. They are just as human. They are differently abled and not less. This really pisses me off to my core.
I think any child with a disability should access everything a typical child would and we as a society need to be understanding. I guess I will no longer be flying United and hope we all as autism parents, family and friends do the same.
This child’s parent is planning on suing the airline – I would say good for them and wish them good luck.
Above words do not reflect any agency, committee or candidate.
Idil – Somali Autism Mom & Minority Advocate