My son is a 14 y/o with autism, 6 feet tall, many fears

[DianeG5385]

If we fly, will he be killed if he panics and runs off the plane? By the way, he can't say "bomb".....Needless to say, we won't be flying to Florida in the current environment even though his grandparents live there!!!

[GrumpyGreg]

1. I don't think you have anything to worry about.

[DianeG5385]

3. Hope you're right...

He's very manly, facial hair, looks much older than his age....I suppose that I need to announce his status BEFORE we get on a plane in case he acts out...hopefully that would help.

[EFerrari]

8. Yes! Cluing the crew beforehand is a very good idea. I've

done it when we had to fly and my husband was having a bad day. It works very well. :hi:

[MrSlayer]

2. As long as he isn't screaming about a bomb he should be fine.

They didn't shoot this guy today because he ran off the plane. They shot him because of the bomb threat. No need to overreact here.

[DianeG5385]

4. Are you sure a panicky bipolar man really mentioned a "bomb"

or are you going with the "he was reaching for a weapon" excuse? Has that been documented or is it only news gossip provided by the marshalls? Maybe he said "have to get off" not "I have a bomb"? Sounds similar to me, add to that his wife screaming that he's bipolar. Could be itchy trigger finger syndrome.

[MrSlayer]

7. According to reports he was screaming about a bomb.

Am I sure? No. I wasn't there. But it certainly makes sense.

http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/12/07/airplane.gunshot/index.html

[stillcool]

13. I understand your fear...

and it seems totally justified. Police and over-reaching incidents are not exactly infrequent. Exercise care is my only solution.

[sandnsea]

20. "screaming about a bomb"

Because maybe he had been asked so many times if anybody had put anything in his belongings that he had a panic attack over it and became delusional and convinced somebody actually had, thus screaming about the bomb because he was trying to save people. You just never know. Until I hear more, I'm withholding final judgment. But I do not like this trigger happy society we live in and it's been going on long before 9/11.

[Spinzonner]

5. Do any of the flight crew know if and who an Air Marshall is on a flight ?

If so, I suppose there might be a way to inform them about individual passengers.

However, I'd be surprised if anyone knew because it could be a security risk if someone in the airline could tip off someone.

[Canuckistanian]

6. We should talk, I have an 8-year old autistic son

And I'm dreading the teenage years, especially when the hormones kick in. How severe is your son?

Our son has been diagnosed as high-functioning, but still i worry...

[DianeG5385]

11. Be prepared for the hormones

Everything changes. They have the same needs and urges as normal teens, (they have acne too) but only harder to manage, depending on level of functioning. In my mind, there are different levels of high functioning autistic kids; those that are intellectually unimpaired, but socially inept, and those, like my son who have difficulty articulating, learning at grade level, but have high function with tasks, self care, and daily living skills. My son is very sensitive and loving but can get very emotional when his environment unpredictably changes. He can lash out and as he's a big dude, it's especially critical to manage his moods. My biggest advice to you, and which I have confirmed with his doctor and psychologist is that you give him space to be a "normal" boy with his urges and definitely give him privacy. He needs his space as do other teens to work through these issues. The worst thing would be to suppress and deny normal impulses. At some point, again, depending on level of disability medication might be necessary. It can be tough, but just like with our non-autistic kids, we have to get them through the rough spots!! I wish you the best, keep in touch!!!!!

[skipos]

9. With one incident in many years, odds are in your favor.

I am not saying that to be insensitive. I am sure you will be fine.

[Lex]

10. I think speaking with the flight crew and letting them let any Marshalls

on board know that he is prone to panic attacks should make it okay.

This the first time in the history of flying in the US that this happened (the shooting today), so the odds are overwhelmingly in your favor that nothing would ever happen.

You have a greater chance of dying in a plane crash.

I'd say there are other things to worry about as regards bringing up kids.

[DianeG5385]

12. Yes, my other two are at a Kanye West concert tonight

26 (the chaperone) and 16 in San Jose Ca. I told them to be very careful and in many respects all aspects of life have risk. They've allready called me 4 times and all is good, I will not sleep til late late tonight!!!

[Lex]

14. Oh my!

Good they've called to check in. Bet they're having big fun, though!

Being a parent is a nail-biting experience, to say the least.

[Hello_Kitty]

15. I hope they enjoy the show! Kanye is awesome. n/t

[DianeG5385]

16. I agree, I think they're having an awesome time

These are the most trustworthy kids, I just fear letting them be out so far from me, I live in Sonoma county which is about 120 miles away!!!! We have had major security discussions over the last week, and I trust my daughter(26 y/o) implicitly

[Hello_Kitty]

17. Reminds me of a friend of mine - Funny story.

My friend is 34 and has a 22 year old half sister from her mom's second marriage. She's very protective of her little sis as you might expect. When little sis was 14 she won tickets to see No Doubt. She begged and pleaded for my friend to go with her because she's a huge Gwen Stefani fan. Anyway, during the show my friend, the big sis who was supposed to be the "protector" ended up getting in a loud verbal altercation with another woman, a mom with her kid, over some rudeness. Apparently, after a few minutes the kids had had enough of the immature behavior of the adults in their midst and told them to cut it out and behave themselves. I always laugh when my friend tells the story. Sometimes the kids are more on the ball than we are, y'know?

[DianeG5385]

18. That's hysterical!!!

My daughter is a bit more sober today, she took her real estate sales exam just hours before hurtling the kids to the concert....She's a mom too...Ummm...welll...all will be fine....CALL ME!!!!!

[DianeG5385]

19. Heard from the kids...They said it was awesome

They should be home in the next hour or two. My son wants me to write a note right now, doesn't think he'll make it to first period!! Family obligation?