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Autistic child kicked off flight
This is an unbelievable story. It would also make you think we live in old communist Russia, not a country priding itself for valuing diversity.Yes, a mother and her child were kicked off an American Eagle flight because she "wasn't able to control her toddler."
According to ABC Eyewitness News, the mother says she was "doing all she could to calm the autistic boy," but got "no sympathy from the flight crew."
The flight attendant kept coming over and tugging the kid's seatbelt to make it tighter. He, in turn, kept wiggling around and trying to get out of his seatbelt. And, according to the mother, the flight attendant kept coming over, reprimanding him, and yelling at him until he got really upset and started rolling around on the floor. At which point, everyone involved lost it.Then, the pilot apparently made an announcement that there was a woman and her child on the plane and the child is uncontrollable. He turned the plane around and headed back to the terminal.
American Airlines (American Eagle's parent), of course, had a different story. They said the mother was pitching a "raging fit" and refused to comply with FAA regulations.
My question is: what did the other passengers do? Did they try to help the mother? Did they offer to wait until the child settles down? Or, do we live in a world where independent judgment and flexibility have vanished?
Filed under: North America, United States, Airlines
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 22)
Jack Jun 25th 2008 7:01PM
And what exactly were the alternatives here? The child's condition is not the child or the mother's fault, but you can't fly with a kid rolling around on the floor. What other alternative is there than to take them off the plane?
Also, communist russia? what is this 1954?
E.T. von Falkenstein Jun 25th 2008 10:02PM
The crew was correct. Anyone, no matter who it is, cannot roll around on the floor of a plane. I, as a passager would demand the mother with her chiild leave the plane, as long as it is possible, and the plane is still on the ground. That includes an unruly healthy infant who cannot be silenced, since passengers cannot leave the plane.
If I am flying, and pay a good price for the ticket, I expect comfort, it is an imposition listening to a crying infant.
KATY Jun 25th 2008 10:52PM
I don't care if you kid is Autistic it's your job to control your child. Don't fly if you think it'll be an issue. Take a train, ride a bus, drive... It's not like you woke up one day and found out your kid has problems... Plan ahead for the safety and comfort of everyone.
Susan Jun 26th 2008 6:44PM
Do you know what it cost to ground and purposely delay a plane for 20 minutes? It is not the airline's responsibility to sit on the ground for 20 minutes incurring cost while a passenger gets over their tantrum. As much as I have sympathy for this child and mother, rules are rules
Randy Jun 25th 2008 7:37PM
If the four questions at the bottom of your post were an attempt at generating reader comments, engaging debate or soliciting responses, my guess is you didn't get what you bargained for.
My comment is a very simple one, and it has nothing to do with an autistic child, but since you brought it up... An airline pilot's chief concern from the minute he or she gets on the plane until the minute they leave at the other end is the safety of the passengers - all of them. Period. It seems to me that it's likely the pilot did the right thing.
Regardless, my comment is this: what is this 'story' doing on Gadling? What's happened to Gadling? I realize, as the editors of Gadling undoubtedly have, that readership has dropped off significantly. I'm betting your 'uniques' are few and far between when compared with a year ago. All you have to do is look at the number of comments on the posts. Where'd everybody go...? That's not a rhetorical question.
Oh, and this is for Jack... no, it's not 1954, it's 1962. Do your research pal! Bwa ha ha!
Melissa Jun 26th 2008 4:12PM
To all the negative comments. And Most importantly to ALL community members including those who fly a plane, work in Law Enforcement, Social Services etc.
Start educating yourself. Because autism is the NUMBER 1 disability in the US. It surpases all others. 1-94 boys have it and this is called EPIDEMIC proportions. TRAINING must be done. It sickens me to read these posts that people make that do take us back to times when black people had to drink from a different fountain. Or Mexicans couldnt go to the same school as whites. Come on people. EDUCATE yourself. And dont say this isnt so and so's problem.
Dig deeper. Congress just this week is attempting to pass a bill that would require all first responders to have education on autism. This is how serious this is. Autism is not some UNRULY child, they are NOT some MENTAL patient. There isnt enough time in the day for me to attempt to educate the ignorant.
As for the mom, she was probably overwhelmed attempting to keep her child calm. Maybe if that attendant had taken the time to ask her what steps could help. Maybe it wouldnt have happened, maybe it would. And for the Captain and I use the word loosely to announce in such terms was not only unprofessional but downright racist.
Autism is a neurological disorder. It is here. Look to our environment, our vaccines to get your answers.
Have some compassion the next time you see a mother a father a brother or a sister of a child with autism. Until you walk in our shoes, educate yourself.
A proud mom of a child with autism
Autism is NOT contagious FEAR is.....
justin Jun 30th 2008 7:27PM
http://siteanalytics.compete.com/gadling.com/?metric=uv
Up 200% for the year.
Randy Jun 25th 2008 7:37PM
If the four questions at the bottom of your post were an attempt at generating reader comments, engaging debate or soliciting responses, my guess is you didn't get what you bargained for.
My comment is a very simple one, and it has nothing to do with an autistic child, but since you brought it up... An airline pilot's chief concern from the minute he or she gets on the plane until the minute they leave at the other end is the safety of the passengers - all of them. Period. It seems to me that it's likely the pilot did the right thing.
Regardless, my comment is this: what is this 'story' doing on Gadling? What's happened to Gadling? I realize, as the editors of Gadling undoubtedly have, that readership has dropped off significantly. I'm betting your 'uniques' are few and far between when compared with a year ago. All you have to do is look at the number of comments on the posts. Where'd everybody go...? That's not a rhetorical question.
Oh, and this is for Jack... no, it's not 1954, it's 1962. Do your research pal! Bwa ha ha!
Randy Jun 25th 2008 7:40PM
Apologies for the double (triple, quadruple?) response. My Gmail account apparently had too much for lunch. I confirmed the post and the whole page started to flash and I suddenly received four requests from Gadling for confirmations. No idea what's going on there. Sorry.
TravelBot Jun 25th 2008 7:49PM
Iva said: "Like I suggested though...that would be "way too inconvenient" for the other passengers."
TB comments: Not only the passengers... the entire air traffic control system in the U.S. You can't just delay flights willy-nilly without having a pronounced effect... what about people with connecting flights? Missing a connection would be more than just a little inconvenient.
Iva said: "What are people with autistic kids supposed to do? Not fly?"
TB comments: Unfortunately, with this particular child, that's likely the only answer.
But wait, let me do YOUR job and post a link to something useful:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2005/jan/08/userstraveladvice1
undrgrndgirl Jun 26th 2008 12:30AM
an uncontrollable child on an airplane is dangerous - sorry if s/he happens to be autistic, too...next time maybe mom will have the kid sedated. it's really not fair to subject the rest of the passengers to unruly and dangerous behavior...this also goes for the passenger i was on a flight with a few years ago who REFUSED to turn off his cell phone after repeated requests from the flight crew and the pilot...
anna Jun 26th 2008 2:45PM
I have an autistic child and I would never take him on a flight where I knew his behavior could not be controlled. I stopped taking him to church when he was uncontrollable[age12},so he would not hinder anyone else from enjoying the church service. I had played the piano in church for 20 years but I had to give it up because no on else could control him but me. If a parent{any parent} can't control their child and that child is a hindrance or possible danger to others it is the parents responsibility to make other arrangements. I have for 22 years.
Pdiddy Jun 25th 2008 9:40PM
Autismpinsinc.com
L Jun 29th 2008 7:14PM
Kudos to the pilot! He had no other alternative.It was an uncontrollable situation and the other passengers had to be considered also, as well as a schedule. My heart goes out to the parent but this obviously was not the child's day to fly. Perhaps another day he will be more calm.
If a non-autistic adult or child behaved like that they would be thrown off the plane also.
Nina Jun 25th 2008 10:57PM
Anna is absolutely correct.
I too , am the mother of a 22 year old autistic son. You make adjustments in your life when you have a special needs child. Those necessary adjustments we made to our lives have truly paid off now that he is an adult.
We live in the Midwest and our family lives on the West Coast. When he was little and we had to fly, we adjusted his schedule so that he would fall asleep early in the flight. Or we would occasionally have to give him benadryl to make sure he would be in a restful state for most of the flight. Then we would have small, quiet toys that he loved available for him the minute his eyes began to open. His older brother would help us watch for when his little brother would wake up. Also, the flight crew were notified of his autism before we left the ground. Most of the time we were given bulkhead seats. My husband and I never received one complaint or resentful look from anyone. People truly appreciate well behaved children and thoughtful considerate parents.
When I have to sit through a flight with "normal' children behaving off the chain I know that the caregivers are lacking in parenting skills.
nonameiam Jun 25th 2008 11:30PM
Hurray Anna,
Nice to hear from a parent of an autistic child who feels the actions of that child may be causing enough of a problem ( in any way shape or form) that you are willing to admitt that it is the parents responsibilty to forgoe church, or flying, or quiet resteraunts etc, whatever the case may be I applaud you for taking responsibility, and I thank you for your considerateness. Too many parents of any type of children have this mentallity that they should be able to do whatever they want when ever they want where ever they want and too bad if it affects others around them. Those are the most rude and inconsiderate people on this planet and although sometimes we wish their children would behave better , most of us wish we could smack the parents for "not thinking" with their brains when they allow their children to be in these sticky situations.
Laura Jun 25th 2008 11:33PM
OMG. First whoever said "why didn't they just give him his meds." Needs to grow up. Then a mother of a son with autism not taking her son anywhere because of everyone elses feelings. You have to be kidding me right. My son is 8 and has just a much right to do things as other people do. I just flew spirit airlines 3 weeks ago. My son was fine. My son is used to these situations cause we repeat them. My son has meltdowns, but most of the time you can't tell my son has any issues. Guess why BECAUSE WE REPEAT THEM. Sorry for the reply didn't mean to attack just set me off. If people are ignornant that's their problem not your sons. I travel with cards that explain my son's condition. Now onto the story that American Airlines provided. If she was in the first seat wouldn't the bag have to be put away BEFORE they would leave the gate. Also how many other flight crew you see go around and check seat belts. I never have and I fly alot of spirit cause of the 9 dollar fares. Where I'm sure the mom did everything she could to help her son and safety is key since 9/11. I truely believe theres something missing from both sides. Sorry for the long reply.
melissa Jun 26th 2008 3:58PM
Anna
I truly feel sorry for you. The best advice I was given when my son was diagnosed was "If you treat your child like he is handicapped you only handicap him".
He is my hero. Things are not easy. If he cant do something. We practice. We work on it. We dont stop our lives and let autism rule us. My son is a boy first with autism second.
Im really trying to understand your post. It just sets us back.
melissa Jun 26th 2008 4:16PM
Anna
I truly feel sorry for you. The best advice I was given when my son was diagnosed was "If you treat your child like he is handicapped you only handicap him".
He is my hero. Things are not easy. If he cant do something. We practice. We work on it. We dont stop our lives and let autism rule us. My son is a boy first with autism second.
Im really trying to understand your post. It just sets us back.
Ja Jun 25th 2008 8:22PM
Autism or anything else is no excuse for an unruly child. Clearly the mother knew that her child reacted this way in unfamilar conditions so she should not have taken the child on a plane. Furthermore it is pretty evident that the mother doesn't discipline this child nor set boundaries. Heck if the child ever rode in a car then wearing a seatbelt would be familiar; unless of course the mother allows the child to bounce around in the seat which if such is the case slamming on the brakes hard once and getting a major head bump will put an end to that nonsense. And what the kid wasn't on drugs (oh I mean medication) that would have made the state more comatose than anything else and then a nice quiet ride.