I flew American to California with my husband and 3 sons a few years ago. My youngest son is autistic. I brought new toys and a portable DVD player with head phones. He did very well coming and going. My older sons played handheld games. At the time my youngest had a fear of walking among a lot of people so we were placed up front (not in 1st class). He wasn't crying or screaming. It was a 4 or 5 hour flight. He kicked the seat of the passenger in front of us 2 times. I told him to stop and I apologized to the gentleman in that seat. He said it was ok and my son didn't do it again. He even offered my son a piece of candy. The lady next to him started complaining to him for 2 seat kicks. He assured her it was fine. I think she thought people with kids shouldn't sit near her. When we were getting off the plane, I realized she was an American Airline Flight attendant. She was the only one to act that way. Believe me I looked at the other passengers for funny looks and my husband who sat across from us didn't see any either. Having a special needs child has made me very conscious of making sure my son is happy. I have things in place so he doesn't disturb others.

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