Helping autistic kids travel to Boston

Posted by Erica Noonan, Globe West May 13, 2009 09:42 AM

Boston may be a world-famous center of autism research, but it doesn't do struggling familes much good if they can't get here.

Travel is often a total nightmare for kids with autism -- many can't handle the stimulation of an airplane and don't last more than 30 minutes in the car. (Dirty looks from clueless onlookers who can't see that their parents are doing their best with a challenging child are no fun either.)

Forget the crimp this puts in trips to Disney World -- the serious problem is that many autistic kids can't even tolerate a trip to see medical specialists who might be able to help.

A New Jersey couple -- parents of an autistic 10-year-old named Michael -- have launched a new service called Autism Escapes.

They got corporate jet owners and pilots to donate services so families can get a free private flight into Hanscom Air Force base in Lexington, and transportation to Mass General's reknowned LADDERS program for autistic kids.

The young passengers get an advance tour of the aircraft and the services of a behavioral therapist -- key for kids who don't do well with unfamiliar situations.

The first Autism Escapes arrives in Lexington this Friday -- happy flying!

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6 comments so far...

  1. This is truly amazing! Jack goes to LADDERS and I'm always telling our friends outside of Boston how wonderful it is for them. But you're right ... travel is so incredibly difficult. Thanks so much for writing about this Erica and for always keeping your finger on the pulse of our community. :)

    Posted by Judith U May 13, 09 05:18 PM

  1. What a fantastic idea and service!

    Posted by Chuck May 13, 09 08:46 PM

  1. Has the writer ever heard of "person first" language? They are children with autism, not autistic kids. A little more sensitivity would go along way with a publicized blog like this.

    Posted by Stellar May 13, 09 08:54 PM

  1. Wow what an amazing gift that is!

    Posted by Bethany Guiste May 13, 09 09:29 PM

  1. I'd be happy just to try the "plane tour" piece and see how my kiddo responds. We already live in Boston so thank goodness, a trip to LADDERS is only a ride down 128 away! But visiting distant family, or yes - Disney - is something I can't anticipate without trepidation. Plane tours for all!!

    Posted by Cathy M. May 14, 09 09:01 AM

  1. Ladders is not the "be all end all" with respect to autism. Sadly, the Clinic cannot assure your child's place in the vaunted 10%. You may actually achieve more progress heading to Disney World or your local theme park. Mostly the clinicians tell you what you already know and send you on your way with some suggestions. It should not be considered some kind of Lourdes...

    Posted by Toadysmom May 14, 09 12:19 PM
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about the author

Erica Noonan is chief of the Globe West bureau. Before joining the Globe in 2000, she worked for the Associated Press in Boston. Raised in Wellesley, she has a master's degree in political communication from Emerson College and a BA in political science from Trinity University in San Antonio. She lives in Natick with two energetic preschoolers: Dennis, 4, and Lila, 2.

Contact Erica