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7-Year-Old Autistic Boy Flying Alone With $10 And A Note Explaining His Condition Gets The Best Seatmate
Sending your kid on a flight alone can be scary for any parent – but when your child has a special condition these times can be extra nerve-wracking. Alexa Bjornson sent her 7-year-old son Landon Bjornson to visit his dad in Portland but as a kid with high-functioning autism, his mom knew that flights could be difficult for him – so she was prepared.
Bjornson was unsure of how her son would do on his own so she gave Landon a note for his seatmate along with $10 for their presumed troubles. What happened on his flight though warmed her heart and reminded her that there are really good people in the world.
RELATED:
Mom Alexa Bjorson was worried about her son’s solo flight. Because of his autism, she wasn’t sure how he fair on the trip – so she tried to prepare
“I was feeling anxious and [Landon] was super excited to get to his dad and cousins. I was more worried about missing him then how HE would do on the plane. That was probably his 5th or 6th flight so he knows what to do and how to act. I was just worried about him being “annoying” to his seat partner,” Alexa told Bored Panda. However, she couldn’t let her anxiety prevent Landon from going on a trip. “This year we had a newborn baby, and funds were too low for me to fly 3 of us there and then 2 of us back. Landon was also having some bullying issues so we just wanted him to be able to enjoy the rest of his summer!” she explained.
And this is the response she got
“I really couldn’t think of any other way to get my point and goal across besides a letter with an explanation and incentive for being kind. I wrote the letter an hour before we left for the airport,” she said. In the letter, she explained her son has high functioning autism and asked the seatmate to be patient with the boy, as he may ‘are we there yet?’ several times.
When asked about Landon’s condition the mother said: “Landon started struggling from what we noticed around the 1 yr age after vaccinations. We waited a while to see if it was a phase, and we had him tested out 6 months to a year later. He was non verbal and very frustrated. Over time and lots of efforts, he has grown into an amazing little boy and can do pretty much anything other kids can. He does still struggle with eye contact, focus, and high emotions.”
Bjorson shared the story and it quickly spread around the internet – the mom said she was so grateful at the impact it had made on people
Image credits: alexa.bjornson
The mother was moved by Ben’s response. “I felt total relief and humbled when I got Ben’s message. I was overwhelmed and did cry a few tears just to see the humanity and love that still exists in the world.” Alexa is glad that she didn’t let her fear of being apart from her child prevent him from experiencing things and encouraged other parents to do the same. “Do what you think is best for your children and let them experience what life has to offer. We can’t teach them to be “scared” of the world. Because one day we won’t be here to guide them and they need to be prepared and have experiences like everyone else. Don’t be embarrassed or ashamed of what others have to say, because they are not in your shoes”
People in the comments loved the heartwarming story
Image credits: jasonofthedead
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The Marcus Autism Center offers several recommendations for parents traveling with children who have autism: Check flight schedules for the best times of day for your child to travel. If she can sleep on a plane, naptime may be a good time to fly. Plan ahead for your seats. Consider requesting bulkhead or aisle seats, particularly if your child likes to kick his or her legs or move around. Don’t forget to pack necessary coping or treatment items in your carry-on bag, like a change of clothes and medicines. Many airports and airlines have supportive resources and staff. Don’t hesitate to ask for the help you need.
What do you think ?
Gintare Cer 6 years ago
I'm more concerned about mom's comment on getting Autism around 1yr, after vaccination. Sounds more like anti-vaxx than "that guy is great!"... "started struggling from what we noticed around the 1 yr age after vaccinations"
Koalamonster 6 years ago
I'm surprised more people aren't bothered by that. I mean, there are some kids who you can tell very early on are autistic, but with a kid with high functioning autism you're not going to notice it that much until you expect them to start talking and stuff. It just seems kind of crappy to slide that in there. Does seem to be that she is probably anti-vaxx, which sucks because they don't need other anecdotes to try to prove their point. That's the only plus of delayed vaccination- you can't blame the vaccine for something it didn't cause. It's not worth all the measles though.
Load More Replies...
Stille20 6 years ago
Most airlines won't take unaccompanied children under the age of 12. There are good reasons for that.
Laugh Fan 6 years ago
Most airlines take unaccompanied children from 5 – 7 but only on a direct flight to a single destination.
Load More Replies...
Martata 6 years ago
Alexa, maybe sending a kid at that age is a bit too risky, maybe work it out with the airline and make sure a cabin crew member would look after him and him alone throughout the flight. Because honestly that sounds very scary, to him specially being that young and being alone. Regardless of his autism, my mum works with autistic children and I can tell you both kids with or without autism at that age would be scared to flight alone. Mother's are usually their safe zone and that whole story just made my heart go funny.
Nomadus Aureus 6 years ago (edited)
There's no safer way for a child to travel alone than on an aeroplane. Personally, I've had my first passport at the age of 4 and before all the new laws came into effect, I have been travelling alone internationally. Stop putting children in cotton wool. It does them no good.
Load More Replies...
Id row 6 years ago
Did she discreetly imply his autism was the result of the vaccinations he received? Anti-vaxxers are reading this story and yelling, "See!?"
TheKnightOwl 6 years ago
Two things annoy the hell out of me about this story. As a mother of 3 children on the spectrum (ASD runs rife throughout my family), I wouldn't send my 7yr old on a flight alone, even to see her father; and her father would be pissed if I DID send her alone. Secondly, I strongly dislike the way she points to autism symptoms happening "just after his 1 yr vaccinations"; we all know what she's implying. ASD symptoms typically start at that age, it just happens to be at a time when you also get vaccinations. My uncle had low functioning autism, and wasn't vaccinated, my nephew has low functioning autism, and can't be vaccinated due to a myriad of other health problems...in our case it's very much genetic. It's been proven time and time again that vaccines are not giving children autism. If people put as much effort into finding out what actually causes autism, as they do into vaccine hysteria, we might be closer to having real answers.
Bri Nicole 6 years ago
Folks, minors gets escorts when the plane lands. They aren't just free to roam and do as they please. On the flight they are checked on but can't be entertained. It's the legal guardians who equip their child with entertainment and snacks and contact the airline if the kid needs a special snack or such. Flying is safe for kids if the kid is ok with it. It's very safe. I did it, and countless others do it, especially for parents that are divorced and live far. Flights aren't cheap. Stop crapping on everything. Especially what you don't know.
A J 6 years ago
What's with the vaccination-autism-hint? Sounds a lot like an anti-vaxxers argument. Kinda makes this whole story sound weird to me
Tiny Dancer 6 years ago
As the mother of an autistic son (now 31) I am appalled at the idea of sending him on a plane alone when he was only 7! Shocked and terrified, yadda, yadda. Then I remember that my own mother (and father) put me on a plane alone when I was a little younger as well (in 1969 when I was 5). The stewardess' were all given instructions and took care of me every minute of that flight (from Sydney, Australia, to Bangkok, Thailand, about 10 hours), but the thought of doing that today wouldn't even cross my mind. My son was 16 before he went to the corner store on his own! Even then, we had to watch him from behind the bushes. Now, he's completely independent on the TTC (Toronto's public buses, subways, etc.).
Gerry Higgins 6 years ago
I would not allow a 7 year old to travel alone. Let dad come and get him.
Char Char 6 years ago
There is an unaccompanied minor program you can pay for a crew member to look after the child. Did the airline really let him travel without that service?
Rose 6 years ago
VERY doubtful. I'd assume that if the program exists, it is a REQUIREMENT for unaccompanied child under a certain age.
Load More Replies... Gintare Cer 6 years ago
I'm more concerned about mom's comment on getting Autism around 1yr, after vaccination. Sounds more like anti-vaxx than "that guy is great!"... "started struggling from what we noticed around the 1 yr age after vaccinations"
Koalamonster 6 years ago
I'm surprised more people aren't bothered by that. I mean, there are some kids who you can tell very early on are autistic, but with a kid with high functioning autism you're not going to notice it that much until you expect them to start talking and stuff. It just seems kind of crappy to slide that in there. Does seem to be that she is probably anti-vaxx, which sucks because they don't need other anecdotes to try to prove their point. That's the only plus of delayed vaccination- you can't blame the vaccine for something it didn't cause. It's not worth all the measles though.
Load More Replies... Stille20 6 years ago
Most airlines won't take unaccompanied children under the age of 12. There are good reasons for that.
Laugh Fan 6 years ago
Most airlines take unaccompanied children from 5 – 7 but only on a direct flight to a single destination.
Load More Replies... Martata 6 years ago
Alexa, maybe sending a kid at that age is a bit too risky, maybe work it out with the airline and make sure a cabin crew member would look after him and him alone throughout the flight. Because honestly that sounds very scary, to him specially being that young and being alone. Regardless of his autism, my mum works with autistic children and I can tell you both kids with or without autism at that age would be scared to flight alone. Mother's are usually their safe zone and that whole story just made my heart go funny.
Nomadus Aureus 6 years ago (edited)
There's no safer way for a child to travel alone than on an aeroplane. Personally, I've had my first passport at the age of 4 and before all the new laws came into effect, I have been travelling alone internationally. Stop putting children in cotton wool. It does them no good.
Load More Replies... Id row 6 years ago
Did she discreetly imply his autism was the result of the vaccinations he received? Anti-vaxxers are reading this story and yelling, "See!?"
TheKnightOwl 6 years ago
Two things annoy the hell out of me about this story. As a mother of 3 children on the spectrum (ASD runs rife throughout my family), I wouldn't send my 7yr old on a flight alone, even to see her father; and her father would be pissed if I DID send her alone. Secondly, I strongly dislike the way she points to autism symptoms happening "just after his 1 yr vaccinations"; we all know what she's implying. ASD symptoms typically start at that age, it just happens to be at a time when you also get vaccinations. My uncle had low functioning autism, and wasn't vaccinated, my nephew has low functioning autism, and can't be vaccinated due to a myriad of other health problems...in our case it's very much genetic. It's been proven time and time again that vaccines are not giving children autism. If people put as much effort into finding out what actually causes autism, as they do into vaccine hysteria, we might be closer to having real answers.
Bri Nicole 6 years ago
Folks, minors gets escorts when the plane lands. They aren't just free to roam and do as they please. On the flight they are checked on but can't be entertained. It's the legal guardians who equip their child with entertainment and snacks and contact the airline if the kid needs a special snack or such. Flying is safe for kids if the kid is ok with it. It's very safe. I did it, and countless others do it, especially for parents that are divorced and live far. Flights aren't cheap. Stop crapping on everything. Especially what you don't know.
A J 6 years ago
What's with the vaccination-autism-hint? Sounds a lot like an anti-vaxxers argument. Kinda makes this whole story sound weird to me
Tiny Dancer 6 years ago
As the mother of an autistic son (now 31) I am appalled at the idea of sending him on a plane alone when he was only 7! Shocked and terrified, yadda, yadda. Then I remember that my own mother (and father) put me on a plane alone when I was a little younger as well (in 1969 when I was 5). The stewardess' were all given instructions and took care of me every minute of that flight (from Sydney, Australia, to Bangkok, Thailand, about 10 hours), but the thought of doing that today wouldn't even cross my mind. My son was 16 before he went to the corner store on his own! Even then, we had to watch him from behind the bushes. Now, he's completely independent on the TTC (Toronto's public buses, subways, etc.).
Gerry Higgins 6 years ago
I would not allow a 7 year old to travel alone. Let dad come and get him.
Char Char 6 years ago
There is an unaccompanied minor program you can pay for a crew member to look after the child. Did the airline really let him travel without that service?
Rose 6 years ago
VERY doubtful. I'd assume that if the program exists, it is a REQUIREMENT for unaccompanied child under a certain age.
Load More Replies...
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