Atypical Familia

  • Home
  • About
  • Autism
    • Our Autism Journey
    • Autism Resources
    • Autism Parenting
    • Tips
    • Autism in NYC
  • Familia
    • Atypical Mami
    • Atypical Dad
    • Atypical Kid
  • Travel
    • Special Needs Travel
    • Philly
    • Road Trips
    • Sesame Place
    • Walt Disney World
  • Life
    • Culture
    • Marriage
    • The Personal
    • Working Mom Life
  • Food + Fun
    • Food
    • DIY
    • FREE Printables
    • Holidays
  • Contact
    • PR Friendly
  • Shop
You are here: Home / #FamiliaTravels / Our Autism Awareness Moment on JetBlue

Our Autism Awareness Moment on JetBlue

October 5, 2015 by Lisa 2 Comments

Or that one time when my kid had an EPIC meltdown on JetBlue.

Last week we traveled to Walt Disney World with my parents and younger sister. It was their first Disney vacation and our first family vacation in years. I have so much to share about our week, but first I need to get this out of the way. If you follow my  Instagram, we all look like we’re having a grand time. And we did.

But the truth is, our magical vacation didn’t start off so magical.

My Son had a Major Meltdown on Jet Blue

Selfie taken after Norrin’s meltdown.

Norrin is a pretty easy kid to handle. Oh sure, we have our moments but, for the most part, I rarely feel like I can’t control him. He doesn’t get angry or have meltdowns often. And when he does, it’s usually over within a few minutes.

I’m so used to Norrin’s autism, that sometimes I forget about it. Then something happens & I’m like ‘oh yeah…that’s autism.’

Related: Mother’s Day, Unfiltered

I was reminded of autism last Saturday when we experienced the WORST MELTDOWN EVER – an autism awareness moment to the umpteenth degree. It happened shortly after boarding our flight to Orlando.

I'm so used to my son's autism, sometimes I forget. Then suddenly it's like 'oh yeah, that's autism.' Click To Tweet

Before we left our apartment, I began to sense Norrin’s anxiety. We’ve been talking about feelings a lot lately. And I’ve been using Disney’s Inside Out characters to talk Norrin through his emotions. A while back he found these cool Funko Pop figures and I ordered them as Christmas gifts. Then I thought I could use them as incentives for our trip.

Our Autism Awareness Moment on Jet Blue

I gave him Fear because I knew he was feeling a little nervous. I wanted him to know it’s okay to be fearful, but we still need to follow the rules, listen and move past our fear.

When we arrived at the gate, I informed the attendant I was traveling with a special needs child and requested to preboard. While she couldn’t accommodate our family of 6, she allowed me to board the plane with Norrin and my 70-year-old dad (the man hasn’t been on a plane in 60+ years).

Just as we were about to sit Norrin requested to use the bathroom. It wasn’t so much of a request as it was a panicked plea. That should have been the red flag. Norrin is pretty resourceful and when he doesn’t want to do something, he looks for a way out – usually the bathroom.

Walking up the narrow aisle I hear, “I think we may have gone to high school together.” Immediately I recognized the voice. It belonged to a dear high school friend I haven’t seen in nearly two decades. And he happened to be one of the flight attendants. Thank goodness for chance meetings. 

We hugged hello, but Norrin started to run off and I ran after him. When we returned to our seats, my husband, Joseph, mother and sister boarded.

That’s when all hell broke loose.

Norrin refused to sit down. And when he did sit down, he refused to buckle his seat belt. He began screaming, “Stop!” “Let me go!” and “I’m afraid!” Tears were streaming down his cheeks, his face was red and he was breathing hard. He was clutching at the seat in front of him. I could see the fear in his eyes.

Joseph and I struggled to restrain him, to calm him, and buckle his seatbelt. But we had reached the point beyond reason.

“What should we do?” I whispered to Joseph.

He shrugged, “Wait until they kick us off the plane.”

For the next few minutes, Norrin continued to kick, scream and cry.

We felt helpless and completely exposed. Joseph was frustrated, I was on the verge of tears. It was one of those rare moments when we just didn’t know what to do.

It wasn’t our first time on a plane. It’s Norrin’s fourth trip to Florida. He loves planes. We had talked about the trip and taking the plane all week. Where this fear came from – I still have no clue.

Finally, Norrin calmed down. He buckled his seat belt. And the plane took off.

No less than ten minutes in the air, Norrin asked to sit by the window. He looked out the window, ate his snacks, drank his juice and played on his iPad for the remainder of the trip.

I spent the rest of the flight fighting back tears. All the feelings and thoughts that go through my head after such an episode is for a whole other post…

The Epic Meltdown on Jet Blue

I don’t know if we would have been kicked off the flight. Joseph believes that it’s because of my friend, we were able to stay on.

Maybe. Or maybe it’s because JetBlue supports the autism community and strives to make flying easier for special needs families. JetBlue makes an effort to be aware and to accept. Everyone on the flight was patient and understanding – including the couple who sat in front of us. With every apology I offered, I was given a smile and “don’t worry about it.” It was comforting to know that even though my kid had this major meltdown – I didn’t feel judged.

While our flight back was easier, we’re not making plans to fly anytime soon. But when we’re ready, we’ll fly JetBlue again. They made us feel welcome. I feel like they just get it.

Thanks @Jetblue flight crew B6 1099 – you were sensitive to my son’s #specialneeds, made us feel at ease & were super attentive. #autism

— LisaQF (@LaliQuin) September 26, 2015

Related

Filed Under: #AutismAwarenessMonth, #FamiliaTravels, Autism, Autism Parenting, Jet Blue, Our Autism, Our Autism Journey, Special Needs Travel Tagged With: #FamiliaTravels, Atypical Familia, Autism, Autism Parenting, Special Needs Parenting

« The Good Dinosaur: Activity Pages & Sensory Friendly Film Info
Fat Joe’s Message About His Special Needs Son Is Inspiring »

Comments

  1. Mama Fry says

    October 6, 2015 at 11:41 am

    Good job Jet Blue and my i felt this in my heart. That moment where you think “OK we’ve done this before” but it still all goes to Hell and you have no idea why and you know you will never figure it out but you can’t help but still think “Why?”

    Reply
  2. Nancy Johnson Horn says

    October 6, 2015 at 12:32 pm

    Oh Lisa, I’m so sorry that happened. You did everything right, but with special needs kids sometimes it doesn’t matter, they will have reactions. While my youngest son does not have Autism, he has behavioral issues and a speech delay. Most likely he has ADHD like his big brother – nothing is being confirmed yet. My little guy surprisingly was fine on our flight down and back to Florida in February, but melted down everywhere and every way he could on the trip. I don’t think I can take him for a long time. I had retweeted your commendation to JetBlue on twitter when I saw it. I do believe that they are one of the best airlines and I try to fly them whenever possible.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Welcome!

LQ blog image

Hi, I'm Lisa aka @laliquin on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest & Snapchat. I'm a 40-something mom raising a son with autism in The Bronx, NYC.

Atypical Familia is a personal blog & resource site for Typical Parents raising Extraordinary Kids. We focus on autism parenting, special needs travel, work/life balance, family entertainment and more. This is parenting from a unique perspective.

Learn more about our Atypical Familia...
youtube-glitter
Autism Parenting Tips from an Autism Mom | Atypical Familia Lisa Quinones-Fontanez

Like Us On Facebook

Facebook Pagelike Widget
Hit a Grand Slam for Autism 300x300
download
wayfair-blogger-button StreamTeam_Red&Black_Transparent
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Let’s Connect!

LQ blog image

I'm Lisa aka @laliquin on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest & Snapchat. Get to know more about me and my familia!

Atypical Familia focuses on autism parenting, special needs travel, work/life balance, family entertainment and more. If you'd like to work with us, send us an email: autismwonderland(@)gmail.com. 

lqf-babble_contributor_badge_white_2x
TODAY.com Parenting Team Parenting Contributor

laliquin

No caption needed… my face says it all. 💙 No caption needed… my face says it all. 💙
I’ve had these skates for 5 years and I finally I’ve had these skates for 5 years and I finally got to skate in them for real. “Why do my skates feel funny?” I wondered. I assumed it was because I’m not used to roller skates. So I spent the first 15 minutes skating with my skates on the wrong feet 🙄😐🤦🏻‍♀️ but once I fixed them - skating was a little bit easier. 🤣🤣
When the student becomes the teacher… I got to w When the student becomes the teacher… I got to workout with one of my (favorite) former students this morning! From the moment I met her 2 years ago, I knew she was a force to be reckoned with. In the classroom, she is enthusiastic, bright, confident and strong. But at the gym she’s next level! Mel really pushed me today and I know I’ll feel it tomorrow. It wasn’t easy keeping up with this 19 year old. I held my own up until she said 20 minutes on the stair master after our work out. I lasted 5 minutes and then did 15 on the elliptical. 🫠🫠 And obviously we needed a quick locker room photo shoot. 🤣 Also…I don’t know if it’s the angle or the lighting but I can’t believe my arms/back look like that! 😳🥹
Solid women don’t crumble. Period. Solid women don’t crumble. Period.
I’m so grateful to be his mom. 💙 I’m so grateful to be his mom. 💙
When I think about where I was and where I am now, When I think about where I was and where I am now, I am so damn grateful. I used to believe that I “wasted” the best years of my life. I was so wrong. I am living my best years and fully present in my life. 🤍 5/6/18 🤍 5 years one day at a time (sometimes one hour, one minute, one second).
She’s a mood. She’s a mood.
In case anyone’s wondering how my life is going… 😬😐🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Started reading Carmen and Grace by @melissacossaq Started reading Carmen and Grace by @melissacossaquino on the 6 train. By page 5, I had to close the book and take a minute to absorb the words on the page. Ok ok ok, I also may have begun tearing up a bit. I love when a book makes me feel. There are times when I come across a book, and the words are exactly what I need at that precise moment. This is that book, this is the time. “The only way out for you is through.” 🤍 

#latinaliterature #latinawriters #latinawriter #latinasinacademia #latinassupportinglatinas #bronxwriters
Last week he was so excited about his first game a Last week he was so excited about his first game and today baseball is cancelled because of the rain. He sent me a video at 7am - fully dressed in his uniform for his 1pm game - and a text saying he was disappointed. 😕  It’s after 12 and he’s still in his uniform.
I didn’t think I’d be able to make his first g I didn’t think I’d be able to make his first game but I surprised him. When he saw me he said, “Mama! What the hell are you doing here?” But he was totally happy to see me. Grateful @d3sportsandrec exists! 💙
After class flex. This month I hit my “goal” w After class flex. This month I hit my “goal” weight and for the first time since before Norrin was born, I’m wearing a size 6 jean. Does it feel good? Yes. It does. But what feels even better is that I feel strong. Stronger than I’ve ever felt in my entire life. Thanks for an amazing class @freelikeoj_allday & @tiabrooks_0106 for always offering to take a picture.
Here’s another dirty mirror bathroom selfie beca Here’s another dirty mirror bathroom selfie because I feel cuter than usual today. 🥰
Rompers seem like such a cute easy outfit until yo Rompers seem like such a cute easy outfit until you have to pee. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I almost dislocated a shoulder trying to get in and out of this.
Earlier this week, I was unpacking my spring/summe Earlier this week, I was unpacking my spring/summer clothes. I found 3 dresses that I’ve had forever - probably 15 years. They were probably only worn once. I held on to them, even though I couldn’t fit into them. Because I knew one day, I would fit into them again. Over the last 2 years, I’ve lost some weight but they still didn’t fit last summer. When I tried them on this week, they fit! I haven’t been able to fit into these dresses in more than a decade. And so yesterday I put on the blue dress. I didn’t go anywhere spectacular. I wasn’t on a date. I visited a friend in the neighborhood, went to a meeting and then White Castle (don’t judge me). When I first bought this dress and when it fit, I held on to it - waiting for an occasion. I refuse to do that. I’m not waiting for a man to take me out, or a party or an event. If I want to wear something, I will wear it. I am the special occasion. I am the event. I am worth getting dressed up for. 

Also - I realize that holding on to clothing for 15 years hoping it will fit again is probably not normal. But oh well. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤣
As Featured In 2017 - bottom footer

Copyright © 2025 · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress

 

Loading Comments...