What began as a simple return flight from a magical trip to Disneyland took a shocking turn for the Thompson family when United Airlines decided to ground their flight due to their 15-year-old autistic daughter being labeled as ‘disruptive.’ The incident unfolded due to a mix of inadequate preparation by the parents and a troubling lack of empathy from the airline staff.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Sarah Thompson shared the distressing details. Her daughter, who is on the autism spectrum, refused the meal Sarah offered prior to takeoff. Once in the air, Sarah sought to get her daughter some warm food, as she is sensitive to cold meals. Despite explaining the situation to a flight attendant, her pleas fell on deaf ears. “I kept trying to think of something she might eat for 40 minutes, but he kept saying no,” Sarah recounted. Frustrated, she asked the attendant, “Will you help her after she has a meltdown and tries to scratch in frustration?” Eventually, the attendant returned with a hot meal, but it was clear they were not pleased about the request.
Shortly after, an announcement came over the intercom stating, “We will be making an unexpected landing in Salt Lake due to a passenger in the back having issues.” The Thompsons, seated at the front, had no idea this announcement pertained to them. Sarah described how paramedics approached their row, checking on her daughter, who was quietly watching a video. The paramedics seemed disinterested and warned that they might have to leave the plane.
Then, two police officers arrived and asked the family to exit. Confused, Sarah protested, clarifying that her daughter had not harmed anyone and that they only asked for food to prevent any distress. Despite her reassurances, the officers insisted they needed to disembark. The captain reportedly was uncomfortable continuing the flight with her daughter onboard. Observers noted that throughout the ordeal, the girl remained calm and engaged with her video. A fellow passenger recorded the incident, with bystanders expressing disbelief at the situation.
It’s disheartening that a flight was diverted, and a family was removed under such circumstances. However, this could have been avoided had the family reached out to the airline beforehand to discuss their specific needs. Likewise, the airline staff’s failure to show basic compassion by accommodating a simple request for food was equally disappointing. Threatening that her daughter might become upset was perhaps not the most tactful approach, either.
The police took extensive statements before the family left, with no one claiming the daughter’s behavior had been disruptive. It seems the real issue lies more with the parents’ preparation and the airline’s reaction than with the young girl herself.
When traveling with special needs children, making the necessary arrangements is crucial for a smooth journey. However, airlines also need to ensure their crews are appropriately trained to recognize and respond to the needs of passengers with disabilities. There’s simply no justification for a 15-year-old girl, who was quietly occupied, to be escorted off a plane and branded as ‘disruptive.’
This incident highlights a significant failure on both sides. For more insights on handling challenges with special needs children, consider reading our post What Not To Say To The Parent Of An Autistic Child.
In summary, the Thompson family’s ordeal serves as a reminder of the importance of communication and understanding when flying with children who have special needs. Both families and airline staff must work together to create a supportive environment that prioritizes the well-being of all passengers.
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