There's not much that's more intimidating to a parent than the thought of a flight with children. Being trapped on an aircraft for hours with a screaming, inconsolable child is the definition of hell to me. It's not just the screaming. It's not just the hours. It's not just being trapped in a tiny seat with no legroom somewhere about the earth. Honestly, it's the eyes of the fellow passengers... annoyed, judging. The exasperated sighs. The silent, or not-so-silent, censure. 

For a special needs mom, the fear of judgment for poor behavior is compounded by fear of a medical episode so far from help. 

So, what is one to do? This mommy loves to travel at every opportunity and my child has the soul of an adventurer. Wanderlust is in our veins... if only our bank account could keep up! Here are my tips for air travel with a special needs child. As I've said before and will again, every child with every ability is different. I look forward to hearing your tips as well.