http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/acceptable_documents.shtm

Instead I faced the general direction of the security people and said loudly “I’m Autistic, I am confused.” and they sent someone to walk me through it. I also ended up having to be taken aside to be wanded instead of the walk through scanner at Pittsburgh- I was wearing a bra with underwire as well as something that was wood but painted with a metallic paint that I was unaware of. This had nothing to do with my requesting help, and everything to do with being unable to locate what was triggering it.

My experience has been that TSA is more accommodating than the airlines/airports themselves. They can be HORRIBLE.

Having photo ID, if you are the one in charge of it or not (you might carry your son’s if he isn’t able to keep track of it in the future, or get him a “pass” type necklace card carrier like this: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001SLTWPY/ref=asc_df_B001SLTWPY1184760?tag=the004-20&creative=395261&creativeASIN=B001SLTWPY&linkCode=asn ) is more and more essential.

And there’s no need to pass any sort of test- just present some basic ID, usually SS card and Birth certificate and some official mail in the individual’s name/proof of residence. Don’t have anything? ordering a new SS card at the current address works- as does a lease that lists them as an occupant. Some land lords will rent to a person but requires having a list of the people officially living there (usually in homes near Colleges). A Doctor’s bill will work too- I’ve had a doctor send a “receipt of service” in order to use for this, too. (I ended up using my SS card envelope instead.)

I don’t know of any specific study that proves or disproves your beliefs, but as the old saying goes, “anecdote is not the plural of data”. In other words, just because you haven’t met anyone who is “autistic” and “holds a DL” doesn’t mean they don’t exist.

I won’t get into the whole “AS is/isn’t significantly different from AD” debate, as that’s quite a controversial topic… but I will say that I think we need to be very careful not to fall into the trap of stereotyping ourselves and our children. We’re all different. I say this as an AS-autistic parent of two Kanners-autistic children who does her own share of daily advocacy.

Cheers!

Where might I meet these folks with Autistic Disorder that have progressed through adulthood to include the ability to pass a DL test? I’m unaware of them through my work with the MHA or my local advocacy here in North Carolina to help autistic people.

I’ve been locally very active in the Autistic/Autism community. I have worked really hard to be a good advocate. But, AD and AS are very different from my experience as an AS person, father and advocate. Perhaps you can point me to a study or something that would disabuse me of the last 7 years of advocacy for my community?

And if I remember correctly, Temple Grandin was diagnosed as “autistic” in childhood. I also know of others who do not have her level of fame.

I’m unaware of anyone that was diagnosed in early childhood with autistic disorder who has a driver’s license. Most will be traveling with some sort of support person and will call the airline to let them know beforehand and arrange for accommodations.