ROBIN HOOD AIRPORT HELPS AUTISTIC CHILD TO FIRST SUMMER HOLIDAY

The caring mum of a severely autistic child has thanked the local airport which helped her son get on a plane for his first summer holiday abroad.

Liam Brunskill, aged 16, from York, was two-and-a-half years old when he was diagnosed with severe autism, a brain development disorder causing impaired social interaction and communication, and restricted and repetitive behaviour.

Liam’s mum, Mandy Brunskill, aged 45, wanted him to enjoy a beach holiday with guaranteed sunshine, but due to his fears about the flight wrote to Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield for help.

Mandy said: “We’ve had a really tough time with Liam – it’s been very hard. When he was diagnosed with autism he was assessed for his severe rituals and obsessive behaviour, which for no fault of his own played a big part in affecting his and our own quality of life.

“He suffered prolonged periods of distress for things which would be very minor to most people, but to him they made him feel uncomfortable. For example he hated people eating baked beans or noodles next to him, or if his sister, Amy, had a bath on a Tuesday night his behaviour became intolerable.

“He suffered from incontinence up to the age of seven and sometimes he refused to eat for long periods and pulled out his eyelashes. Then there was the inconsolable, ear-piercing screaming and many other horrible things he had which are associated to the condition.

“It was so hard, especially through having very little sleep, and I ended up finding it very difficult to cope with everyday life. Liam being at home was not easy, so in 2004 after a lot of thought, it was decided the best thing for him would be a residential placement.”

Liam was placed at Wilsic Hall School, in Doncaster, where he has continued to receive one-to-one help and support with specialist staff and resources.

“During his time, he has grown into quite an independent happy young man, being able to help clean his room and learn other important life skills. He’s a whizz on the computer and has even received the Youth Achievement Award and other merit certificates at school.

“So when he said 'yes' to going on a plane I couldn’t believe it! We’ve had family holidays before, but Liam often has become distressed being out of his surroundings. But I’ve always been determined that he should have a bright, sunny beach holiday.

“He seemed open to the idea of going on a plane so I took a chance and booked a holiday to Ibiza. Once it was confirmed I decided to contact Doncaster Sheffield Airport to see whether Liam would be able to visit the Airport beforehand and meet up with a representative from Thomson Airways, the airline we were flying with.

“I was so pleased when Verity Ellwood, Customer Liaison Officer from the Airport said this could happen! But when we visited, there were a lot of obstacles on the way, such as him having to be searched – he hates people to touch him, it’s very rare that we get a hug.

“And walking up the steps to the plane made him very nervous. Eventually we coaxed him in and, although he said he didn’t like planes, he said he liked the Thomson blue and white colours!”

On the day of the flight Thomson Airways provided a separate check-in desk so that Liam didn’t become distressed with the queuing and the family were allowed early boarding with front row seats on the aircraft. Wilsic Hall School also sent a member of staff to be on standby to take him back, in case Liam decided he could not stay on the plane.

Mandy added: “Thomson Airways went out of their way to help Liam feel comfortable and safe. Once on the plane he sat well and was very chatty. Everything went so well – Liam even drew some pictures when the plane was in the air.

“We are so proud of him, but we wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help of Doncaster Sheffield Airport and Thomson Airways – we are so grateful to them for helping give us a wonderful family holiday. We will definitely be booking from our local Airport again next year – although we have warned Thomson they must not change the colour and design of the plane without consulting us first!”