Flying Beyond the Fears: Supporting Travelers with Disabilities, Anxiety, and Control Needs

Part of Our Parallel Paths Podcast Series

Recording Date: 06/18/2026

Transcript: Download Transcript Here!

Keywords: Disability, Air Travel, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), Autonomy, Fear of Flying, Our Parallel Paths, Geralyn, Nic

Episode Summary: Geralyn shares the story of getting her son Nic, who has an intellectual disability, on a plane to Florida to see his great-grandmother. She reflects on what his "no" really meant, the strategies and resources that helped, and what she learned about fear, control, and autonomy along the way. A moving episode you won't want to miss.

Topical Index:

• Opening and Introductions [00:00]
• The Trip to Florida and Nic's "No" [03:07]
• Understanding Demand Avoidance and Getting Past "No" [10:17]
• Resources and Strategies for Flying [16:42]
• The Visit, Saying Goodbye, and Closing Reflections [20:09]

Resources:

A Guide to Pathological Demand Avoidance: https://learn.pdanorthamerica.org/products/digital_downloads/ten-page-PDA-guide

Transportation Safety Administration: TSA cares https://www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares/passenger-support

TPT: Teachers Pay Teachers Social Stories: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/browse?search=airplane%20social%20story

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