7 ms·

Heathrow Airport recreates departure day 4x a year for young man with autism

91 points by refrigerator 13y ago

Nanzikambe 13y ago
Little things like this restore my faith in humanity :D
- hnriot 13y ago
  not mine. This is a big waste, what about all the other people in the world that LHR could go to a little extra trouble to help instead. The cost would pay for more ground crew, or maybe even train baggage handlers to not lose luggage quite so often. I'm all for being good to fellow humans, but as Spock said, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.
  - nrmilstein 13y ago
    And what do you suggest we do for Aaran Stewart? Tough luck? People can handle losing their luggage once in a while. I doubt putting the money it costs to do this (how much is it anyway? Just paying for staff and a couple rearrangements made well in advance?) would improve baggage handling anyways. Aaran obviously can't handle flying differently, and it sounds like an important flight.
    - dingaling 13y ago
      > And what do you suggest we do for Aaran Stewart? Tough luck? http://www.netjets.com/ http://www.netjets.com/
      - icebraining 13y ago
        Are you offering to pay?
  - wpietri 13y ago
    I get why people like arguments of this form, but they never work. You see it all the time on Wikipedia. "If only we banned [topic speaker doesn't care about] we could finally make some progress on [topic speaker does care about]." But it ignores how people really work. If you yell at people doing something good, they're not going to go do the other good thing you want. They're correctly going to ignore you. If you force the issue, they'll leave. Or if they can't, they'll turn into perfunctory drones. It's not like BA's spending some large amount of money on this. I see no additional expense at all. The people doing it are doing it out of love and compassion. There's no reason to think that this will prevent them from being loving and compassionate to others. If anything, it may help other travelers, in that these people are a) developing their capacity to care about their customers as people, and b) doing something that provides much-needed variety in a parade of hurried, anxious, grumpy, entitled customers.
- saw-lau 13y ago
  Me too. I'm really struggling with all the negative comments in here! Loved the story, thought I'd delve in to the comments to find more heart-warming goodness, but no...
  - robeasthope 13y ago
    Couldn't agree more, the levels of biting misanthropy on HN really narks me off sometimes.
eksith 13y ago
I wonder how accommodating Logan is in Boston. Or JFK for that matter. Flying internationally via JFK (in my completely subjective assessment) is actually less painful than flying between destinations in the U.S. Flying locally can be a nightmare and a half for most able-bodied folks.
froo 13y ago
I'm curious if things like Google Glass or any kind of AR device will help with people like this in the future. For example, if the store is a Dixon's.. modifying the signage before he walks in as to make him believe it's the HMV?
- jcutrell 13y ago
  I think this would do a bit of a disservice to the disabled person. I'd think creating a somewhat dishonest alternate or augmented reality is a recipe for disaster. (What happens when he takes the glasses off and realizes that everything he has come to know is suddenly different?) If the person can fully grasp the differences (and realizes that what they are seeing isn't reality), then I could completely be on board with that.
  - froo 13y ago
    >I'd think creating a somewhat dishonest alternate or augmented reality is a recipe for disaster. In some ways, they already are by recreating his previous experiences. AR could in effect just enhance the carefully crafted reality and help out this person.
- computer 13y ago
  Relevant fictional short movie (6 minutes) about a future where AR is used to make people's surroundings seem better: http://vimeo.com/7306050 http://vimeo.com/7306050
  - comrh 13y ago
    My god, I saw this when I was 10 years old and never found out its title but it always stayed with me. Thank you so much for sharing.
- nwh 13y ago
  That's probably straying a bit too far. In reality the person is likely completely aware that they obsessive compulsive, faking otherwise is just a little unkind.
jcutrell 13y ago
Logistically, this is a pretty big expense; there must be a significant number of people involved to make this happen, considering the likely FAA regulations concerning flight numbers. Hats off to both the airport staff for being willing and able to make this as seamless as it sounds like it is, and to the parents who realized the importance of making this a priority for their child.
- jrockway 13y ago
  FAA regulations in the UK? You're thinking of the ICAO or CAA. I'm also pretty sure that there aren't many regulations on flight numbers. As long as ATC knows who you are, the government doesn't care what you tell your passengers you are.
  - dingaling 13y ago
    > I'm also pretty sure that there aren't many regulations on flight numbers. And generally there are so many flights airborne in UK airspace that the published flight number isn't the one given to ATC. For example, EZY26FR currently overhead my location is published in the timetables as EZY602, but that number can be easily misheard, misquoted or subject to namespace collision on the radio so the airlines are encouraged to use alpha-num callsigns instead. It really annoys me as someone who likes consistency. Why not just publish the actual callsign in the timetable instead of maintaining two systems and cross-referencing between them?
    - bulte-rs 13y ago
      This is only because "regular people"/travelers are not used to alphanumeric flight "numbers". As highlighted in this article: change can be hard.
- aptwebapps 13y ago
  I assume the parents help out by doing things like booking the seats well in advance. Flight numbers are fairly stable over time as well.
- 13y ago
iliiilliili 13y ago
Who paid for this? I frequently fly from Heathrow and it's a horrible airport, run into service problems almost every time. Yet they can do all this for one person.
- jrockway 13y ago
  What are your specific problems? Lines at security? Delayed flights when the visibility is one inch?
  - iliiilliili 13y ago
    Always understaffed, bad organization (e.g. gates announced late), too small for the number of people it serves, particularly rude staff a lot of whom are on a power trip... I've seriously never had a bad experience that comes close to the average day in Heathrow.
    - jrockway 13y ago
      What do you intend to get from the "particularly rude staff"? It's likely there is nothing they can help you with: you get a seat on the flight you paid for, and a voucher for future travel if they can't provide that seat. They have no other obligations and I'm not really sure what people demand. I'll agree on the gate thing, though. They really want you to sit around in that god damned shopping mall for as long as possible. Get elite status and sit in the lounge. Much better.
      - Alphasite_ 13y ago
        Honestly, i prefer they announce the gate let, if only so they don't do what they used to o, and swap it around t the last minute. This is much more consistent, been if it does make ams a little anxious.
      - iliiilliili 13y ago
        One example... many airlines have a one bag policy, in most airports if you have an extra camera bag or small handbag, the staff will politely ask you to put it inside the bigger one or most of the time let you off, in London you can guarantee somebody will shout at you for it. It's not one particular thing, it's the general feel of the airport.
eddiegroves 13y ago
The key behind this would be strong anti-discrimination EU legislation [1] which means both the airport and the airline are responsible for disabled passengers. [2] [1]: http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/transport/air_transport/l24132_en.htm http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/transport/air_transpo... [2]: http://www.reducedmobility.eu/20130730347/The-News/airline-liable-for-passengers-with-disabilities-at-eu-airports-dot-reminds.html http://www.reducedmobility.eu/20130730347/The-News/airline-l...
yaddayadda 13y ago
I'm genuinely curious and it wasn't addressed at all in the post - how did he make his first trip? Wasn't ALL of it novel the first time? Yet subsequent trips ALL of it has to be same or his stress level goes up? I have a friend whose son is mildly autistic, and each new thing in his life has to be introduced in a specific way. For example, a new shirt will be brought into his room for several days for him to look at and touch. Once he's used to that he'll try it on, but he'll almost immediately take it off for the 'right' shirt that day. This can go on for several weeks, before he'll wear it in the house, but he still won't leave the house without putting on the 'right' shirt. He actually has a job, but it took almost six months from when he was hired until he would wear the full uniform for the job, because each piece of the uniform (and of course the job itself) had to be introduced in this fashion. My friend's son is only considered 'mildly' autistic. I simply can't image going through a major airport the first time with someone like this. Once the pattern is established, yes, it's a challenge to keep it going ... but what about the first time?
- jsmeaton 13y ago
  One of two reactions from my experiences. 1. You explain over a long period of time (weeks/months?) that you'll be travelling and what you'll be doing. The person is able to slowly come to terms with a change in routine before it happens. You set up a "new routine" for that particular day. Curiosity is engaged, and you have a relatively painless experience. 2. All of the above, but you do it really tough, with lots of screaming and distress. Once a routine is learnt, it's really difficult to break. But you can create new routines for different environments. Preparation is generally key.
- astrodust 13y ago
  For some people, once they've been introduced to something, it becomes burned in as the "correct" way of doing it, and any alteration to that procedure or arrangement will be a source of panic and confusion. There are some people who are stuck in a state where everything is new, they can't make memories. For some it's the opposite, they can't alter what they already know without a whole lot of friction.
auctiontheory 13y ago
On the one hand, this is a wonderful and heartwarming tale. On the other hand, the Heathrow staff (many of them of Indian origin themselves) treat every brown international traveler like a probable terrorist. Heathrow could and should do a lot more to make travel a better experience for the many, rather than (only) for the special one.
- salgernon 13y ago
  There was a hint in the post about the real solution: he should've been pushed in via wheelchair on his first visit to avoid his having to be accommodated in a different way in the future. My daughter is "on the spectrum" and we try very hard to not create situations that require us to jump through hoops to avoid her autistic meltdowns. If she makes unreasonable requests, we have to say no and steer her away. For instance, at one point she asked us to remove the tags from her stuffed animal. Then it became a requirement to remove all tags. It's taken a while to cure her if that trigger. On the other hand, if we ever need to know the name of a particular dinosaur, she has us covered.
  - auctiontheory 13y ago
    On the other hand, if we ever need to know the name of a particular dinosaur, she has us covered. How did you communicate the "demise" of the brontosaurus?
cupcake-unicorn 13y ago
I wonder if this would at all be even considered in a US airport. I have also an unusual condition that falls under ADA protection, and have gotten into the position of having to ask for (what I thought was very reasonable, but unusual in so far as accommodation requests go) accommodation and was basically red-taped for 6 months before someone finally told me nothing could be done, short of me bringing in someone to sue them. I wonder if the UK is better about disability accommodation in general or if I was just incredibly unlucky?
outside1234 13y ago
I'm glad they are working on this for this kid because otherwise its the worst airport ever: - 20 minute bus rides between TERMINALS - Then its time for the queues from hell. - Also, a landing card is required for transit to Ireland. (But no where else.) - Time for another queue. Just cause. - You must take a subway to get anywhere in Terminal 5. - Making a connection? Be prepared for total confusion on where to go, which terminal your flight is in, and which gate its at. - Terminal 5 is nice looking, the rest are claustrophobic ghettos. - Watch the movie Brasil.
- rjsw 13y ago
  > Also, a landing card is required for transit to Ireland. (But no where else.) I don't want to defend Heathrow but you need a landing card in this case as it is your entry point to the Common Travel Area [1]. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Travel_Area https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Travel_Area
officer_gotcha 13y ago
Well, if he were from Syria, he'd be even better off. He'd have a dictator and a bunch of terrorists recreate the worst day of his life every day for him. Also, his privacy would be protected, he'd never have to fear getting on the BBC website with his name and a picture.
weirdkid 13y ago
What about the return flight?
ajays 13y ago
This story is woefully incomplete. Where is the kid flying to? Boston, I imagine. Who takes him through Customs and Immigration there? Since he flies out of LHR 4 times a year, one can only presume that he flies back also. What happens in the return flight? Who helps him at the departure airpost (BOS?)? Who helps him in Immigration at LHR, which is a nightmare even for non-autistic travelers?
- megablast 13y ago
  It is a fun little story meant to balance the other harsh news of the day. It is not a biography on the poor chap.
  - ajays 13y ago
    I understand that it's a fun little story. But, for god's sake, at least make it somewhat believable!
    - arethuza 13y ago
      You think the BBC invented this?
    - anu_gupta 13y ago
      What's unbelievable about it? Why get so outraged?
      - ajays 13y ago
        I apologize for sounding outraged; I wasn't outraged at the actual events, but the story telling. It's as if someone leaves out critical parts of a story, and you're so engrossed in it that you think: wait a minute, how did that happen? I want to know more, dammit! :-)
altero 13y ago
... and people with mild autism are classified as 'normal' and get treated as shit, if they do not fit.
ck2 13y ago
While this level of human kindness and consideration is amazing, I am curious what would happen if there were hundreds of people they would have to do this for or if the cost was in the millions of dollars? I mean there is no other alternative? Will virtual simulations one day help calm and treat people with these disorders?
cgio 13y ago
In the meantime, in Australia our permanent residence will be blocked because we have a child with autism... Same if we try Canada.
- Tichy 13y ago
  It's all about money, I guess. Probably they think you'll cost the country more than you'll contribute. (Not saying I like it).
  - cgio 13y ago
    It is, and I could even understand it, but then why do you go and ratify the UN convention for the rights of people with disabilities and the optional protocol on top of it? Including Article 18 on Liberty of movement and nationality. It is very pretentious. Why preach on inclusion? It is like saying whites were discriminating against blacks not because of racism but because of the additional cost for extra "colored" toilets! Also I have contributed like 100k in taxes in around 2 years and I am an asperger's myself. Sorry for the rant, I am frustrated...
alan_cx 13y ago
Wow. The cynicism and essentially self centered criticism of this story is nothing short of stunning and deeply depressing. If this place were the commentards section for a US right wing radio station or the UK Daily Wail, then OK. Be here? The community that threw a thoroughly reasonable collective fit when a depressed IT hero commits suicide? All those decent human threads about depression and other mental illnesses? All that concern for Chinese and child workers making Apple and other products? And then I read this crap when a massive busy international airport does a really decent thing? Ok, now i finally understand why our governments treat us like filth. If we cant applaud this sort of thing, we have zero right to refer to our selves as "humanity", we are just selfish nasty scum. I don't care what this costs. I don't care if the evil communist BBC didn't write a book, but instead wrote a quick article. I don't care if it inconveniences some arsehole arrogant businessman. I see no relation to between this and our stupid racist security arrangements. What I care about and respect is a simple act of human decency. This is one such act, and I applaud it. If is that is too much for some "people", kill my karma, I dont give a fk.
- arethuza 13y ago
  Well said, shame I can only upvote you once.
- altero 13y ago
  Heathrow airport sucks for everyone, not just `businessman`. This is not 'decent thing' but PR stunt. Similar way when cat on tree is rescued by three fire cars and police squad. Just try to travel with someone who has serious mental condition and does not have 'connections'. Nothing makes flight smoother than saying 'I will kill you' to an officer.
  - casca 13y ago
    A PR stunt that's been going on for 5 years and this is the first mention of it? Heathrow is generally a pretty miserable flying experience but you'd think that they'd be able to get it in the press a little sooner if it was just PR.
ender89 13y ago
This might be the most heartwarming story I've ever heard. I think even if I'd stopped working at the airport, I'd show up to do my job for 4 days a year.

91 points by refrigerator 13y ago

Nanzikambe 13y ago

Little things like this restore my faith in humanity :D

hnriot 13y ago
not mine. This is a big waste, what about all the other people in the world that LHR could go to a little extra trouble to help instead. The cost would pay for more ground crew, or maybe even train baggage handlers to not lose luggage quite so often. I'm all for being good to fellow humans, but as Spock said, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.
- nrmilstein 13y ago
  And what do you suggest we do for Aaran Stewart? Tough luck? People can handle losing their luggage once in a while. I doubt putting the money it costs to do this (how much is it anyway? Just paying for staff and a couple rearrangements made well in advance?) would improve baggage handling anyways. Aaran obviously can't handle flying differently, and it sounds like an important flight.
  - dingaling 13y ago
    > And what do you suggest we do for Aaran Stewart? Tough luck? http://www.netjets.com/ http://www.netjets.com/
    - icebraining 13y ago
      Are you offering to pay?
- wpietri 13y ago
  I get why people like arguments of this form, but they never work. You see it all the time on Wikipedia. "If only we banned [topic speaker doesn't care about] we could finally make some progress on [topic speaker does care about]." But it ignores how people really work. If you yell at people doing something good, they're not going to go do the other good thing you want. They're correctly going to ignore you. If you force the issue, they'll leave. Or if they can't, they'll turn into perfunctory drones. It's not like BA's spending some large amount of money on this. I see no additional expense at all. The people doing it are doing it out of love and compassion. There's no reason to think that this will prevent them from being loving and compassionate to others. If anything, it may help other travelers, in that these people are a) developing their capacity to care about their customers as people, and b) doing something that provides much-needed variety in a parade of hurried, anxious, grumpy, entitled customers.
saw-lau 13y ago
Me too. I'm really struggling with all the negative comments in here! Loved the story, thought I'd delve in to the comments to find more heart-warming goodness, but no...
- robeasthope 13y ago
  Couldn't agree more, the levels of biting misanthropy on HN really narks me off sometimes.

eksith 13y ago

I wonder how accommodating Logan is in Boston. Or JFK for that matter. Flying internationally via JFK (in my completely subjective assessment) is actually less painful than flying between destinations in the U.S. Flying locally can be a nightmare and a half for most able-bodied folks.

froo 13y ago

I'm curious if things like Google Glass or any kind of AR device will help with people like this in the future. For example, if the store is a Dixon's.. modifying the signage before he walks in as to make him believe it's the HMV?

jcutrell 13y ago
I think this would do a bit of a disservice to the disabled person. I'd think creating a somewhat dishonest alternate or augmented reality is a recipe for disaster. (What happens when he takes the glasses off and realizes that everything he has come to know is suddenly different?) If the person can fully grasp the differences (and realizes that what they are seeing isn't reality), then I could completely be on board with that.
- froo 13y ago
  >I'd think creating a somewhat dishonest alternate or augmented reality is a recipe for disaster. In some ways, they already are by recreating his previous experiences. AR could in effect just enhance the carefully crafted reality and help out this person.
computer 13y ago
Relevant fictional short movie (6 minutes) about a future where AR is used to make people's surroundings seem better: http://vimeo.com/7306050 http://vimeo.com/7306050
- comrh 13y ago
  My god, I saw this when I was 10 years old and never found out its title but it always stayed with me. Thank you so much for sharing.
nwh 13y ago
That's probably straying a bit too far. In reality the person is likely completely aware that they obsessive compulsive, faking otherwise is just a little unkind.

jcutrell 13y ago

Logistically, this is a pretty big expense; there must be a significant number of people involved to make this happen, considering the likely FAA regulations concerning flight numbers. Hats off to both the airport staff for being willing and able to make this as seamless as it sounds like it is, and to the parents who realized the importance of making this a priority for their child.

jrockway 13y ago
FAA regulations in the UK? You're thinking of the ICAO or CAA. I'm also pretty sure that there aren't many regulations on flight numbers. As long as ATC knows who you are, the government doesn't care what you tell your passengers you are.
- dingaling 13y ago
  > I'm also pretty sure that there aren't many regulations on flight numbers. And generally there are so many flights airborne in UK airspace that the published flight number isn't the one given to ATC. For example, EZY26FR currently overhead my location is published in the timetables as EZY602, but that number can be easily misheard, misquoted or subject to namespace collision on the radio so the airlines are encouraged to use alpha-num callsigns instead. It really annoys me as someone who likes consistency. Why not just publish the actual callsign in the timetable instead of maintaining two systems and cross-referencing between them?
  - bulte-rs 13y ago
    This is only because "regular people"/travelers are not used to alphanumeric flight "numbers". As highlighted in this article: change can be hard.
aptwebapps 13y ago
I assume the parents help out by doing things like booking the seats well in advance. Flight numbers are fairly stable over time as well.
13y ago

iliiilliili 13y ago

Who paid for this? I frequently fly from Heathrow and it's a horrible airport, run into service problems almost every time. Yet they can do all this for one person.

jrockway 13y ago
What are your specific problems? Lines at security? Delayed flights when the visibility is one inch?
- iliiilliili 13y ago
  Always understaffed, bad organization (e.g. gates announced late), too small for the number of people it serves, particularly rude staff a lot of whom are on a power trip... I've seriously never had a bad experience that comes close to the average day in Heathrow.
  - jrockway 13y ago
    What do you intend to get from the "particularly rude staff"? It's likely there is nothing they can help you with: you get a seat on the flight you paid for, and a voucher for future travel if they can't provide that seat. They have no other obligations and I'm not really sure what people demand. I'll agree on the gate thing, though. They really want you to sit around in that god damned shopping mall for as long as possible. Get elite status and sit in the lounge. Much better.
    - Alphasite_ 13y ago
      Honestly, i prefer they announce the gate let, if only so they don't do what they used to o, and swap it around t the last minute. This is much more consistent, been if it does make ams a little anxious.
    - iliiilliili 13y ago
      One example... many airlines have a one bag policy, in most airports if you have an extra camera bag or small handbag, the staff will politely ask you to put it inside the bigger one or most of the time let you off, in London you can guarantee somebody will shout at you for it. It's not one particular thing, it's the general feel of the airport.

eddiegroves 13y ago

The key behind this would be strong anti-discrimination EU legislation [1] which means both the airport and the airline are responsible for disabled passengers. [2] [1]: http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/transport/air_transport/l24132_en.htm http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/transport/air_transpo... [2]: http://www.reducedmobility.eu/20130730347/The-News/airline-liable-for-passengers-with-disabilities-at-eu-airports-dot-reminds.html http://www.reducedmobility.eu/20130730347/The-News/airline-l...

yaddayadda 13y ago

I'm genuinely curious and it wasn't addressed at all in the post - how did he make his first trip? Wasn't ALL of it novel the first time? Yet subsequent trips ALL of it has to be same or his stress level goes up? I have a friend whose son is mildly autistic, and each new thing in his life has to be introduced in a specific way. For example, a new shirt will be brought into his room for several days for him to look at and touch. Once he's used to that he'll try it on, but he'll almost immediately take it off for the 'right' shirt that day. This can go on for several weeks, before he'll wear it in the house, but he still won't leave the house without putting on the 'right' shirt. He actually has a job, but it took almost six months from when he was hired until he would wear the full uniform for the job, because each piece of the uniform (and of course the job itself) had to be introduced in this fashion. My friend's son is only considered 'mildly' autistic. I simply can't image going through a major airport the first time with someone like this. Once the pattern is established, yes, it's a challenge to keep it going ... but what about the first time?

jsmeaton 13y ago
One of two reactions from my experiences. 1. You explain over a long period of time (weeks/months?) that you'll be travelling and what you'll be doing. The person is able to slowly come to terms with a change in routine before it happens. You set up a "new routine" for that particular day. Curiosity is engaged, and you have a relatively painless experience. 2. All of the above, but you do it really tough, with lots of screaming and distress. Once a routine is learnt, it's really difficult to break. But you can create new routines for different environments. Preparation is generally key.
astrodust 13y ago
For some people, once they've been introduced to something, it becomes burned in as the "correct" way of doing it, and any alteration to that procedure or arrangement will be a source of panic and confusion. There are some people who are stuck in a state where everything is new, they can't make memories. For some it's the opposite, they can't alter what they already know without a whole lot of friction.

auctiontheory 13y ago

On the one hand, this is a wonderful and heartwarming tale. On the other hand, the Heathrow staff (many of them of Indian origin themselves) treat every brown international traveler like a probable terrorist. Heathrow could and should do a lot more to make travel a better experience for the many, rather than (only) for the special one.

salgernon 13y ago
There was a hint in the post about the real solution: he should've been pushed in via wheelchair on his first visit to avoid his having to be accommodated in a different way in the future. My daughter is "on the spectrum" and we try very hard to not create situations that require us to jump through hoops to avoid her autistic meltdowns. If she makes unreasonable requests, we have to say no and steer her away. For instance, at one point she asked us to remove the tags from her stuffed animal. Then it became a requirement to remove all tags. It's taken a while to cure her if that trigger. On the other hand, if we ever need to know the name of a particular dinosaur, she has us covered.
- auctiontheory 13y ago
  On the other hand, if we ever need to know the name of a particular dinosaur, she has us covered. How did you communicate the "demise" of the brontosaurus?

cupcake-unicorn 13y ago

I wonder if this would at all be even considered in a US airport. I have also an unusual condition that falls under ADA protection, and have gotten into the position of having to ask for (what I thought was very reasonable, but unusual in so far as accommodation requests go) accommodation and was basically red-taped for 6 months before someone finally told me nothing could be done, short of me bringing in someone to sue them. I wonder if the UK is better about disability accommodation in general or if I was just incredibly unlucky?

outside1234 13y ago

I'm glad they are working on this for this kid because otherwise its the worst airport ever: - 20 minute bus rides between TERMINALS - Then its time for the queues from hell. - Also, a landing card is required for transit to Ireland. (But no where else.) - Time for another queue. Just cause. - You must take a subway to get anywhere in Terminal 5. - Making a connection? Be prepared for total confusion on where to go, which terminal your flight is in, and which gate its at. - Terminal 5 is nice looking, the rest are claustrophobic ghettos. - Watch the movie Brasil.

rjsw 13y ago
> Also, a landing card is required for transit to Ireland. (But no where else.) I don't want to defend Heathrow but you need a landing card in this case as it is your entry point to the Common Travel Area [1]. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Travel_Area https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Travel_Area

officer_gotcha 13y ago

Well, if he were from Syria, he'd be even better off. He'd have a dictator and a bunch of terrorists recreate the worst day of his life every day for him. Also, his privacy would be protected, he'd never have to fear getting on the BBC website with his name and a picture.

weirdkid 13y ago

What about the return flight?

ajays 13y ago

This story is woefully incomplete. Where is the kid flying to? Boston, I imagine. Who takes him through Customs and Immigration there? Since he flies out of LHR 4 times a year, one can only presume that he flies back also. What happens in the return flight? Who helps him at the departure airpost (BOS?)? Who helps him in Immigration at LHR, which is a nightmare even for non-autistic travelers?

megablast 13y ago
It is a fun little story meant to balance the other harsh news of the day. It is not a biography on the poor chap.
- ajays 13y ago
  I understand that it's a fun little story. But, for god's sake, at least make it somewhat believable!
  - arethuza 13y ago
    You think the BBC invented this?
  - anu_gupta 13y ago
    What's unbelievable about it? Why get so outraged?
    - ajays 13y ago
      I apologize for sounding outraged; I wasn't outraged at the actual events, but the story telling. It's as if someone leaves out critical parts of a story, and you're so engrossed in it that you think: wait a minute, how did that happen? I want to know more, dammit! :-)

altero 13y ago

... and people with mild autism are classified as 'normal' and get treated as shit, if they do not fit.

ck2 13y ago

While this level of human kindness and consideration is amazing, I am curious what would happen if there were hundreds of people they would have to do this for or if the cost was in the millions of dollars? I mean there is no other alternative? Will virtual simulations one day help calm and treat people with these disorders?

cgio 13y ago

In the meantime, in Australia our permanent residence will be blocked because we have a child with autism... Same if we try Canada.

Tichy 13y ago
It's all about money, I guess. Probably they think you'll cost the country more than you'll contribute. (Not saying I like it).
- cgio 13y ago
  It is, and I could even understand it, but then why do you go and ratify the UN convention for the rights of people with disabilities and the optional protocol on top of it? Including Article 18 on Liberty of movement and nationality. It is very pretentious. Why preach on inclusion? It is like saying whites were discriminating against blacks not because of racism but because of the additional cost for extra "colored" toilets! Also I have contributed like 100k in taxes in around 2 years and I am an asperger's myself. Sorry for the rant, I am frustrated...

alan_cx 13y ago

Wow. The cynicism and essentially self centered criticism of this story is nothing short of stunning and deeply depressing. If this place were the commentards section for a US right wing radio station or the UK Daily Wail, then OK. Be here? The community that threw a thoroughly reasonable collective fit when a depressed IT hero commits suicide? All those decent human threads about depression and other mental illnesses? All that concern for Chinese and child workers making Apple and other products? And then I read this crap when a massive busy international airport does a really decent thing? Ok, now i finally understand why our governments treat us like filth. If we cant applaud this sort of thing, we have zero right to refer to our selves as "humanity", we are just selfish nasty scum. I don't care what this costs. I don't care if the evil communist BBC didn't write a book, but instead wrote a quick article. I don't care if it inconveniences some arsehole arrogant businessman. I see no relation to between this and our stupid racist security arrangements. What I care about and respect is a simple act of human decency. This is one such act, and I applaud it. If is that is too much for some "people", kill my karma, I dont give a fk.

arethuza 13y ago
Well said, shame I can only upvote you once.
altero 13y ago
Heathrow airport sucks for everyone, not just `businessman`. This is not 'decent thing' but PR stunt. Similar way when cat on tree is rescued by three fire cars and police squad. Just try to travel with someone who has serious mental condition and does not have 'connections'. Nothing makes flight smoother than saying 'I will kill you' to an officer.
- casca 13y ago
  A PR stunt that's been going on for 5 years and this is the first mention of it? Heathrow is generally a pretty miserable flying experience but you'd think that they'd be able to get it in the press a little sooner if it was just PR.

ender89 13y ago

This might be the most heartwarming story I've ever heard. I think even if I'd stopped working at the airport, I'd show up to do my job for 4 days a year.