Mother says Aer Lingus 'abandoned' autistic son

An airline "abandoned" a 24-year-old autistic man who was flying to Heathrow from Dublin, his mother has said. Jane Atkinson said she was told by multiple Aer Lingus staff that her son George Stookes would be cared for before, during and after his flight. But she said he was not helped at the terminal in Ireland, was ignored on the flight and left on arrival at Heathrow. Aer Lingus told the BBC it was investigating the matter with its assistance provider at both airports. A spokesperson for the airline said: "When a customer requests special assistance, Aer Lingus notifies departure and arrival airports to arrange contracted assistance providers, which was the case in this instance. They are responsible for providing necessary support to our customers." Atkinson said although her son was high-functioning, "there's still a huge vulnerability".Stooke's stepfather, Martin Atkinson, usually travels with him to and from Dublin but was unable to as his own flight had been cancelled. His mother said she had been assured someone would stay with her son at all times and make sure he was put on the plane safely.<br/>