I think that you are on the right road. You're making an ongoing effort to educate yourself as to potential issues - this type of pre-anticipation is IMHO 80 percent of the battle.

The fact that you will be using award tickets may limit your ticketing options, but in planning your secudule, try to avoid "traps" such as last-flights-out and really tight connections. Research alternatives and "Plan B" scenarios.

Next, be sure to become very familiar with your airline's policies and procedures as to disabled travellers. The great majority of airline staff members will bend over backwards to help out. And don't forget the power of a smile and a sense of humor

The most important thing is to give your the child the opportunity to travel and see other parts of the world. I usually hate cliches, but the one concerning the power of travel to broaden the mind is, to me, the one cliche that happens to be true.