10yo with Change/Transition Disability at DW

[peace_all]

Hi,

We are heading to DW with DS(10) who has a severe Transitional/Change disorder (enough to be considered an emotional disability), and mild Aspergers. We have done DW with him before, and are not too concerned about the parks because if he is able to plan it out and knows what we are going ahead of time he is ok, and is not triggered into meltdowns, although the wait in lines can be difficult. Do you think we could qualify for a disability card?

Also, I am concerned about him having to eat off of the adult menu's as he is 10 now and we are utilizing the DDP. He does eat adult portions (typical boy ), however has a "simple" palette (not quite bland but no spices or peppers) Is it possible for TS to serve larger portions of the kids food?

Thanks!!

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Well, the first question a castmember will ask before giving you a GAC is what accommodations does he need? They don't need to know the diagnosis, they need to know what type if accommodations he needs, things like an alternate waiting area, stroller as a wheelchair (just examples). From your post its unclear what will help him have a more enjoyable trip, but maybe some of the great people on here can help you figure out what to ask for.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

I have a very simple palate too (I'm super picky). I've had no problems getting the restaurants to give me very simple versions of adult meals. Disney is great about that so no worries there.

 

[SueM in MN]

For the questions about a disability card, Disney World has a Guest Assistance Card, which is a communication card to help let the Cast Members know what sort of assistance a person with disabilities need.
As another poster mentioned, they will ask what kinds of needs he has that they could assist with.
You can find the answers to your questions in post 6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. You can find that thread near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature.

For the dining plan question, as the other posters mentioned, you should be able to get food that is on the menu for that restaurant prepared more simply.

 

[bookwormde]

Have an AS son who had difficulties with transitions and a very simple pallet plus is a vegetarian who does not like vegetables.

We have always found the TS locations very accommodating so just let them know what you need. Some even give an adult size serving is what is on the child's menu of you ask.

As for transitions, that is a skill that has to be thought, and WDW is one of the places where we made the most progress since we have all the time in the world (forgive the pun). take a slow pace listen closely to your child, follow his lead and be prepared to take break and even go back to your resort for decompression if you are on site.

 

[Gracie09]

All ears has fairly updated menus. Maybe take a look with your son and see what he could be interested in eating. It's not 100% guaranteed that the menu won't change but can give a good idea about what types of food they have. Also buffets typically have a kids section that anyone can take from. Things like Mac and cheese, pizza and chicken nuggets.

 

[dawnball]

One of the concerns I'd have about a guest assistance card is that it isn't always handled the same way. Usually it is, and then suddenly it won't be because the situation has changed, or they have a different perception of your situation. Sometimes you can say "Oh, can we do this other thing?" and they'll shrug and say "Sure, if that works for you", but sometimes the answer is "No, we're not doing it like that now."

When my daughter was having more trouble with change - that was hard for her, and we ended up avoiding/not-riding a lot of things because it wasn't the same.

 

[SueM in MN]

One of the concerns I'd have about a guest assistance card is that it isn't always handled the same way. Usually it is, and then suddenly it won't be because the situation has changed, or they have a different perception of your situation. Sometimes you can say "Oh, can we do this other thing?" and they'll shrug and say "Sure, if that works for you", but sometimes the answer is "No, we're not doing it like that now."

When my daughter was having more trouble with change - that was hard for her, and we ended up avoiding/not-riding a lot of things because it wasn't the same.

We have run ino the same things, along with other posters.

And, if the transition issues are after the ride is finished (like not wanting to get off ) there is little a GAC can do that would help.



For menus, allears and wdwinfo.com both have menus. There is a link to both sites' menu pages in post 3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. I usually suggest people look at both sites because one or the other may be more up to date for different restaurants.

 

[peace_all]

Thank you so much for your helpful responses! I will definitely sit down with him and the menus. Hopefully he will be well prepared with what is on there, so if they can't upgrade the kids meal size (in some situations, and I don't dare tell him!) he will be well prepared and less anxious.

We are struggling a bit, because the recent assessment still doesn't show AS as bad as we think it is, despite being highly atypical etc. Waiting in lines could be a bit of a struggle, as he can be quite fidgety when he is supposed to be still, this can bother others around him, as well when he is into the moment, he wants to get up and going.

Thankfully, he is good about coming off the rides, as he knows that otherwise he can't go on another one!

 

[dawnball]

Kids are fidgety in lines. They swing on the chains. They bounce. They spin in circles. It's Disney, and some of those kids behave in atrociously unsafe ways. I used to completely stress out about my kid wiggling and squirming and stomping, because from my point of view, it made her "less normal". I also wasn't willing to give her a cell phone to play with, for the same reason (and because then it could be hard to get her to move when I wanted her to.)

But she wasn't being unsafe, and I don't think she was being more disruptive than the kids who -were- being unsafe. I think I've relaxed some,and she's gotten older and has better coping skills. If she just needs to move, we just stand behind her (so that people can't jam in close) and ensure she has some space to fidget around.

 

[Freesia123]

Have you taught him to play cats cradle by himself? It is a life saver for the AS children we have at my school. When we line up they take it out and are able to stand still. Just a thought

 

[peace_all]

Have you taught him to play cats cradle by himself? It is a life saver for the AS children we have at my school. When we line up they take it out and are able to stand still. Just a thought

That is a good thought! Will definitely try, as he is struggling at school with this as well.. It may help with his fine motor skill difficulties as well.

Dawnball, yes, we do need to keep his fidgeting in perspective, difficult at times when you are in a heightened situation. DD(3) will be with us as well, which can be a trigger to DS at times, may have to separate them. Thankfully we will have RS in some cases when she is too small.

 

[Freesia123]

A balance ball is good for fidgeters too. It takes a lot of energy not to fall off and promotes good posture. It obviously won't help for lines but sitting still at school should improve with one.

 

[LisaTC]

We are struggling a bit, because the recent assessment still doesn't show AS as bad as we think it is, despite being highly atypical etc. Waiting in lines could be a bit of a struggle, as he can be quite fidgety when he is supposed to be still, this can bother others around him, as well when he is into the moment, he wants to get up and going.

Thankfully, he is good about coming off the rides, as he knows that otherwise he can't go on another one!

Does he has a DS or other type of hand held gamer? They help in long lines as do Apps on your smart phone.