1 month til WDW with my 3 year old ASD boy

[khomer504]

Hi all! We are counting down til our big family trip to Disney World. It will be our first family trip, and my first trip since I was 17 years old (ahem... 17 years ago!!).

My little guy was diagnosed with ASD just 3 weeks ago, and while I really think he'll do fairly well at Disney, I'd really appreciate any tips/information anyone has to share. He is pretty much non-verbal, but I'm working on putting together some PEC's for him and a picture book. (saw a great thread on that recently... trying to modify it for my guy!)

I'm most concerned about...

1) Keeping on our GFCF Diet
2) That he's going to perseverate on any ride that he particularly likes
3) Transitioning from those rides he wants to ride AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN. He's a sensory seeker, so as long as he's not melting down, I think he's gonna love the rides!
4) How to deal with meltdowns in the middle of a crowded line (did anyone have any luck with a PAL Mickey? Or any other creative easy to carry things to keep an almost 3 year old busy in line and distracted from the people?)

There is so much more, but that's a fair start. I also have a 6 year old daughter that will be a huge help. It's a sort of family reunion, so we've have lots of family around off and on.

Thanks in advance if anyone has ideas/help!

Karen

 

[beauncoltsmum]

I'm so happy for you going on your first holiday after all that time!

When we went in sept I gave my son a map of each park we were going to the day before (he needs to know what we are doing tomorrow so he can function today). Then I told him exactly what we were doing in the order we were doing it and showed him the places on the maps. He likes routines and so I write him out a list of what he is doing the next day. He cant read but he likes to have a list to give to everybody (like me, his dad, his grandparents & sister) so that they can read it to him. I also drew him a picture list (not so good at drawing stuff but he remembered what the things were) so he could look at his list and his map.

Doing things his way helped to avoid many major meltdowns as usually I could say to him that we had finished this ride and the list says this other one is next.

My son would only completely freak when he had to go to the toilet as they flush automatically and he hates hand-dryers.

Best of luck on your trip

 

[bookwormde]

With the heat be extra vigilant of his tiredness and hydration. With the long park hours if you are staying close take a break in the middle of the day.

There will be issues but if you catch them early it is usually easier to diffuse. Do not focus on the issues, just enjoy you child, as he takes in all that is extra magical at WDW for spectrum children.

We are arriving 8/8 with our DS9 Aspergers, this is our second visit with him.

bookwormde

 

[khomer504]

Thanks for the encouragement. I really think he's going to love WDW, and anticipate him doing well... he's very adaptable. And yes, we are staying onsite (Pop) and plan on doing mornings and evenings in the parks, but staying at the hotel in the afternoons.

I need to come up with some very adaptable picture schedule and probably make a gazillion PEC pictures, cause my guy is just starting to latch onto the "First...then" concept, and can only do 2-3 step schedules. But, that being said, having the "First this... THEN that" concept is great at times for getting us through rough moments!

Thanks again!
Karen

 

[lucigo]

Hi all! We are counting down til our big family trip to Disney World. It will be our first family trip, and my first trip since I was 17 years old (ahem... 17 years ago!!).

My little guy was diagnosed with ASD just 3 weeks ago, and while I really think he'll do fairly well at Disney, I'd really appreciate any tips/information anyone has to share. He is pretty much non-verbal, but I'm working on putting together some PEC's for him and a picture book. (saw a great thread on that recently... trying to modify it for my guy!)

I'm most concerned about...

1) Keeping on our GFCF Diet
2) That he's going to perseverate on any ride that he particularly likes
3) Transitioning from those rides he wants to ride AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN. He's a sensory seeker, so as long as he's not melting down, I think he's gonna love the rides!
4) How to deal with meltdowns in the middle of a crowded line (did anyone have any luck with a PAL Mickey? Or any other creative easy to carry things to keep an almost 3 year old busy in line and distracted from the people?)

There is so much more, but that's a fair start. I also have a 6 year old daughter that will be a huge help. It's a sort of family reunion, so we've have lots of family around off and on.

Thanks in advance if anyone has ideas/help!

Karen

Couple of suggestions (my son just turned 5).

Don't be surprised if nothing goes as you expect it. Pay attention to what your son likes and take time out of your day to let him enjoy those things. Some examples from our trip were picking out a bag of rocks at the gift shop, jumping on the giant keyboard in the 80's section of Pop, and sitting in the giant 1970/1980/1990 signs out front at Pop. (If your son likes numbers and letters he is going to LOVE pop).

My sensory seeker hated the inside rides, too much anxiety about what was coming next. Pull up youtube and watch some of the rides with him. Also, watch the fireworks shows (epcot and wishes) on youtube.

Get him used to wearing a hat and sunglasses now...he is going to need them. Same with suntan lotion if its a sensory issue.

Bring a stroller, his own little respite.

Get a GAC.

We didn't get a Pal Mickey, but we did get a collection of Mickey Racers (little cars), little disney buses, and one trip he carried a little magnadoodle everywhere with us. Learned to write "Pop" and "Bus" that trip. I always bring the game boy just in case...I know it looks horrible to "normal" parents.


Good luck and feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

 

[khomer504]

Couple of suggestions (my son just turned 5).

Don't be surprised if nothing goes as you expect it. Pay attention to what your son likes and take time out of your day to let him enjoy those things. Some examples from our trip were picking out a bag of rocks at the gift shop, jumping on the giant keyboard in the 80's section of Pop, and sitting in the giant 1970/1980/1990 signs out front at Pop. (If your son likes numbers and letters he is going to LOVE pop).

You know, I hadn't even thought of that, he's crazy about letters, he is almost completely nonverbal, but he can sing his ABC's!

Get him used to wearing a hat and sunglasses now...he is going to need them. Same with suntan lotion if its a sensory issue.

We at least have this going for us, he's used to suntan lotion, and he absolutely LOVES hats... in fact we have a hard time getting them off of him, his head is a real "hotspot" for his sensory seeking behavior, he craves that pressure. If he doesn't have a hat on, he's pushing his head against the couch, or me!

However, I can't seem to get sunglasses on him... I'll start carrying some around with us just in case.

Bring a stroller, his own little respite.

We got a MacLaren Volo a couple months ago for just this purpose, but I'm thinking of getting an extra sunshade attachment to make it a little more "coccoon like" if you know what I mean, so he can tune out the rest of the world a little... just haven't convinced hubby yet.

We didn't get a Pal Mickey, but we did get a collection of Mickey Racers (little cars), little disney buses, and one trip he carried a little magnadoodle everywhere with us. Learned to write "Pop" and "Bus" that trip. I always bring the game boy just in case...I know it looks horrible to "normal" parents.


Good luck and feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

Hey, as a parent... you do what you gotta do! I swear I got the worst looks in church last weekend. Andy found a dum dum in my purse. I had two options 1) Take the sucker = immediate meltdown or 2) give the sucker over, and get to actually listen to the sermon. I chose option 2.... not a popular choice in church... but we spent almost a year not going to church cause we didn't know how to deal with Andy's challenges. We're doing the best we can.

Thanks again! I'll be PM'ing you as well

Karen

 

[bookwormde]

A little OT but it is very interesting that for many spectrum people harmonics and music are received and processed very much like visual input in large blocks. With your child being receptive to harmonics this is a great tool for learning without using the standard word/sound decoding system that can be difficult for spectrum individuals in both the area of memory processing and logical decoding rules. Especially with all the computer based educational programs using a harmonics background it is the perfect EF timing trigger .

I agree the Utube may be helpful particularly if there is a “theme song” attached. This can be a comforting familiarity for these attractions.

bookwormde

 

[lucigo]

You know, I hadn't even thought of that, he's crazy about letters, he is almost completely nonverbal, but he can sing his ABC's!


Karen

I have always loved listening to my son read and sing....even though its not conversational language it feels soo good to hear so many words spew from his mouth at one time!!

When he was young we listened to a lot of disney music (go figure) and he would sing "you'll be in my heart" and it would make me cry!

BTW don't let therapists tell you hyperlexia is a splinter skill, you can use it to your benefit! If he is singing his ABCs, use that interest in letters to teach language. Get the "Letter Factory" DVD, get plastic letters and teach him what each letter is (he may already know them)...then what color is the letter, what comes before this letter, after this letter, which letter is on top, on bottom, bigger, smaller etc etc etc.

Ok sorry i am off on a tangent LOL

As for the sun shade...if you can't talk DH into buying it, you can always drape a light blanket or sheet over to existing shade. Might consider buying him a little battery operated clip-on fan, it could get hot in there. We also bought a clip on cup holder for our Mickey-Mobile

 

[kaffinito]

Doing things his way helped to avoid many major meltdowns as usually I could say to him that we had finished this ride and the list says this other one is next.

My son would only completely freak when he had to go to the toilet as they flush automatically and he hates hand-dryers.

Best of luck on your trip

I totally agree with your ides for the maps, etc. I found them very helpful when I took my then DS6 and DS14 last year. As for the toilets, I had the same problem with them for years! I found that with the automatic toilets, I could bring papers or a bandanna to put over the sensor so that my son could get safely out of the stall before they flushed. That way he felt a lot more secure going to the bathroom - knowing that it wouldn't flush while he was in there!

I'm most concerned about...

1) Keeping on our GFCF Diet
2) That he's going to perseverate on any ride that he particularly likes
3) Transitioning from those rides he wants to ride AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN. He's a sensory seeker, so as long as he's not melting down, I think he's gonna love the rides!
4) How to deal with meltdowns in the middle of a crowded line (did anyone have any luck with a PAL Mickey? Or any other creative easy to carry things to keep an almost 3 year old busy in line and distracted from the people?)

There is so much more, but that's a fair start. I also have a 6 year old daughter that will be a huge help. It's a sort of family reunion, so we've have lots of family around off and on.

Thanks in advance if anyone has ideas/help!

Karen

2) That he's going to perseverate on any ride that he particularly likes
He probably will, but if you can flexible you can survive it!
3) Transitioning from those rides he wants to ride AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN. He's a sensory seeker, so as long as he's not melting down, I think he's gonna love the rides! Transitions are easier if you can space the rides out. For example, I would tell my son that he could go on POTC for the fourth time if we go on HM first. That way I could get him around the parks, and he still got to focus on the rides he really liked the most. Also, I didn't mind doing some rides over and over again, like POTC or AMC. I had fun too!
4) How to deal with meltdowns in the middle of a crowded line (did anyone have any luck with a PAL Mickey? Or any other creative easy to carry things to keep an almost 3 year old busy in line and distracted from the people?) I would try a small cheap hand held video game that's not too difficult for him. Try the Leap Frogs, since they also have videos as well as games that he could watch and play with while in line. You might also want to get a GAC just in case! Good luck and have a wonderful trip!

 

[SueM in MN]

I totally agree with your ides for the maps, etc. I found them very helpful when I took my then DS6 and DS14 last year. As for the toilets, I had the same problem with them for years! I found that with the automatic toilets, I could bring papers or a bandanna to put over the sensor so that my son could get safely out of the stall before they flushed. That way he felt a lot more secure going to the bathroom - knowing that it wouldn't flush while he was in there!

Post it notes work really well.
They are inexpensive, stick well and come off easily when you need to remove them.

 

[mechurchlady]

During meltdowns focus on your kid and do not waste your time worrying about others. It is bothersome to have a loud person in a restaurant but when people know that the person has a reason then they usually go back to life as normal. You can practice in public areas skills needed for the trip like standing in line for ice cream at the mall.

Some people make business cards to hand to people and CMs stating the person or child's special needs. Some wear t-shirts that state the illness of a person in the group like "Rheumatoid Arthritis is not fun" "My son is autistic, I am proud of him". Stickers can be placed on the hunting ear protectors or even a stroller.

In lines people write about games, toys, walkman radios, or treats. I would avoid the high carb snacks. Maybe a Skittle, chopped up piece of gummy bears, or a raisin will keep the kid so busy as to not notice the line. Boys tend to be more sensitive to rides than girls it seems and I used to see more boys crying and melting down on rides even if they were not disabled. Some kids do not like loud noises or dark places even if not disabled.

Have a plan and use it for a fan, lol. youtube is wonderful for helping show the kid what to expect so there is less anxiety. Also tell him before leaving that there is a limit to riding 3 times each ride then we try another ride. Might not work. Maybe someone can come up with something to give him the pressure he likes.

Big hugs and dont worry about other people. The glare at an autistic kid then go down the street to glare a a girl in goth attire then they will grumble about the tub of lard and that weird kid with the big mole on its cheek. Them people are commentators on the world who will find something to comment on. Instead enjoy the kind people of the world who do not care how you act, dress, look or speak.

 

[khomer504]

During meltdowns focus on your kid and do not waste your time worrying about others.

Good advice, I'm hoping I can follow it!

Some people make business cards to hand to people and CMs stating the person or child's special needs. Some wear t-shirts that state the illness of a person in the group like "Rheumatoid Arthritis is not fun" "My son is autistic, I am proud of him". Stickers can be placed on the hunting ear protectors or even a stroller.

I bought several plain t-shirts for Andy in bright colors (so I can see him easily if he's with another family member) and was going to decorate them, and put some sort of Autism symbol on the back. I really want to not care what other's think, or that they are judging us... but it certainly seems like it would be easier if they realized Andy isn't a typical kid. I have mixed feelings about labeling my little man so blatantly... but for WDW, it seems like a good idea.

Have a plan and use it for a fan, lol. youtube is wonderful for helping show the kid what to expect so there is less anxiety. Also tell him before leaving that there is a limit to riding 3 times each ride then we try another ride. Might not work. Maybe some one can come up with something to give him the pressure he likes

Unfortunately Andy's receptive language isn't this good yet, he's only at about a 14 month level receptively right now (and believe it or not, that's progress!). He does understand "one more time, then all done" especially if used with sign language, and he understands when we count down "3...2...1...we are all done" in a sing songy rhythmic voice. I'm sure I'm going to be saying that a LOT!

Big hugs and dont worry about other people. The glare at an autistic kid then go down the street to glare a a girl in goth attire then they will grumble about the tub of lard and that weird kid with the big mole on its cheek. Them people are commentators on the world who will find something to comment on. Instead enjoy the kind people of the world who do not care how you act, dress, look or speak.

Thanks again, I'm really going to try to take this advice... I'm hoping it gets easier over time.

Karen

 

[khomer504]

4) How to deal with meltdowns in the middle of a crowded line (did anyone have any luck with a PAL Mickey? Or any other creative easy to carry things to keep an almost 3 year old busy in line and distracted from the people?) I would try a small cheap hand held video game that's not too difficult for him. Try the Leap Frogs, since they also have videos as well as games that he could watch and play with while in line. You might also want to get a GAC just in case! Good luck and have a wonderful trip!

We've not done any video games with him at all... my daughter never liked video games, and has still never taken to them. Any suggestions of ones that might be simple enough for a 2 year old would be great! I'll go surf the Leap Frog site a bit.

I have also pretty much decided we'll ask to use the stroller as a w/c, he doesn't have any problems walking... but in lines or crowds, he's just going to do better in the stroller, and he's going to be more content than if he's walking around. Anyone know if there is a problem requesting this accomodation even though he's a perfectly fine ambulator?

Thanks!
Karen

Thanks!
Karen

 

[mechurchlady]

The GAC is given based on needs and no doctor notes or anything else really matters. Get yourself a GAC and a "Stroller-as-a-wheelchair" tag. Disney is very good about not asking questions (it is the law that they dont ask). Just tell them he is autistic and any special needs like avoid the dark, shade, or social behavours. Every day they see all sorts of people and you will be just another guest to make feel at home in WDW. In your case the Stroller as Wheelchair will be great for you and the kid.

Is it wrong to label a child or person? some will say yes and some will say no.
Imagine you are in a restaurant with your family and a kid is having a hissy fit. It is disturbing your meal and quality time. It is wrong for a parent to bring into a restaurant a spoiled brat who is running into the waitress, throwing things and screaming because he did not get his way and because his parents cannot control the kid. Most of us on the other hand have compassion for the little kid who is blind, deaf or has other special needs with in reason of course. I draw the line at rolls flying over my table, lol.

Also there needs to be an end to the stigmas surrounding disabilities. Yes, there are limitations but so what if I (he,she, they) have a disability. I was talking to someone in chat about this board and the parents with autistic kids that are on this board when at least twice people have said they or someone they know have a disabled kid. Maybe your labelling the kid will get someone to come to you and learn things and talk about life with a disabled kid. As for toys it could be a string of beads for example, something to keep the mind occupied on something besides the lines.

It is a new day for me so big hugs again and remember chin up and never be limited by rude people.

 

[BeckyScott]

You've gotten great advice from everyone else.

Regarding Pal Mickey- we did buy one, although it was our older son, not our son with autism.

I personally was about ready to shoot Pal Mickey by the end of the first day.

Okay, he was cute. But. The jokes and games he does are not going to work for a 3-year-old. The jokes are too much play-on-words, and the games are a little too hard. And so you'll have two things happen- he won't be able to do the games and will either get frustrated or expect you to do them, or Mickey only does about 5 (really bad) jokes and you will hear them over and over until you are ready to scream.

Also. As you pass places in the park, he will randomly activate. And he will tell stuff you might not want to hear. Like he will tell you when the parade is about to start, which is all well and good unless you weren't planning on watching the parade. But now the cat's out of the bag. Or I remember when we got close to Haunted Mansion Mickey said something like "Oooh, I'm very scared". Which my 10-year-old thought was funny, but a 3-year-old might not react well to. He will tell you if characters are out for autographs, and if your son hears something like that, the potential for any "plan" is right out the window.

I knew this ahead of time, so when DS wanted a Pal Mickey I told him upfront that just because Mickey said to do something did not mean we were going to do it, end of discussion. And since he's older he didn't bug me about it.

All in all, in your situation, I'd say spend the $50 on some other small toys. Keep a stash of them in your bag to pull out as needed. My son was also a big map-reader.

 

[khomer504]

All in all, in your situation, I'd say spend the $50 on some other small toys. Keep a stash of them in your bag to pull out as needed. My son was also a big map-reader.

Thanks, I think I'll do just that! For $50, I can get a lot of little things for him to have fun with... I had hoped Pal Mickey was more geared toward the younger kids (thinking Mickey Mouse Clubhouse fans here!)... but if it's not, we don't need it!

Karen

 

[lucigo]

Thanks, I think I'll do just that! For $50, I can get a lot of little things for him to have fun with... I had hoped Pal Mickey was more geared toward the younger kids (thinking Mickey Mouse Clubhouse fans here!)... but if it's not, we don't need it!

Karen

I know a lot of ASD kids (including mine) like to hold little things. Mine right now is carrying around a little Wall-E and Eve. LOL In the parks they sell little packets of characters. I tried to find an example on ebay but not sure what they are called. They are about the size of monopoly pieces so only good if he doesn't put things in his mouth.

 

[khomer504]

He doesn't put things in his mouth, those might be perfect for him. He also likes to carry objects around with him, we call them "his guys" cause they are characters of some sort... started with Tyrone/Pablo (Backyardigans) then for the longest time he had to carry his Mickey/Minnie figurines from his Mickey's Clubhouse set, and lately he's varried between those and Power Rangers and Star Wars figures.

Karen

 

[tavettava]

1) Keeping on our GFCF Diet


Karen

Contact brenda bennet at brenda.bennett@disney.com

She will make sure all that when you go to adr's that the chef will come out and talk to you about what foods. With dd they even made her stuff that was no on the menu and she taught that was cool. She will aldo send you a list of foods that are gfcf in each park and every resort. She is awesome.

 

[JulieWent]

DS (who has NLD) is now 13, but he was 3 the first time we took him down to WDW. Our first day there, we went on three rides -- Dumbo, the carousel, and It's a Small World. But we went on the horse-drawn trolley that goes up and down Main Street probably half a dozen times. It was the thing he was stuck on, and we kind of figured that if he found one thing that drew him, he'd want to come back, and we could steer him in other directions. It worked, and the next day he was ready to try out more things. (Of course we DID take four more trips on the trolley! )

So, don't be too afraid of your son's perseverations. They might actually be of use to you as you let him get used to all the sights and sounds.

DS still has rides that he insists on going on a certain number of times. (We ALWAYS have to go on Space Mountain twice, no matter what, for instance.) Rock N Roller Coaster is another two timer. Ahhh, for the simpler days when we could just ride the trolley up and down the street.