18 month old in process of evaluation

[shannonstar]

Am a bit nervous about how he will be at Disney. He has little to no expressive or receptive language. He doesn't make eye contact and tends to be a runner.

We will have the stroller and the baby carrier, but while he is nonverbal, he is about a year ahead in gross/fine motor and tends to be an escape artist.

My question is, will it be okay to have the family wait in lines for things like The Jungle Cruise, Peter Pan, etc and then have him and 1 adult join when we get to the front? I think most of the interactive queue will be okay. Will guest assistance allow for something like this? We will have.a party of 8, but we don't mind lines for the rest of the party Nd don't want to take advantage of the problem. We are just trying to make it an enjoyable trip for the group, while keeping him safe and as happy as possible.

 

[anonymousegirl]

sorry, but on almost all rides, there is no way to get you to the front of the line to join your party.
You can request stroller as a wheelchair tag that will help with the running issues and to help him feel less stimulated /crowded in queues.

 

[bookgirl]

1. The DAS was designed for this situation. They will allow it for up to 8 if you ALL go to get it so they can see that you do have that many in your party. It is also the closest to what you are talking about. Disney will not allow you to wait outside the line then join your party. With the DAS you can all wait outside the line then join the FP line to minimize your wait in that setting. There is no way for your little one to totally avoid the line.

2. Invest in a harness/backpack leash. I know people bad mouth them but they are really nice for runners. It gives them some independence while keeping them close and it's a lot harder to escape from something with the buckles in the back.

3. If all else fails, rotate out who will stay back and keep an eye on your sprinter. Fresh eyes and arms are a great defense and if only one person is doing it you'll tire out and be less vigilant. Switching it up will be easier on everyone.

ETA: Stroller as Wheelchair tag will help too, may not do you as much good if he escapes it a lot but it would make lines a little more manageable if he overstimulates easy.

 

[Danadanes]

Have a wonderful time. I know the eval process is stressful. Trust me you will have a wonderful time at Disney! Something about it is so very special for our kids...My son pointed for the 1st time (at 2) at something at a parade. I wept!

Don't stress too much. Use your stroller a lot, and a tether is a good idea. My son was a runner too, but he stuck close at Disney (thank the lord)

 

[shannonstar]

Thanks guys! I ordered an Ergo sport and am looking for a tether as a last resort. We are going to the MVMCP party on 11/21 and after that will evaluate whether a GAC is necessary. I don't want to be seen as taking advantage of a situation that I would do anything not to be in. Getting a tag for our small stroller might be all we need to make it work out.

I wish the evaluation was already finished so we could have a better idea of what to expect. He is such a fun kid. I just want the trip to magical for his older brother as it may be the last one for awhile.

 

[bidnow5]

You do need to apply for a DAS I had one 3 weeks ago on our trip it was so nice to be able to come back and go right on the ride for me waiting the same wait time as everyone else felt better I never wanted to cut lines but really wanted to go on the rides.

 

[StirlingSilver83]

I feel your pain my older ds (he's now 8 ) went through exactly what u are going through at 18 months. It was extremely stressful! He was diagnosed with autism when he was 4. That's how long the whole process took! First there was early intervention and he had to complete that before getting evaluated further. Anyways he is extremely smart and very talented but he still has melt downs. We have been taking him to disney since he was 3. I really never did any research on disney. I didn't know we could use a stroller as a wheel chair to help with the running off or about the old DAS or anything like that. Honestly in the trips from when he was 3 and 5 we barely went on any rides bc of melt downs and line issues and like I said we had no idea something like a DAS existed. So when we went to disney again this year (he was 7) I did my research. The running off issue is not a concern anymore but the meltdowns was still a big concern so I requested a DAS and we got to do everything and it was the best trip we have been on with minimal meltdowns! I highly recommend requesting a DAS it really improved our trip. It improved our trip so much that the family wants to go back to disney again next year! Usually we go every other year. Anyways have a great trip and do the research! It really made our trip magical!

 

[emldrl]

Please, don't be scared off by things you hear or read about abuse, the DAS was designed to help people in situations like yours. I feel it is a wonderful solution to some of your issues, as is a stroller tag and a harness-type leash. If you are worried about other people's reactions, which is understandable if unnecessary, just remember it's no one's business, and you will be using the tools you need to help everyone, including your child, have a great vacation.
Whatever you can do to make your worries a little lighter, I say go for it!

FYI, I used a harness for my son when he was 2, it had a plush puppy on the back, and it was wonderful. I didn't have to keep him in the stroller all day, or hold his hand constantly, so he could walk without me worrying he would run off. It was great.

Good luck, and I hope everything works out!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

It's not clear why getting a stroller as wheelchair tag wouldn't solve your issue. I'm not sure why you would need a DAS.

 

[Mrsjvb]

A
My question is, will it be okay to have the family wait in lines for things like The Jungle Cruise, Peter Pan, etc and then have him and 1 adult join when we get to the front? I think most of the interactive queue will be okay. Will guest assistance allow for something like this? We will have.a party of 8, but we don't mind lines for the rest of the party Nd don't want to take advantage of the problem. We are just trying to make it an enjoyable trip for the group, while keeping him safe and as happy as possible.

not workable as there is NO way to join a line other than the main entrance/ get a stroller as wheelchair pass and then you can secure him in that in all lines.

 

[emldrl]

It's not clear why getting a stroller as wheelchair tag wouldn't solve your issue. I'm not sure why you would need a DAS.

The OP never actually asked about the DAS, it was suggested by other posters, including myself, because it would help them. Dealing with a "normal" eloping toddler in line is hard enough, but when you are working with a toddler that is possibly autistic (or similar), it could potentially be a nightmare.
Besides, isn't that what the DAS was meant for, to enable people to wait outside the line if needed?

 

[HopperFan]

I will say you have one advantage on this trip and it's power in numbers. With your party that size (and I've been on trips with extended family so I know) is everyone stand more spread out in the lines so there is plenty of space for your little guy to roam and move and burn his energy. Man in front and back will be his barriers.

I also agree with the stroller as a wheelchair for lines and anywhere. He may find it a real safe zone from all the outside stimuli. Have some of his favorite items to comfort him if needed .. toy, blanket, book. What we also did in the day of strollers was to have a "belt" that we used in addition to the stroller straps but we looped it and brought it around the back of the stroller. This way DS could not unbuckle himself and take off because the buckle was behind him and the stroller seat. At 18 mos I assume he's still going to get pooped enough he'll need stroller time.

You will have a wonderful time! Just be flexible and not get ruffled if there are those moments when plans get derailed.

 

[bidnow5]

It's not clear why getting a stroller as wheelchair tag wouldn't solve your issue. I'm not sure why you would need a DAS.

because her child is exactly the reason for both they might actually be able to have a normal vacation with the DAS and wheelchair tag

 

[bookgirl]

It's not clear why getting a stroller as wheelchair tag wouldn't solve your issue. I'm not sure why you would need a DAS.

I suggested she get a DAS as it sounds as if he has impulse control problems and maybe gets over stimulated. The stroller might work but even in a stroller if he get's an impulse and is proficient at escaping the stroller then he'll be gone or flailing in a heartbeat. Minimizing the wait in the line and doing it out of the crowd will help him stay calm and protect others who might get hurt if he decides to run and dart in-between legs or knock over others while trying to escape. They wait can be done in a safer place for him and other visitors with the DAS.

 

[shannonstar]

It's not clear why getting a stroller as wheelchair tag wouldn't solve your issue. I'm not sure why you would need a DAS.

This right here is why I am so leery of asking. I don't want people to judge me and this feels like judgement.

Thanks everyone for you support. We are bringing an upgraded umbrella type stroller, a carrier that supports up to 45 lbs (he weighs 32), and then a leash/harness Eric Carle Elephant backpack. We are going to practice this weekend at the zoo.

 

[emldrl]

Good luck to you with everything! I have noticed, and experienced myself, a note of judgment on these boards, and I'm sorry you are feeling it too. Most of the posters are really kind and helpful though. Just remember, the CM's are there to help you, and won't judge you for requesting a DAS. After all, that's what it's there for. Your life is hard enough right now (I imagine), so anything that will help you all have a great vacation, you should totally go for it!! I hope everything works out for you all!!

 

[lanejudy]

This right here is why I am so leery of asking. I don't want people to judge me and this feels like judgement. ...

There is no harm in asking about the DAS at Guest Relations. The stroller-as-wheelchair may well solve your concerns, but please don't feel they are judging you, they will discuss the options based on the needs you describe.

Due to the child's age, it can be very hard to differentiate age-related frustrations waiting in line versus disability-related. You have an older child, so you have some idea of age-appropriate, build from there. You know your child best and if he is a runner, you definitely want/need to keep him safe. Have you taken him to any local amusement parks or places where he needs to stand in line? If you have time and ability to do so, that might help you to know what to expect at Disney.

A couple of other suggestions -- take them or leave them:

• Bring a towel or blanket to drape over the top of the stroller, essentially providing him a "hide-away" from the stimulation.
• If noises bother him, have you tried a pair of Peltor earmuffs? I don't know if they come small enough for a toddler but might be worth looking into if that is a challenge he faces.
• If he is a little houdini, you'll want to find a way to keep him in the stroller so he doesn't hurt himself.

...I wish the evaluation was already finished so we could have a better idea of what to expect. ...

Please don't take this the wrong way -- but a diagnosis really does not provide any magical insight to the future. Obviously, you have an idea something is off; but each child with the same diagnosis may present differently. Behaviors seen today may be gone 6 months from now, replaced by something else. You'll be the same, he'll be the same the day before you receive a formal diagnosis and the day after. He'll still be the same great, lovable, "fun kid" with or without a label.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[StirlingSilver83]

Like I said earlier my son was diagnosed with autism at 4. I honestly don't even use the label. He is who he is and that's that. He has his challenges but he also has some incredible gifts. With or without the diagnosis I probably would of still gone the same way seeking intervention to help him socially and cognitively. Now he is 8 and all that extra help paid off he reads on a 4th grade reading level, he taught himself how to multiple and divide when he was in kindergarten and he is a very talented horseback rider and he's only 8! Don't worry things look bad and useless right now but my son is proof that things will get better! You just have to persevere and never give up!

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Please don't take this the wrong way -- but a diagnosis really does not provide any magical insight to the future. Obviously, you have an idea something is off; but each child with the same diagnosis may present differently. Behaviors seen today may be gone 6 months from now, replaced by something else. You'll be the same, he'll be the same the day before you receive a formal diagnosis and the day after. He'll still be the same great, lovable, "fun kid" with or without a label.

Enjoy your vacation!

First of all, you've gotten some great advice already so I won't bother to repeat that.

But I wanted to chime in to agree with lanejudy on the point above. DD's diagnosis has evolved over time as she has grown older. I just say we're adding more letters to our alphabet soup. The biggest impact the official diagnosis has is in what resources are available to us. My experience has been that an autism spectrum diagnosis opens up funding sources that aren't available otherwise. But in regards to treatment, we address the behaviors as they present themselves and issues we have tackled get replaced with new issues that we have to confront. It's always changing.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

So ask for a DAS. All you have to do is explain why your child needs to wait somewhere other than the regular line.