18 month old in process of evaluation

[shannonstar]

I did not mean to imply that a diagnosis would be a cure-all, just that I believe the earlier the intervention the greater the success. He is currently receiving private speech therapy weekly, as well as social therapy through ECI. We are on the wait list for the developmental pediatrician, autism screener and pediatric neurologist, but those appointments won't happen until January at the earliest.

He is such a great little boy and all over the place. Score like a 3 year old for gross and fine motor, seems to be on level in everything except expressive/receptive language.

I didn't mean to sound like it won't be fun. It's just our first big trip and I want everyone to enjoy themselves, my ds12, and his cousins 7 and 12.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

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.

How is suggesting a simple solution to your problem being judgemental? If you have a child who is "different," better learn to not take things so personally.

 

[shannonstar]

No, suggesting the same thing I did and then a acting like it is a fresh idea is rude. I am hoping to not ask for a GAS, but instead of being polite, that poster is already questioning why I would need anything. And thanks for tolling your eyes. I feel the love and support just oozing.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

No, suggesting the same thing I did and then a acting like it is a fresh idea is rude. I am hoping to not ask for a GAS [DAS] but instead of being polite, that poster is already questioning why I would need anything. And thanks for tolling your eyes. I feel the love and support just oozing.

Wow. I was in no way rude or impolite. Your kid isn't even 2 years old; I suggest a serious attitude adjustment asap or you're in for an even tougher time dealing with your child's issues. Everyone isn't out to get you or judge you. And I don't care if you get a DAS or not; why would I?

 

[Luv Bunnies]

]I did not mean to imply that a diagnosis would be a cure-all, just that I believe the earlier the intervention the greater the success.[/B] He is currently receiving private speech therapy weekly, as well as social therapy through ECI. We are on the wait list for the developmental pediatrician, autism screener and pediatric neurologist, but those appointments won't happen until January at the earliest.

He is such a great little boy and all over the place. Score like a 3 year old for gross and fine motor, seems to be on level in everything except expressive/receptive language.

I didn't mean to sound like it won't be fun. It's just our first big trip and I want everyone to enjoy themselves, my ds12, and his cousins 7 and 12.

You are definitely on the right track! Early intervention is very important and the earlier you can catch and start treating an issue, the better. I also think it's important to keep in mind that his diagnosis could change as you go along. Or, there may be disagreement between the various specialists. I had a speech therapist and an occupational therapist tell me that my 3-year old son was definitely on the spectrum. A pediatric neurologist insisted that he was not, but that he had the most severe and earliest onset case of ADHD he had ever seen. He said medication was the answer, which I was not totally against but reluctant to use because of the disparity in opinions. From doing my own research and listening to his therapists, I felt he was definitely on the spectrum. As he grew and developed, the "hyper" behaviors decreased and the autistic behaviors (language, social skills, rigidity in routines) became more apparent. His language exploded around age 5. It became apparent that his diagnosis should be narrowed down to Asperger's by age 7. Now at 19, he's doing well and entering a job coaching/training program.

This doesn't happen in every case, but I think it's good to be flexible and treat the initial diagnosis like a step in the process or a piece in the puzzle. Your son is lucky to have a strong support system!

 

[Danadanes]

Wow.
OP, remember that the das is for your child, not for you...you aren't taking "advantage" of anything. You are helping your child. Disney offers it to make things easier for your child to enjoy disney.

 

[Ashton7]

Ignore the naysayers and do what's best for the children. As they post in other parts of this forum, don't worry about the judgement or comments of total strangers at Disney who you will probably never see again. Of course, me, you will see again including this Friday. Can't wait to hug you all! Hope you all have a great, stress-free flight.

 

[Ashton7]

BTW, I do think you should ask for a GAS once the whole crew arrives, like someone else suggested (so that everyone can go at once). It will probably make things much less stressful for all of you and keep the other boys from getting frustrated, too.

 

[OurBigTrip]

BTW, I do think you should ask for a GAS once the whole crew arrives, like someone else suggested (so that everyone can go at once). It will probably make things much less stressful for all of you and keep the other boys from getting frustrated, too.

How "the other boys" feel, unless they're disabled is and should be irrelevant to getting a DAS.

 

[shannonstar]

How "the other boys" feel, unless they're disabled is and should be irrelevant to getting a DAS.

I would think how they feel about the safety of their little brother should be considered relevant. After having seen the abuse of the GAC many times on my past 4 visits, I have no intention of becoming that type.

I think if you look back in the posts, you will see that I have no intention of asking for a "front of the line" pass for the group. I am really hoping there is something more like "when the group reaches the front, join them via the wheelchair entrance" is available.

 

[OurBigTrip]

I would think how they feel about the safety of their little brother should be considered relevant. After having seen the abuse of the GAC many times on my past 4 visits, I have no intention of becoming that type.

I'm not implying in any way that you are trying to abuse the DAS - if you think you need it, then by all means, you should ask for it. My comment had to do with the comment regarding the other boys being less frustrated if your son has a DAS, and yes, that is is completely irrelevant to whether or not your toddler should have one. As is their concern about his safety. The DAS is there to help your son, not to make others in your party less fearful or less frustrated.

I think if you look back in the posts, you will see that I have no intention of asking for a "front of the line" pass for the group. I am really hoping there is something more like "when the group reaches the front, join them via the wheelchair entrance" is available.

There is nothing like that available - your son will either need to wait in the line, hopefully with the stroller as a wheelchair tag, or everyone will wait outside the line with the DAS, and then go into together through the FP line.

 

[bidnow5]

There are very few rides with wheelchair entrances thunder mountain does but it's on the other side of the track. The only option is DAS