1st. time trip with autistic child

[Carrieberry]

We will be taking our 5 year old son (autistic and deaf) to WDW in January for his first trip. Earlier this summer we did a little test run at Disneyland for 2 nights and he did phenominal!! He is completely obsessed with Mickey Mouse, but the first time he met the character he was looking all around it and at where the head attatched to the rest of the costume, almost like he knew there was a person in there! Aside from us having to buy him a new balloon almost every other day (we would just keep taking the one from place to place until it got worn out) and having to buy a ton a Mickey head shaped lollypops (which he wouldn't eat, he would just hold) and of course they had to have Mickey head shaped chicken nuggets which meant that it took him about 3 hours to arrange then and then finally eat the ears off before shoving the rest in his mouth, it was a magical trip! It was where he first learned a little sign language, and his behavior was excellent! He even went right to bed at night without even any issues. We will be staying at OKW (we are renting points from a DVC member and getting a 1 bedroom) and we are hoping since this resort is more relaxing it will help with calming him down at the end of the day. Before we leave, we are also spending 2 nights at ASMo because I know he will love it. I think every one of us knows what our child can handle and what they can't, and as long as you are prepared to handle the stimuli and meltdowns, you will be in good shape. Our son made real strides in the two days we were at DL and I can't wait to see him at WDW!

The GAC is a must for the rides with long lines. We did CA and DL in one day when were in CA and only used the GAC at Disneyland since it was our second park of the day, and it was more crowded. My son loved all of the rollercoasters and Soarin over CA!!

 

[Talking Hands]

Originally posted by Carrieberry
We will be taking our 5 year old son (autistic and deaf) to WDW in January for his first trip.

If your son signs or understands sign be sure to get the interpreter schedule from Guest Services and schedule interpreters early for the Lusu or Hoop Dee Doo.