Adult (or child) Autistics & noise sensitive

[Shreggor]

How do you cope with noise sensitivity? For me, I mostly worry about the noises coming from the rooms near me in the resorts. Much like a child autistic, certain noises will set me off and this is something that really scares me when I go on vacation.

Never really had a problem at WDW prior to my last trip which was horrible. Everything seemed louder than in the past. Had to move rooms at POP and then had to move resorts at CSR (though at CSR it was more than noise, I was afraid for our safety because of scary drunks and police involvement with them).

I do stay in hotels and generally don't have issues but I am really scared after my last trip that I will have a meltdown on my honeymoon at YC/BC in Nov. No one understands that I CAN'T just ignore it.

Does anyone have any advice or experience with this?

 

[brergnat]

Do you use earplugs at night? I am not autistic (I have two sons on the spectum, though). I have to use earplugs EVERY night, even at home, because I am a really light sleeper. Even the sound of cars going by outside will wake me up. I am HIGHLY dependent on them, especially at hotels.

There are a few different brands, but I like Leight Sleepers, with a db rating of 32 or 33. Once you figure out how to fit them in your ears properly, they pretty much filter out ALL noise (although you can still hear someone who is talking to you, or a sudden loud noise like a fire alarm).

I stayed at POP once and never again! That place was so loud, even with the earplugs. I didn't sleep for 3 nights.

I only stay in deluxe hotels now, because they are quieter. The most quiet so far has been the Contemporary in the Tower.

I am staying at BC too, next month. I hope it will be quiet. Taking my trusty earplugs, though!

I bought Jr. sized ones for my kids for the loud noises in many of the rides and shows at WDW. They cannot handle sustained loud noises (like concert level volume at the WDW stage shows). We have use the earplugs with success at a couple concerts we have taken them to locally.

 

[curemyreed]

I am always so very grateful to those with the same issues as my daughter who are able to describe how it feels, what helps, what makes it worse, etc. My daughter is not able to verbally relate to me how her extreme sound sensitivity "feels" or what coping measures are best, etc. So when someone can so eloquently say "here's what I really can't stand and why" I feel like I get a better understanding of what it must be like for the light of my life.

Sorry you are having to deal with this issue. My daughter can't tolerate anything in her ears so we use headphone-type noise-reducing "ear gear". I like PP suggestion of noise-reducing ear plugs. I would suggest using them at home for awhile so that you are used to them & know they work adequately before your trip.

Congratulations on your upcoming marriage!!! DH & I celebrated 20 years of marriage in December. I think a Disney honeymoon would be perfect....good choice!

 

[ireland_nicole]

my kids use the ear protectors that look like old fashioned headphones. I get them in the hunting section of Cabellas. But then, they don't like anything in their ears, and love the pressure of the external protectors. Earplugs would be much lighter and easier, wouldn't impeed movement in your sleep; I agree w/ pp's that it's worth trying some out before the wedding. Also, it doesn't hurt to talk to the front desk at checkin, and see if you can get a corner room, etc. They may have other ideas for a quieter room, too.

Congratulations!

 

[Minniemama350]

Not that it solves everything, but don't underestimate the quiet potential of the top floor. Also, we bring sleep meds. Bendryl for my kiddo if he needs it(though usually he does not) and Advil PM for DH. Smoother trip for everyone that way!

 

[disneymami]

The sleep meds are a great idea. I take 5mg of melatonin every evening just to settle myself and be able to sleep. If I've got some pain, then I take zolpidem which is generic ambien. you will need a dr. script for that.
As for my DD w/ autism, her sleep has improved some when I give her Risperidol in the evening. She's on that med for her irritabilty caused by autism. It does seem to help to calm her mood. As for noise, she can be set off not just by volume but more so by what the noise is. Its hard to illustrate. There are some tunes that will drive her nuts and some tunes she will love. You just have to know in advance. As for WDW, she was great the whole time. She wore her noise cancelling headphones, PELTOR is the brand, and I think every CM there treated her like royalty. We had the guest assistance card which made her trip so much more enjoyable.
As for the our room, we had at top floor at the WL which I would go back again in a heart beat. That place was A-maz-ing. I loved it. It is so calm and soothing I did not have any trouble sleeping and my DD was in heaven.

You should also look into the sound machine. They make a travel one where its like a clock radio and it will mimic the sounds of a rain storm or whatever will help you drown out other sounds.