Advice on Disney w Autistic Toddler

[Candy30]

We are going with a 3 year old Autistic toddler. He is very sweet and wakes up smiling always but we are aware that he has limitations.

Does anyone knows of any quiet areas in the parks he could retire to if he needs to regroup. He did very well at a local amusement park but this will be 7 days of park . We have planned a day and a half of just relaxing by the pool for him. He is usually well tempered and like most toddlers gets cranky when its naptime and all bets are off We were in debate about Rainforest but thought that TRex would be nice because he loves Dinosaurs. We are not sure about the noise level. I thought of requesting a table by a fish tank and not to close to any Animaltronics in RainForest. I have never been to TRex but it looks like the same concept of RainForest.

Any other tips you can give would be helpful.

 

[VeroBeachGirl]

You are going to have a blast. You should check out the disabilities forum. There, they have information on a guest assistance pass which will make your sons trip easier.

 

[Heluvsme]

My first tip would be to keep a close parallel with his sleep routine he has at home. Wake up at regular time, nap at regular time, bedtime at regular time.

Also, only spend mornings at the park (Rope Drop - just after lunch maybe) then go back to your hotel room for a midday break, then return to the park later in the afternoon/early evening. These midday breaks will refresh everyone in your party, not just your toddler!

T-Rex is very noisy. Cool and fun, but noisy!

Each park has a Baby Station where you can go for air conditioning, there's a small TV with movies playing, a small snack area and a changing room, and couches and rockers for quiet times.

There are several attractions that are relaxing and a nice break from the crowds. For instance, Hall of Presidents at MK. Dark, cool, quiet, great to sit and rest.

What really can help a toddler who is sensitive to noises and lights, etc, is to see if he would like to wear ear phones with his favorite songs playing. My son HATES loud noises, so we always have our MP3 player or Ipod and his earphones. He loves his earphones and he's able to be soothed by his favorite music and block out the loud noise at the same time.

GOod luck, have a good time, and don't be surprised if your son makes a LOT of progress while at Disney, mine sure did. That was where he really said his first words, after not talking for over 3 1/2 years. Magic and Pixie Dust!

 

[jenb1023]

Here is the link to the disabilities FAQ. If you scroll down, there are several links to hints, TRs etc. specifically dealing with Autism at WDW.

Have a great time!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=595713

 

[GoofyFairie]

Check out the book Disney With Disabilities. It is very helpful.