Almost 3 year old with SPD

[lovebug33]

So our daughter was recently diagnosed as having SPD. She freaks out in crowds and when people she doesn't know get too close and when people get too close to her sister. She also does not do transitions well. She does have a vestibular imbalance and likes to spin. A lot (thinking the tea cups will be good for this). What are your best tips to help her? We will be using her stroller as a wheelchair because she also has low muscle tone and can't walk far distances without getting tired.

 

[anonymousegirl]

The stroller-as-a-wheelchair will be a great help in the queues to create buffers between your daughter and other guests.

If lots of noise overwhelms her, then consider getting (if you do not already have) a set of pediatric earmuffs. There are noise blocking and noise canceling versions. I know someone with more experience with these will chime in here soon.

You say she doesn't do transitions well. DO you mean she is uncomfortable with new routines (getting up/going to bed on a different schedule; not having the same drinks cup; sleeping in a new place)? If this is the case, then perhaps schedule a longer visit so she can get acclimatised. You might also consider renting a DVC villa or an off-site house rental for more home-like accommodations.

 

[lovebug33]

Exactly about routines. She is very much into her get up, go to school, go to therapy, eat dinner, come home. We are doing 4 days in the hope if we need to go back to the hotel we will still be able to see things!

 

[lanejudy]

You might show her some youtube videos to help prepare her for what she'll experience. Crowds, lines, dining, resorts as well as rides. That may help you decide if there are things to outright plan to avoid, or how to help her prepare.

As for routine -- we've honestly found that sticking to a usual "schedule" for sleeping and meals makes for a very happy camper. Many families throw bedtime to the wind, and eat at odd times, while on vacation. Anything more than a day of that, or one late night, totally messes up DD's inner rhythm. So we get up at usual time, eat meals at usual times, and try to keep bedtime as well. On a short trip, we might do one late evening; longer trips we might do 2 or 3 (depending on length of trip).

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[kirstenb1]

I second the headphones, or what helped our little girl at that age was little headphones and the MP3 player. She was entertained in lines, and got to tune out the crowds/people surrounding her.

We always got to the parks first thing, because at that age, dd was good til about 1-2 in the afternoon. Getting there early we did lots of rides/low crowds. We ate early at 11, again to avoid crowds. Did a few more rides, then back to the resort pool. We brought her Legos/Barbies for her to decompress back in the room.

If she loves spinning, honestly, I'd make the teacups your last ride of the day. Otherwise she may want to do them over and over, and your other daughter may not.

Finally, if you're on property, consider splitting the group up if need be. When our dd was that age, and was done by 1-2, I took her back to the room. That way our older dd could spend some fun time with dad, and not have to be on her sister's schedule. I know some people disagree with me, but our "normal" dd gave up and still gives up a lot because she has a special needs sibling.

 

[lovebug33]

Are there noise canceling headphones I can use with an ipod? My daughter loves music so that could help keep her on an even keel.