Any suggestions for my dd?

[tngal]

I am planning a surprise trip to wdw in march of 2012! i will be going with my youngest dd, who will be 8 and my oldest, who will be 14. My oldest has been diagnosed as being mildly intellectually disabled, ASD, sensory processing and some anxiety issues. Please keep in mind that when i say this, i am not being condescending or downing toward her in any way, but even though she will be 14, she doesnt have the full mental mind set of a "normal" 14 yr old. She is really in to the characters, and wants to do all the things that her younger sister will do, such as dress in a princess dress, etc. i have explained to her that because she is older (and taller/bigger than most girls her age) that they won't let her dress up. She seems ok with it. My biggest concern is that I am wanting to find some way to relay to the character and/or they character handler (?) that she has this disability without blatantly announcing it each time. I just don't want them to think she is "acting silly" or trying to be annoying. any suggestions? I love her with all my heart, this is what she has begged for for 3 yrs now, and i just want to assure any way i can that she has the best trip ever! thanks for your help!

Lisa

 

[ToddyLu]

I truly believe that the characters are artists in reading human behavior and characteristics and that they meet and greet each person in a special way for that one certain person. Somehow they will handle it perfectly--that is what I have always seen and heard so I would not worry about the approach or interaction that the characters will have with her.

Since she is older what about letting her pick out one of the tiaras at the glass blowing store on Main St. They are gorgeous and I think perfect for an older princess to wear around the park. You could make a big deal about it by getting some special sprinkles to put in her hair and maybe a beautiful face painting to wear that day--or by adding a pair of earrings. I saw lots of people this past week on our trip living out their second childhood--of course it was Halloween So I think there are ways to make it really special and not so centered on a costume. I believe they also allow teenagers to participate at BBB. They even have special ways of treating young ladies with wigs or alopecia.

She could also get a special t-shirt that she picks out, too. There are also the various hats on Main St.

WDW is magical and with a little foresight and planning it will be a wonderful vacation for your 14 year old. Have fun

 

[disney david]

I am planning a surprise trip to wdw in march of 2012! i will be going with my youngest dd, who will be 8 and my oldest, who will be 14. My oldest has been diagnosed as being mildly intellectually disabled, ASD, sensory processing and some anxiety issues. Please keep in mind that when i say this, i am not being condescending or downing toward her in any way, but even though she will be 14, she doesnt have the full mental mind set of a "normal" 14 yr old. She is really in to the characters, and wants to do all the things that her younger sister will do, such as dress in a princess dress, etc. i have explained to her that because she is older (and taller/bigger than most girls her age) that they won't let her dress up. She seems ok with it. My biggest concern is that I am wanting to find some way to relay to the character and/or they character handler (?) that she has this disability without blatantly announcing it each time. I just don't want them to think she is "acting silly" or trying to be annoying. any suggestions? I love her with all my heart, this is what she has begged for for 3 yrs now, and i just want to assure any way i can that she has the best trip ever! thanks for your help!

Lisa

You can talk to the cm in line and explain to them but i wouldn't worry the characters as a pp said can read the guest and tailor the meet to make them comfortable. I don't think the characters will think she being annoying or acting silly the characters are their to make sure every one has a good time so have fun. Disney cms are their to help make sure you have the best time you can. Make sure you get to see chip and dale their the best i know their not princesses but their the best. Have a great trip and hope everything goes smoothly have they have fun and get to see every character they want.

 

[persimmondeb]

They are very good about it. My DS, who is now 16, and does not have intellectual issues, but does have some obvious developmental delays. always has a lovely time visiting with the characters, and they always seem to be very good at picking up that he is not quite like other children. He particularly adores Chip and Dale, but he'll visit with any of them, and loves getting his picture taken.

If your daughter is willing, and not embarrassed by the item, you could try giving her a stuffed animal or a balloon to take with her in the park. I don't bother at Disney unless he desperately wants whatever the thing is, but we fly with stuffed animals, both so he has something to cuddle and nap with, and also as a visual cue to the airline personnel that he's not a standard teenager.

 

[Piper]

For special "princess wear" visit the disboutiquers thread in the family forum. Some of my friends have made adult sized clothing that is fabulous! Many of them applique as a way to make an outfit special. Some of them have their etsy shops listed in their signatures. If I still sewed, I'd make something for her.

 

[tngal]

For special "princess wear" visit the disboutiquers thread in the family forum. Some of my friends have made adult sized clothing that is fabulous! Many of them applique as a way to make an outfit special. Some of them have their etsy shops listed in their signatures. If I still sewed, I'd make something for her.

thank you so much for this suggestion! I will def. check that out. do i just ask for "special princess" wear?



thank you to everyone else for your suggestions, you all have been very helpful and given me many things to think about

Lisa

 

[21hearts]

My DD1 is non-verbal (can say five words & when I say words I mean: ma, da, hi, no and up.) so in the front of her autograph book I put "Hi! My name is Rachel & I am non-verbal and use sign language to communicate.". Then I just make sure I when we meet a new character that they see that page first & if the character can't read it for some reason (costume covers their head) then the handler usually reads it for them & discreetly tells them.