Any tips for ADD/ODD children at WDW?

[FTWFAN]

My DS/9 was diagnosed with ADD at age 6 and ODD at age 7 1/2. We have been on many trips to WDW and usually have several meltdowns. These usually result in DH or I taking him back to the resort and the other staying with our 2 girls. We try to stay on schedule with meals and bedtimes and I do continue his meds while on vacation. When he has a meltdown, there is no talking or reasoning with him. He gets really angry. There are mostly no warnings to his meltdowns. Usually nothing specific to indicate what sets him off. It can be anything from him beginning to get tired or hungry, asking him to do something his sisters want to do, not getting an answer to his question quickly enough. I know this makes him sound like a spoiled brat, but for the most part he is really a good kid.
Any experiences or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. We have reservations for next weekend and we are really looking forward to a weekend away! This is going to be a rushed trip and I am really concerned! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!

 

[pumba]

hey we all need help once in a while ......go to the disability board right here and they will be able to assist you

http://disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=20

 

[Marseeya]

My DS/9 was diagnosed with ADD at age 6 and ODD at age 7 1/2. We have been on many trips to WDW and usually have several meltdowns. These usually result in DH or I taking him back to the resort and the other staying with our 2 girls. We try to stay on schedule with meals and bedtimes and I do continue his meds while on vacation. When he has a meltdown, there is no talking or reasoning with him. He gets really angry. There are mostly no warnings to his meltdowns. Usually nothing specific to indicate what sets him off. It can be anything from him beginning to get tired or hungry, asking him to do something his sisters want to do, not getting an answer to his question quickly enough. I know this makes him sound like a spoiled brat, but for the most part he is really a good kid.
Any experiences or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. We have reservations for next weekend and we are really looking forward to a weekend away! This is going to be a rushed trip and I am really concerned! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!

I have quite a bit of experience with this myself!

Since this is such a rushed trip, is there any chance of leaving him behind with relatives? Does he actually want to go with you? I know for my son, we were okay when we had a longer period of time for him to adapt to his environment, but when we had to take a shorter weekend trip, it often turned into a disaster with him.

 

[nwdisgal]

I agree with Pumba. The Disability Board is the best for answering these types of questions.

 

[summerrluvv]

I have quite a bit of experience with this myself!

Since this is such a rushed trip, is there any chance of leaving him behind with relatives?

That is just awful IMO. I can't imagine how I would have felt if my mom took my two sisters to WDW and left me home

 

[Marseeya]

That is just awful IMO. I can't imagine how I would have felt if my mom took my two sisters to WDW and left me home

Oh? And you know this because you have extensive experience with ODD? If you'll notice, I did ask if he even wanted to go and if she'd said yes, my answer would have changed quite significantly.

(I can see why the OP was directed to the disabilities board.)

 

[summerrluvv]

Oh? And you know this because you have extensive experience with ODD? If you'll notice, I did ask if he even wanted to go and if she'd said yes, my answer would have changed quite significantly.

(I can see why the OP was directed to the disabilities board.)

Actually I do (nice to assume I don't huh?).

IME to exclude children that have "issues" from family events because of behavioral problems isn't going to make the child feel too good.

ETA* I don't want to turn the OP's thread into a debate so this is my last post on the topic

OP I hope you find a solution that works out for you and have fun

 

[Marseeya]

Actually I do (nice to assume I don't huh?).

IME to exclude children that have "issues" from family events because of behavioral problems isn't going to make the child feel too good.

ETA* I don't want to turn the OP's thread into a debate so this is my last post on the topic

OP I hope you find a solution that works out for you and have fun

I "assumed" nothing, hence the question marks in my first sentences.

It's my experience that to force a child with exceptionalities into situations he wants nothing to do with won't make him feel any better. I would NOT exclude a child who wanted to go, nor would I offer that as advice.

Again, that's why I asked the question, "Does he actually even want to go with you?" (which you seemed to have left out when you quoted me, completely changing the context of my post)

 

[FTWFAN]

OK, everyone! I didn't mean to start a debate here. I was just trying to get some ideas from other parents with ADD and ODD children on they handle certain situations. It is always nice to hear new ideas for help.

Yes, he does want to go with us. It was actually his idea, so maybe this trip will not be as bad as our last.

Thanks again for your help!