Anybody with special needs kids?

[Jenio]

I am just trying to make connection with someone else who has special needs children! We bought into the dvc to ensure we take a break every year either for my husband and I or my too older boys also! The two younger ones are not anywhere near old enough yet. Anybody else like us out there?

 

[Starr W.]

I am just trying to make connection with someone else who has special needs children! We bought into the dvc to ensure we take a break every year either for my husband and I or my too older boys also! The two younger ones are not anywhere near old enough yet. Anybody else like us out there?

I have an Aspie who's starting HS in the fall. He's doing great honor roll and mainstreamed with accomodations. It took a lot of work to get him where he is today.

He's a super kid, loves to travel and not just to WDW. So does his younger typical brother. We lugged the both of them to Hawaii last summer for 17 days.

We all travel together, though I sometimes do a girls trip with my sister, to get away from all the testosterone in my house.

 

[cogero]

My son is 3 and has PDD-NOS we love taking him to Disney.

 

[disneyfanbcv]

My son has autism. We go every year. He is 9 now. He loves it. He use to love all the rides but now does not. Hopeing he will again. He proudly wears his autism t-shirts so when he does have that once in awhile melt down , people don't look at him as a spoiled brat. The shirts have worked to his advantange. Kids have actually read his shirts in lines and have smiled at him instead of pointing at him. We watch the fire works from the Boardwalk balconies so he can enjoy them from a distance. Disney is wonderful!

 

[Jenio]

My 4 yr old has autism and my 2 yr old has down syndrome. Plus I have a 10 yr old with depression issues and a creative 6 yr old! All boys and all wonderful for their own unique qualities! I just don't think my 4 yr old or 2 yr old would get anything out of going to Disney for what the expense is! Plus he screams a lot and I mean a lot so getting a break is a necessesty! I am glad that it has worked out for so many others though! It gives me hope for the future!
Jeni

 

[Mfgs]

I have an Aspie who's starting HS in the fall. He's doing great honor roll and mainstreamed with accomodations. It took a lot of work to get him where he is today.

He's a super kid, loves to travel and not just to WDW. So does his younger typical brother. We lugged the both of them to Hawaii last summer for 17 days.

We all travel together, though I sometimes do a girls trip with my sister, to get away from all the testosterone in my house.

We also have a 14 yr old Aspie son who is starting HS in the fall. He, as well as his neuro typical 10 yr old sister, love going to WDW. Loves the rides, but is "too cool" for the parades. The only problems he has is with the loud booming of the fireworks. He has some custom made ear plugs for swimming, so he just pops those in when the fireworks start and he is good to go.

 

[disneydenisel]

We have an autistic DD12 and we have been taking her to WDW since 2005 and staying in DVC resort (BCV). First it was a rental to try it out, and when she said that she wanted to go back, we knew that we had to buy into DVC . It has taken her a few years to be able to go on any rides or sit through any attractions, but we struck gold in 2010 and she was able and happy to go on many rides (slow ones). Very exciting for me as usually I would have to sit out most rides and hang out with her. In November, we ended POTC, HM, Peter Pan, Phiharmagic, and other attractions that she would not go near when she was younger.

Trying Disneyland tomorrow!!!!

 

[Starr W.]

We also have a 14 yr old Aspie son who is starting HS in the fall. He, as well as his neuro typical 10 yr old sister, love going to WDW. Loves the rides, but is "too cool" for the parades. The only problems he has is with the loud booming of the fireworks. He has some custom made ear plugs for swimming, so he just pops those in when the fireworks start and he is good to go.

The only ride mine is not crazy about is RnR coaster, doesn't like going upside down. He loves EE, he and I will ride 3-4 times in a row, then I must buy him an ice cream cone. Did that once back in 2008 and now it's law.

 

[jekjones1558]

I just wanted to post my to all you parents of special children who find ways to make Disney work for your kids. You deserve a big dose of pixie dust for an extra magical vacation.

 

[melissa37]

My DS 8 has autism. He has been to Disneyworld twice and really enjoys the parks and the pools. He likes it best when we go with family. DVC has been great for us because I like to stay on property and I really need a kitchen for him, since he is so limited in his food choices.

A side benefit has been the ability to plan some time with just my DD6. I try really hard to do at least one trip a year (even if it's not Disney) that is just for her and I. I consider that our respite for the year.

 

[Jenio]

Vinny (my son with autism) has a very hard time with large busy groups! We won't even be having a party for his fourth birthday next week! Last year he ended up screaming in his room! I feel so guilty not taking him. I pray every day that we will someday be able to take him with us!

 

[Rochester Disney Fan]

We have 8 year old twin boys and 1 is on the spectrum.We went to Disney when they were 4 and I was suprised by how much he seemed to be in a different place when we were at the World.We planed a trip the following year and thats when we joined DVC.The DVC ownership helps with the relaxed pace.They could spend the entire trip in the pools.

One thing we found that really helps with the loud noises is just taking headphones ( simple ones from Home Depot). He loved the fireworks and some rides but not the noise ,the headphones give him security.

 

[hmillerbarilla]

Count me in! My oldest DD has physical disabilities. We love Disney and it was the place I felt safe pushing her around in a stroller without getting questioned constantly!!!

Now she's mobile and doing well. Disney has been the best place to take her and our other children because we feel welcome and she is accepted for who she is.

My favorite experience is at SSR last summer when SHE was chosen to open the waterslide. This wonderful CM took her by the hand and slowly... very slowly helped her up those stairs to the top of the slide. There must have been 10 other kids crowding behind them to get to the top. This CM went so slowly for her and was so kind. She let my daughter take each step in her own time since it was so hard. She got to go down first and open the slide!

I was crying with happiness, and it was one of those moments, when you think, "this is why we vacation here. This is priceless."

Whew... small victories.. aren't they spectacular?

 

[quirty30]

DS12 has an autism spectrum disorder called Hyperlexia. His symptoms are very similar to Asperger's, but he also has an uncanny reading ability. And he is a Disney fanatic. DD10 is not as enthusiastic. We all love DVC because of the extra space - I think we'd all go nuts in a hotel room. DVC gives us all a little "me" time (and space) to unwind after hectic park visits.

 

[Dizny Dad]

. . . . . . . . . . I am glad that it has worked out for so many others though! It gives me hope for the future!
Jeni

Jeni - We have had wonderful support and accommodations from Disney to aid us in the medical concerns for our DD for years. When the time is appropriate and you all need the break, talk to the folks at Disney. You may be amazed at what they can offer and are willing to do for you and family. And don't be discouraged by the first person you speak with; keep calling and ask for supervisors.

I can't help but say, though, that although others may show you that somehow things can be better, place your hope in the right place. He has a grand plan for you, and gifts for you through your children that most will never realize . . .

 

[Jenio]

Well said Dizny Dad! That was very nice! Very helpful right now since Vinny just got done throwing 4 fits in a row!

 

[weswife]

Hello,

My DD has Spina-bifida and hydrocephalus. She uses a wheelchair full time. We love going to Disney! She can stay in her chair on rides and when she can't Disney is very accomadating! We use the bus system because she can stay in her chair, it works great for our family. My DH is not one to travel but enjoys our yearly Disney trip necause DD can take part!

She is afraid of loud noise so she uses ear plugs (at fireworks, parades and stage acts). She enjoys the characters and all the fuss they make with her!

Somethings can be difficult but its what you make of it!

 

[dzorn]

My oldest DD has high functioning Autism. She loves Disney and is much more willing to try new things there than at home. We have been going since she was about 4-5. She also has food allergies and Disney is wonderful about that.



Denise in MI

 

[Starr W.]

My oldest DD has high functioning Autism. She loves Disney and is much more willing to try new things there than at home. We have been going since she was about 4-5. She also has food allergies and Disney is wonderful about that.



Denise in MI

I've found that out with my Aspie he's much more comfortable trying different things at WDW than at home.

 

[lakohls]

Disney has become a tradition for our family in large part due to the tremendous number of positive experiences we have had for not only DS13, but also our 3 younger typical children. It is a special place where CMs seem to go above & beyond every trip to get a smile from DS13.

Even as his physical limitations have increased over the years, there has been only a few attractions (Space Mountain, Big Thunder) that he can no longer enjoy but new experiences have taken their place (quality theatrical shows) instead as attention spans increase.

Also WDW is a place where we as a family can enjoy our time together and not feel that anyone needs to be left out.

Looking forward to our upcoming trip, and many more for years to come!