Anyone ever travel with a special needs child (autism)?

[MickeyMania]

My son is 6 year old and has Aspergers - it's a disorder on the autistic spectrum. He is mainstreamed into first grade (started today - boo-hoo) and has also done mainstream camps.

As any kid with Aspergers - he has his daily struggles; meltdowns, obsessions, you name it. We live near Disney and go often - but know our limits.

Has anyone here traveled with a special needs kid? What was your experience? Did you have dinner mates? Were there certain areas that were great for your kid? Did the CMs at the kids' club work with you?

Of course we know our kid better than anyone - and we are the only ones who can make judgement calls - but it is always helpful to hear how others handled it.

Thanks

 

[JanDave]

I've cruised twice on the Wonder with my 8 year old goddaughter, Alyssa, who has Down Syndrome. Alyssa loved the "Big Boat". We did not do any excursions with her as she does not tolerate the heat well.

On each cruise we were not seated with other families, per our request, as she sometimes has meltdowns with strangers, and will refuse to eat if people are watching her. She got to know our servers and looked forward to seeing them each evening.

Alyssa visited the kids club, but one of us adults accompanied her at all times as she wouldn't stay there without someone familiar by her side. She would stay there for approximately 10-30 minutes each visit. The CMs there were willing to work with her, but she shied away from them.

The character meets and greets were a special part of her cruises. She loved meeting them, never acted shy or reticent, no meltdowns, just smiles and hugs. On our first cruise with Alyssa, Dopey danced with Alyssa in the atrium. It brought tears to my eyes and others who witnessed Alyssa, with a huge smile on her face, dancing.

On our last cruise, Lyssa "hung out" at the Promenade Lounge. Don and Tomie were the entertainment in the Lounge and they took to Alyssa immediately. Tomie (female) danced with Alyssa and sang a "Sha Na Na" (Shania Twain) song to her.

Alyssa loved the Mickey Mouse pool; the movies; "secret" deck 7; the food, especially the ice cream. On our last cruise with her in June of this year, the girls she met in the pool were wonderful with her. She liked playing with them.

We only stayed at Castaway Cay for about 2 hours, as she cannot tolerate the heat. She loved the beach and we had a hard time getting her to leave so we could have lunch.

Alll in all, the cruises with Alyssa have been wonderful. Enjoy!

Jan

Our next cruise -- on the Magic 9/3/05 -- is just a hubby and me cruise.

 

[atakaratemom]

Here is a link to a thread on this subject that you might find helpful. I am sure you will have a wonderful time!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=873254&highlight=autism

Mary

 

[kaykels]

You will find a wealth of information on the DIS-Abilities board. My son has ASD and he has had wonderful experiences on the cruises (we have cruised 3 times) If you are lucky enough to have an AWESOME server, it will be a great experience. My son can be quite "quirky" and doesn't respond well when strangers talk to him, but NOT HERE. Some of staff are so wonderful with kids !!!!! And they are usually understanding and make it quite convenient even if you have to take him back to the cabin during meltdowns. They will send food to your cabin and take care of you.
Good luck!