Aspergers (child) and mobility problems (adult)

[Sazuburns]

I'm sure this has been covered before, but to save me trawling through a load of posts...

Dh is disabled with back problems, so we will have a mobility scooter with us when we go to WDW this summer. We've done this before, and it was very successful. However, since our last visit we have had another baby (she will be 18 months when we travel) and our eldest (who will be nearly 11) has a recent diagnosis of mild aspergers. I say 'mild' but at the moment he is going through a bad patch, and when he is tired it seems multiplied.

Can anyone give me any tips to make our trip more enjoyable?

Thanks
Sarah x

 

[cm8]

hi!!! There is a thread/link to the dis faqs in the sticky that will give you some of the information you are looking for. I hope you find what you need. I am sure that others will come along to assist you.

 

[bookwormde]

I think to a great extent your commnet about issues when tired gives you some of the best guidance for making WDW a magical place. Take your time, break midday to decompress.

bookwormde

 

[christymarie]

Without knowing more about your child with Aspergers (over sensitive, under sensitive, stims, etc) I can recommend some basic ASD advice.

Take breaks during the afternoon. Since you have a toddler that will probably be a given but it will make the days much easier. The baby can take a nap while your older son can swim or explore around the hotel. Also make sure to take preferred items (DS, mp3 player, glowsticks, or other type things to play with while waiting in lines, for shows, or for meals.

I would also suggest a schedule even if it's just written down explaining the flow of the day. We do this for our sons as it helps them to know when we are having dinner and when we are going back to the hotel. My Aspie is much more willing to go back to the hotel in the middle of the day when he can see we are going to be returning to the parks in the evening. Sometimes just telling him doesn't get through to him the same way as seeing it.

Since your DH has a mobility device it will probably make waiting in line easier with the toddler as she will have a place to sit while waiting in lines. Much easier than carrying her.

It sounds like you guys will have a great time. Feel free to IM me if you have more specific questions.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Since your DH has a mobility device it will probably make waiting in line easier with the toddler as she will have a place to sit while waiting in lines. Much easier than carrying her.

Except the ECV can't be operated with more than one person on it. Seated unmoving (e.g. at a show or parade) with the key out, sure. Anything else is unsafe, and any signed or verbal agreement prohibits passengers on the ECV.

 

[Sazuburns]

Thanks for the pointers. This Aspergers thing is totally new to us, we are only just learning how best to change our parenting style (and it's nice to know that he's not just being naughty when he has his hissy fits, and that it isn't down to bad parenting!)

We will have a stroller for our youngest and also a sling and a set of reins, so I'm sure she will be fine. We're planning on bringing our own ECV with us from the UK as past experience has shown that it's hugely helpful in the airport, especially since we don't have a direct flight.

We're doing a meal plan for the first time this year, and I plan to make our midday meal the main meal at a table service restaurant (I must sort out those bookings) so that we will be forced to take a breather in the middle of the day. Ds1 is actually fairly easy going unless he's tired, so keeping on top of that will be my main focus.

I'll have a look at the thread mentioned, thanks again.

Sarah x

 

[toodycat]

My son has ASD and we always take the midday break. It gives him time to re-group and relax a little. Usually, we return to the parks later in the day. I would also recommend checking the Disney calendar regarding extra magic hours and parades, so you can give your DS a rough outline of which park he'll be in when. A predictable routine means a lot to these kids. I don't know if your son has any sensory issues. Mine is extremely sensitive to sound, so we have to avoid attractions that are too loud. I carry earplugs in my handbag in case he needs them Also, my son always like to spend time in some of the quieter attractions when the parks become crowded and overwhelming. "The Hall of Presidents" is a good example. Have a great trip.

 

[Ctsplaysinrain]

Have you been to WDW before with this child? How did it go? Does he have noise sensitivities- if so you want to get some good quality ear phones- construction worker type not ipod type.
Can he handle the crowds of the parades and fireworks?If not, you may want to 1. either plan meals during these times or 2. you may not want to take afternoon breaks but instead leave early before the crowds etc start building for these things or 3. Eat somewhere like Poly before fireworks and watch from the resorts or beaches if he can tolerate those crowds but not the loud fireworks
What kind of rides can he handle? My 12 yr old with some As and ADHD is total thrill freak. My 14 yr old with Asperger's does not like anything more thrilling than Haunted Mansion. In fact, he has a hard time even being around places with coaster noises or the screams coming from Splash Mountain etc..


I'm sure I'll think of a few other things..

 

[dclfun]

My kids don't have any of the issues of your son but we used to take breaks at Ft. Wilderness to get out of the stimulation of MK on the day we visited that park. Just being out in nature helped a great deal. It does take a bit of time to use the boat over/back- you could always have a lunch or dinner over there and the boat is easy to access with an ECV. Sounds like you have things under control with thinking of ADR's, etc.---Kathy

 

[Nicolas05]

I'm sure this has been covered before, but to save me trawling through a load of posts...

Dh is disabled with back problems, so we will have a mobility scooter with us when we go to WDW this summer. We've done this before, and it was very successful.

Can anyone give me any tips to make our trip more enjoyable?

Thanks
Sarah x

Take some precautionary measures such as the toys or any other things, whichever the Aspergers kid like more to be with. Whenever the kid troubles you, give him the things which he likes the most, so that you may minimize problems to some extent and have a trouble-free journey.