Is there any type of assistance I can get for my 6-year-old autistic son? I know about the GAC, had that last trip for him. But this time I'm traveling alone with my autistic son, and two other children. My concerns are room location and airplane seating with Southwest. I have a preferred room booked and put in a request for first floor and which building I'd like - but should I have it added to my request that I'm requesting it due to an autistic child? Same with boarding for Southwest - is there a way to get earlier boarding with him? The main issue with him is he is a serious RUNNER! any suggestions? thanks!
Assistance for autistic child?
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mechurchlady
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For a runner you should try a harness and leash. There have been prior posts on that issue. Some say a leash attached to the wrist is ok but others like myself see a kid almost yanking its arm out of the socket if they take and then hit the end of the leash. People will stare and then you either tell them to bug off, ignore them or teach them about the dangers of a run away autistic child.
Southwest has seating charts and if available you can get seating you want. Definitely tell them that you have a disabled child who needs to board early and exit first. In flight talk to the attendants to try to make sure that he gets off first.
Use role playing and stories to show him what to expect. Some people write out elaborate itineraries so the kid knows exactly what is going on. If the kid has problems with crowds, lines or whatever the try practicing in public areas and teach the kid that waiting is good.
Each kids is different. For the sensory seeker you can use a walkman radio with song or something for their hands to be busy like a string of beads or a toy. As for the hotel, yes, do tell them that for medical reasons (autism) you need a first floor room. Be very clear and only say "For medical reasons I need a first floor room" then if they ask then you tell them why you need that room such as a kid that wanders or a kid who climbs out of windows. With GAC and reservations for anything the term "autism" does not really help. Some autistics are sensory seekers and others avoiders while some heavily stim and others dont. Some are endless chatterboxes and others seldom speak.
Southwest has seating charts and if available you can get seating you want. Definitely tell them that you have a disabled child who needs to board early and exit first. In flight talk to the attendants to try to make sure that he gets off first.
Use role playing and stories to show him what to expect. Some people write out elaborate itineraries so the kid knows exactly what is going on. If the kid has problems with crowds, lines or whatever the try practicing in public areas and teach the kid that waiting is good.
Each kids is different. For the sensory seeker you can use a walkman radio with song or something for their hands to be busy like a string of beads or a toy. As for the hotel, yes, do tell them that for medical reasons (autism) you need a first floor room. Be very clear and only say "For medical reasons I need a first floor room" then if they ask then you tell them why you need that room such as a kid that wanders or a kid who climbs out of windows. With GAC and reservations for anything the term "autism" does not really help. Some autistics are sensory seekers and others avoiders while some heavily stim and others dont. Some are endless chatterboxes and others seldom speak.
pilgrimr
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One thing you might think about for your son a the park is a stroller. A couple of years ago, I was at the park with my son age 4 at the time and daughter 1. My son was autitistic and I did worry about him running off. But, I rented a double stroller at the park and strap him and sister in. With him strapped in it kept him and sister from running off in different directions and gave me more controll. Just something to think about.
After you check in at southwest go to the counter at the gate and inform them that you are traveling with a disabled child. They should then give you a card (either yellow or blue, can't remember which) that will allow your party to board in the first group of passengers, with people traveling with small children and people in wheelchairs. Make sure you talk to someone at the counter, otherwise they may give you a hard time when you go to board. I always sit on the other side of the counter from all of the people who are lining up to board, that way I can see what's going on but still keep Dd out of the crowd.
bookwormde
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With all airlines you can request a Part 382 disability pre-boarding. SW are generally blue vinyl pouch with the specifics included inside. You either get them from SW customer service in the boarding terminal or from the gate agent (it varies by airport). You have to listen for the disability pre boarding call and you will board with other people with disabilities such as wheelchairs. You board before the A group and families. There is no problem with boarding as a family.
SW flies all 737’s, which are 3 on each side. You did not say how old or responsible your other children are but you will need at least on to sit across the isle or if possible in front of you ASD child for avoiding complaints if you child is restless and kicks or pushes the seat in front. If he is a “runner” I would put him in the middle seat with you on the isle seat. He will have to be able to maintain his seat with his safety belt on when required to fly safely. Whatever items you have that are good “non disruptive stims” for him bring them such as clay, chews, electronic games or portable DVD players etc. Be sure to inform the airline attendants of his disability (although you are not required to) so they understand he has extra needs and must be accommodated under part 382 (a link to this is located on SW’s site.) Ahead of the wings is quieter or behind the wings is noisier if your child is not auditory sensitive and you want to “mask” some of his noises.
You should make your hotel request and note it as an accommodation to his disability. Without knowing where you are staying it is hard for anyone to be more specific about particular rooms or areas.
A leash can be a necessity depending on the child and family situation. My recommendation would be a chest harness (if he will tolerate it) with a rear “d ring” and a removable leash. It distributes the end of leash forces the best, does not ‘spin” the child at end of leash and best of all cannot be disconnected by the child. If you are doing rides it is best to remove the leash to eliminate snagging hazards, which can be quite dangerous.
bookwormde
SW flies all 737’s, which are 3 on each side. You did not say how old or responsible your other children are but you will need at least on to sit across the isle or if possible in front of you ASD child for avoiding complaints if you child is restless and kicks or pushes the seat in front. If he is a “runner” I would put him in the middle seat with you on the isle seat. He will have to be able to maintain his seat with his safety belt on when required to fly safely. Whatever items you have that are good “non disruptive stims” for him bring them such as clay, chews, electronic games or portable DVD players etc. Be sure to inform the airline attendants of his disability (although you are not required to) so they understand he has extra needs and must be accommodated under part 382 (a link to this is located on SW’s site.) Ahead of the wings is quieter or behind the wings is noisier if your child is not auditory sensitive and you want to “mask” some of his noises.
You should make your hotel request and note it as an accommodation to his disability. Without knowing where you are staying it is hard for anyone to be more specific about particular rooms or areas.
A leash can be a necessity depending on the child and family situation. My recommendation would be a chest harness (if he will tolerate it) with a rear “d ring” and a removable leash. It distributes the end of leash forces the best, does not ‘spin” the child at end of leash and best of all cannot be disconnected by the child. If you are doing rides it is best to remove the leash to eliminate snagging hazards, which can be quite dangerous.
bookwormde
kaffinito
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I would either try the stroller or the leash idea, especially since you are traveling with other children. My youngest was a runner too, and the stroller and leash helped me out a lot when he was younger. Now that he's older and understands more, he doesn't need them anymore. But when he was younger we would go camping and he would run and jump into whatever; fire pits, lakes, garbage cans, etc. So he wore a leash and the dog didn't! We were quite a sight when we went for walks!
Anyhow, good luck with your trip, and if you need anymore tips there have been quite a few threads on here regarding traveling to WDW with an autistic child.
Anyhow, good luck with your trip, and if you need anymore tips there have been quite a few threads on here regarding traveling to WDW with an autistic child.
A little more background - my son is 6 and nonverbal, presents much younger than he is, more like a 2 year old. We went to Disney in June for the first time - and was shocked how well it went for us! Luckily, he doesn't have ANY issues with sounds/lights/crowds, or anything for that matter. Main issue is he's a runner. One reason we're taking our trip this fall and not waiting much longer - is because we HAVE to do this while he still fits in a stroller - and a highchair (a MUST for character meals)!
He was an angel our last trip, well, for the most part. Only time he really lost it was at DTD at the World of Disney store - all it took was for him to see a display of DVDs (his obesssion, just wants to hold them and walk around with them, sleep with them). But he sat beautifully on the plane and even on all the bus rides through Disney - he really seemed to be taking it all in.
But the stroller is a huge must.
he will not walk and hold my hand. Sometimes he will - but majority of the time is spent with him holding my hand, dropped down to his knees, and twisting and trying to struggle free from me. I did try a harness when shopping with him - and that really didn't work with him. He still wants to throw himself to the floor in an effort to break free from me. My greatest fear is someone stealing my stroller when we are on a ride... NO clue what I'd do then. And we need a stroller not just for the parks - for everything. For getting through the airport, for walking around the resort, waiting in line for the buses at the resort, for him to be in while my girls swim.
I will add that request for my reservation, 1st floor for medical reasons. Yeah, I'd be terrified if stayed in a nice deluxe room with a balcony. Another concern is him unlocking the door and taking off in the middle of the night. He tried to last time, and luckily I thought ahead for that and had the lock rigged up with a babyproofing cabinet lock (too confusing to explain - but it worked!)
Another concern is character meals. a big must for all the kids in my family. But the challenge is HOW to get our food from the buffet. Me holding onto a struggling boy, while trying to juggle plates for him and myself - no clue how that will happen. My other two children are 6 and 8 that will be with us... so they don't have the strength to restrain him at the table. Last trip we had another adult with us, this time it's just me and the kids. Somehow we will make it work. But the biggest challenge I face is how to do a buffet with him. We are doing all table service meals - there is flat out no way I could do counter service at the resort and be juggling trays of food, waiting in line with him, and then trying to pay for the food, all while struggling with him.
He's fantastic in restaurants, but buffets will be tricky. Normally I don't put him in a highchair, but last time learned at our first character meal, he needed it. Sitting in Crystal Palace and he took off from the table, running straight to Pooh.
The GAC was great last time. Quickly learned after our first ride that nope, there is no way to get him to stand in line w/o struggling with him, or getting dirty looks from the people he bumps into.
And thanks for the info for Southwest - will definitely have to check with them about boarding. Glad to hear it is possible.
He was an angel our last trip, well, for the most part. Only time he really lost it was at DTD at the World of Disney store - all it took was for him to see a display of DVDs (his obesssion, just wants to hold them and walk around with them, sleep with them). But he sat beautifully on the plane and even on all the bus rides through Disney - he really seemed to be taking it all in.
But the stroller is a huge must.
he will not walk and hold my hand. Sometimes he will - but majority of the time is spent with him holding my hand, dropped down to his knees, and twisting and trying to struggle free from me. I did try a harness when shopping with him - and that really didn't work with him. He still wants to throw himself to the floor in an effort to break free from me. My greatest fear is someone stealing my stroller when we are on a ride... NO clue what I'd do then. And we need a stroller not just for the parks - for everything. For getting through the airport, for walking around the resort, waiting in line for the buses at the resort, for him to be in while my girls swim.
I will add that request for my reservation, 1st floor for medical reasons. Yeah, I'd be terrified if stayed in a nice deluxe room with a balcony. Another concern is him unlocking the door and taking off in the middle of the night. He tried to last time, and luckily I thought ahead for that and had the lock rigged up with a babyproofing cabinet lock (too confusing to explain - but it worked!)
Another concern is character meals. a big must for all the kids in my family. But the challenge is HOW to get our food from the buffet. Me holding onto a struggling boy, while trying to juggle plates for him and myself - no clue how that will happen. My other two children are 6 and 8 that will be with us... so they don't have the strength to restrain him at the table. Last trip we had another adult with us, this time it's just me and the kids. Somehow we will make it work. But the biggest challenge I face is how to do a buffet with him. We are doing all table service meals - there is flat out no way I could do counter service at the resort and be juggling trays of food, waiting in line with him, and then trying to pay for the food, all while struggling with him.
He's fantastic in restaurants, but buffets will be tricky. Normally I don't put him in a highchair, but last time learned at our first character meal, he needed it. Sitting in Crystal Palace and he took off from the table, running straight to Pooh.
The GAC was great last time. Quickly learned after our first ride that nope, there is no way to get him to stand in line w/o struggling with him, or getting dirty looks from the people he bumps into.
And thanks for the info for Southwest - will definitely have to check with them about boarding. Glad to hear it is possible.
pilgrimr
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I don't know if you have already made your reservation for the character meals, but there are some that are served family style. They bring plates of what they are serving to the table and you get what you want. If you are flexible to what character meals you want, you might look into this. We did the O'hana breakfast at the Polynesian resort and that is how they served breakfast. I also know that Liberty Tavern at MK and Princess Storybook in Norway for breakfast serve food this way. You might want to call WDW, and they should be able to tell you which one they have. I sure if you explain your circumstance they find the right one for you. Also you might look at scheduling when it at non-peak time, so it won't be too crowded.
DannysMom
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You might also look into the Character Meals that are served "family style" --they bring platters of food to the table, very handy when you have a child that makes regular buffets tricky. Two that I've done are OHana Breakfast & the Garden Grill dinner. There may be a couple of others, I'm sure other folks can tell you.
From allearsnet.com: http://www.allearsnet.com/din/cb.htm
Family style character meals:
In MK
Cinderella's Royal Table
Liberty Tree Tavern
Epcot
Garden Grill (Note-Restraurant rotates)
Princess Breakfast in Norway (I think Breakfast only is served family style)
At the POLY
Ohana's Breakfast
Family style character meals:
In MK
Cinderella's Royal Table
Liberty Tree Tavern
Epcot
Garden Grill (Note-Restraurant rotates)
Princess Breakfast in Norway (I think Breakfast only is served family style)
At the POLY
Ohana's Breakfast
SueM - lots of great info - thanks so much- will read it over again in a bit! Going to read again and look into many things you brought up! thanks!
character meals...
yes, the preplated/family style ones are the best. We have Ohana's for breakfast twice (yummmmm! was our favorite last time and Stitch and Pluto were musts for my son!) Doing Princess Storybook at Norway. We also have WCC, Garden Grill and Planet Hollywood (my dd's #1 request
) we also have CRT for dinner.
But for buffets... yikes! We have Crystal Palace for breakfast AND dinner, we have Playhouse Disney breakfast, which I could do w/o actually, but is convenient just that we'd be at Hollywood Studios that morning... and we have 1900 Park Fare for dinner, which I think my girls will really enjoy. I have a late Chef Mickey's, but that's up in the air as it's for 8:50 and MK closes at 8 that night - no clue if we'll have a way back to our hotel! Trying to find an earlier time for that, though.
I am hoping to be seated for buffets fairly close to the buffet. My girls are fine to go back and forth and fetch more food for all of us, but just hope we're not sitting in a far corner away from the buffet - want to have them in my eyesight still, ya know. It's mainly that initial trip up to the buffet that will be a struggle. So guess it won't hurt when we go to the restaurants to ask if possible to sit us near the buffet due to my son. I've done salad bars at local restaurants before with him, and it was doable, though not that easy, so am assuming somehow we'll work it out with the buffets.
I have looked on the Adaptive Mall, is that the name.. website at the special needs strollers. way out of my price range right now, but definitely may be a necessity in the next year or so, and will look into if can get it covered by insurance somehow. Have had a lot of help from his school with their home program and we go to the mall, grocery store, Target, etc with him and him learning to walk. If there's a shopping cart, we're usually okay, he can walk and hold onto it. But all it takes is a display of DVDs to set him off. I am hoping in the next few years this urge to run will stop, but am not counting on it. He also has Project Lifesaver provided by our sheriff's office, a tracking bracelet he wears. They also gave me door alarms that I figured I'll bring one down on our trip this time for the hotel room. I am hoping the room has the same type of lock we had when we stayed at Pop - that thing that flips over, as that was easy for me to rig up!
character meals...
yes, the preplated/family style ones are the best. We have Ohana's for breakfast twice (yummmmm! was our favorite last time and Stitch and Pluto were musts for my son!) Doing Princess Storybook at Norway. We also have WCC, Garden Grill and Planet Hollywood (my dd's #1 request
) we also have CRT for dinner.But for buffets... yikes! We have Crystal Palace for breakfast AND dinner, we have Playhouse Disney breakfast, which I could do w/o actually, but is convenient just that we'd be at Hollywood Studios that morning... and we have 1900 Park Fare for dinner, which I think my girls will really enjoy. I have a late Chef Mickey's, but that's up in the air as it's for 8:50 and MK closes at 8 that night - no clue if we'll have a way back to our hotel! Trying to find an earlier time for that, though.
I am hoping to be seated for buffets fairly close to the buffet. My girls are fine to go back and forth and fetch more food for all of us, but just hope we're not sitting in a far corner away from the buffet - want to have them in my eyesight still, ya know. It's mainly that initial trip up to the buffet that will be a struggle. So guess it won't hurt when we go to the restaurants to ask if possible to sit us near the buffet due to my son. I've done salad bars at local restaurants before with him, and it was doable, though not that easy, so am assuming somehow we'll work it out with the buffets.
I have looked on the Adaptive Mall, is that the name.. website at the special needs strollers. way out of my price range right now, but definitely may be a necessity in the next year or so, and will look into if can get it covered by insurance somehow. Have had a lot of help from his school with their home program and we go to the mall, grocery store, Target, etc with him and him learning to walk. If there's a shopping cart, we're usually okay, he can walk and hold onto it. But all it takes is a display of DVDs to set him off. I am hoping in the next few years this urge to run will stop, but am not counting on it. He also has Project Lifesaver provided by our sheriff's office, a tracking bracelet he wears. They also gave me door alarms that I figured I'll bring one down on our trip this time for the hotel room. I am hoping the room has the same type of lock we had when we stayed at Pop - that thing that flips over, as that was easy for me to rig up!
blondietink
DIS Veteran
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We used a McClaren stroller for our autistic son until he grew out of it. We got funding for it through our state agency that serves individuals with developmental disabilities family reimbursement program. I don't know what state you live in but it is worth a try. Now that he is 16 and very tall, we always rent a wheelchair in the parks for him. He would be wandering away from us all the time if we didn't have it. 
mechurchlady
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Keep working on the harness. You may want to try to make it fun in some way. It will be hard work and fustrating but necessary since running can be very dangerous.
Staring people and rude people usually are much nicer when they know that a person has a disability. There have been posts by parents who went to the parks and had autism shirts. They found that people were more tolerant when they see that a kid is disabled. Dont worry about what other people will think. That is a waste of your time and energy. Use the stroller in line but if you are in a line without the stroller and the kid is bouncy then apologize and say that he is autistic. If I were in line and I knew a kid was autistic then I would stand further away from the person so as to not get hurt. It is amazing how many kind and compassionate people are in the parks.
Stroller theft in parks is usually done by harried parents who grab the wrong stroller. Put ID on the stroller and make it unique. Over and over there have been posts by people, including CMs, that say that they never had a stroller stolen.
If a person is disabled the CMs will help them with out. It can be something as simple as opening a ketchup packet or something like carrying trays. For buffets tell the CM hostess that you need to sit near the buffet so you can take care of your son and get food or something like that and that you will need help with the tray.
Big hugs and good luck.
Staring people and rude people usually are much nicer when they know that a person has a disability. There have been posts by parents who went to the parks and had autism shirts. They found that people were more tolerant when they see that a kid is disabled. Dont worry about what other people will think. That is a waste of your time and energy. Use the stroller in line but if you are in a line without the stroller and the kid is bouncy then apologize and say that he is autistic. If I were in line and I knew a kid was autistic then I would stand further away from the person so as to not get hurt. It is amazing how many kind and compassionate people are in the parks.
Stroller theft in parks is usually done by harried parents who grab the wrong stroller. Put ID on the stroller and make it unique. Over and over there have been posts by people, including CMs, that say that they never had a stroller stolen.
If a person is disabled the CMs will help them with out. It can be something as simple as opening a ketchup packet or something like carrying trays. For buffets tell the CM hostess that you need to sit near the buffet so you can take care of your son and get food or something like that and that you will need help with the tray.
Big hugs and good luck.
TravelinGal
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The only problem I could see with this is if he does open the door, it's going to scare the living daylights out of anyone within hearing distance - especially in the middle of the night. I know, as an unknowing 'neighbor', I'd wake up thinking the building was on fire or something. 90 decibels is quite loud.
I am in no way saying his safety is not of the up most importance, but it's important to protect him in a way that does not affect other guests at the resort.
In a similar vein, I am taking pull ups for my DS to wear at bedtime on this trip. He has only had 2 nighttime accidents in the past 8 months, but I sure don't want to risk him having one on an unprotected mattress that another guest would end up sleeping on after we left. He will be pretty P.O'd. about it, but I'm keeping other (future) guests in mind. Not taking any chances with a child that is so exhausted he doesn't have the ability to wake up in time one night.
I think using the stroller at buffets is a great idea too. I wish I could do that with DS here at home! LOL
Best wishes to you for a peaceful and enjoyable trip!
I bought door alarms that stick (like Sue spoke about) but they have two settings. One is the "alarm" the other is a more of a doorbell chime that is loud enough to wake someone in your room, but not the ear splittling "wake the neighbor" alarm. The package says "Instant Alarm".
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Thanks.
I neglected to point out the 'pleasant charm' setting. That was the setting other people have used, not the 'scare the neighbors' setting.
TravelinGal
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Phew! I'm glad it has a chime setting! LOL (and I'm glad you didn't take my post the wrong way One has to be SO careful on boards to make sure the wrong tone doesn't come across.)
One has to be SO careful on boards to make sure the wrong tone doesn't come across.)
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Just like the alarm, sometimes people are trying to use the 'pleasant chime setting' in their post, but readers might think it's the 90 decibels setting.Phew! I'm glad it has a chime setting! LOL (and I'm glad you didn't take my post the wrong way
TravelinGal
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That was FUNNY!!!
Everyone step back... Sue's on a roll today.
Everyone step back... Sue's on a roll today.
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