Austic and Sensory advice from other parents

[californiamomof4grls]

So my BFF has two Autistic Children on very different ends of the spectrum. We are planning on go to DL together next month. So what I need is all of the advice from other Mommy's and Daddy's with children with these special needs and how I can help her navigate through the park easier. I am thinking planning out each day may be key, with lots of breaks. What else might you guys know that I don't that will help me help her? Thank you in advance for any help you may be able to give us.
BTW This is our cast of Characters! Me Dh Dd 12, Dd 11 Dd 8 (Cat's Bff) Dd 6 (Hen's Bff) Hannah 2.
My Bff of 20 years her Dh Dd 8 (Cat) Ds 6 (Hen)
We have Ap's they will have Hoppers. We are both staying across the street them at Camelot and us and DI&S

 

[Midnightred]

Hi! My two boys are autistic, and yes, a big pool break in the afternoon is wonderful. We were able to accomplish so much in the early morning hours. It seemed that the boys were sensory overloaded in the evenings, and the one who talks out of the two, would request to go back to the room. The crowds seemed to overwhelm them a little bit. We had the best time though! My youngest one is oblivious to characters, doesn't interact at all. Both of my boys cried when we went on BTMR, because it was so scary for them (they requested to go, but decided they didn't like roller coasters after that). I only had to use a GAC once, and that was on the Nemo Submarine. One thing I did notice was that the rides were loud for them. I will probably bring some earplugs this time. We sat in the back of the Jungle Cruise and the speaker was right above us and just blared. Pooh was loud too, but the loved it and stayed on it to ride it again. They both liked POTC the best. We are going back this July and can't wait, they really had fun! autistic kids usually love balloons, so get them some maybe!

Midnightred

 

[mamaode]

Well my ds (will be 10 april 25th). This will be his 6th trip Disney. 5 wdw, first to DL. He is pretty high function ASD with PDD NOS. however he does have other comprehension issues.

Sorry I've got a lot of info

For every trip we plan/pick all restaurants/snacks locations out a head of time. In the past we do almost all sit down meals because this is a nice time for him to unwind. At DL we only have one to two sit down meals planned per day and I will plan to take it slower at the counter service locations he picked.

I type an excel file of the complete schedule for each day, includes the name of the park, park hours and the Lands we are doing. I print and laminate. I also print and laminate a park map for the corresponding park. I do this for each day. I punch holes and hold them together with 3 rings. This way he can look at the daily schedule or what we are doing for which ever day.

He wears a watch which helps him asking about the time. He also carries his own sling bag with autograph book. He also has sound proof headphones and iPod with his favorite music. It's funny his favorite music for watching fireworks ( is the Elf movie soundtrack) I will also have him wear headphones and listen to music to kind of relax if I think he is getting over stimulated. It helps him. He is also getting old enough to ask. Music really is one of the things that relaxes him. I usually carry in my own bag when he is not listening.

Here is a brief example

May 3rd
Disneyland open 9am-12am

Breakfast - jolly holiday bakery
Adventureland
Snack
fantasyland
Lunch reservation 1:00pm - cafe Orleans
New Orleans square
snack
Toontown
Dinner
tomorrowland

Hope that helps

 

[mom2girls1974]

Well my ds (will be 10 april 25th). This will be his 6th trip Disney. 5 wdw, first to DL. He is pretty high function ASD with PDD NOS. however he does have other comprehension issues.

Sorry I've got a lot of info

For every trip we plan/pick all restaurants/snacks locations out a head of time. In the past we do almost all sit down meals because this is a nice time for him to unwind. At DL we only have one to two sit down meals planned per day and I will plan to take it slower at the counter service locations he picked.

I type an excel file of the complete schedule for each day, includes the name of the park, park hours and the Lands we are doing. I print and laminate. I also print and laminate a park map for the corresponding park. I do this for each day. I punch holes and hold them together with 3 rings. This way he can look at the daily schedule or what we are doing for which ever day.

He wears a watch which helps him asking about the time. He also carries his own sling bag with autograph book. He also has sound proof headphones and iPod with his favorite music. It's funny his favorite music for watching fireworks ( is the Elf movie soundtrack) I will also have him wear headphones and listen to music to kind of relax if I think he is getting over stimulated. It helps him. He is also getting old enough to ask. Music really is one of the things that relaxes him. I usually carry in my own bag when he is not listening.

Here is a brief example

May 3rd
Disneyland open 9am-12am

Breakfast - jolly holiday bakery
Adventureland
Snack
fantasyland
Lunch reservation 1:00pm - cafe Orleans
New Orleans square
snack
Toontown
Dinner
tomorrowland

Hope that helps

This is the best idea -I am going to copy you if you do not mind for both my girls (if that is OK) one is ASD and the other is ADHD with SPD amongst other things....what a great idea!

 

[californiamomof4grls]

All great feedback! Thank you! Christine (My Bff) and I were talking about calling the park ahead of time for tips about GAC and any advice for the kids specific needs. Are there parts of the park, restaurants and rides that seem to be less stimulating then others?

 

[mamaode]

Sorry...forgot to add actual snack locations. Also had a few other thoughts.

He is a total planner so the schedule helps him from asking every 30 seconds what's next.

Also with all the excitement helps him remember what he wants to do. Snack - tiki bar dole whip.

We do sometimes veer from the schedule based on crowds but I sharpie the corrections

Like everyone he's got things he wants to make sure he does. Without the schedule (1 day visit after Disney cruise) I forgot one specific thing and when we were home he was full meltdown - so sad he missed one thing. I felt horrible too

So never again will I not make the schedule.

We get a GAC - he is also the type that may only want to ride the same ride over and over. One morning we only did turtle talk with crush I think 3 or 4 shows. So that helps. The CM was really nice and got to know us that morning.

My aunt and daughter were able to go ride and meet up with us later. The GAC allowed my son and I to ride the same ride consecutively while waiting in a less stimulating area until our turn again.

 

[mamaode]

Yes! Please make a schedule hopefully it will help you guys too!

I am actually surprised how well my son does at Disney. Probably why it's our go to vaca. Just go at their pace. Have a great trip

 

[lovebug33]

My friend's son has autism and is 9. One thing that helped him was to have a, for want of a better term, leash attached to him. He freaks out when he can't see his mom or if he was to get separated from her. So, he was attached by the leash backpack thing and felt totally comfortable because he couldn't lose his mom. I know people look down on these, but it was a life saver for them. He is also verbal, so when he wanted to leave, one parent took him back and the other stayed with his sister. Also, one day he only wanted to swim and didn't want to go to the park and they didn't make him. They went with absolutely no expectations that he would even enter the park, so I think that helped, too! They weren't disappointed when he didn't want to go on a ride or even go to the park.

 

[Malcon10t]

I think one big thing to realize is everything can change at the drop of a hat. My daughter is Aspie. And while Star Tours was ok yesterday, today it may be the worst possible thing for her. She has her "quirks" as we call them, and we can usually talk her through them. She is 23 now, graduating from CSUF, and does quite well, but even now, we have to talk her through stressful situations (ie a baby crying in a restaurant.) Your friend is probably pretty good at reading her child's body language. Just let her know you understand if things aren't going perfect. It's life. Sometimes having someone else there helps the child to cope. As an example, my daughter has issues with new foods. I have a Dis Diva friend who will sometimes dine with us and is great about talking my daughter into trying new things.

 

[Rhonna]

Do you know about the disAbilities forum? You will get even more info. and response there.

 

[californiamomof4grls]

I have been a preschool teacher for years I have had my fair share of children with all different ranges of needs. Plus I have 5 kids and nothing ever goes as planned. I am very much a go with the flow type of person. Her kids come over a lot I'm used to a lot of the "quirks" but I know that new environments are a always an issue but I thought if I help her plan out what we can that at least we are pro active to the kids needs. As much as we can anyways.

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

This DIS Unplugged Podcast may help:

Ben's Show
Ben, talks about spending time at Disney World as a child with Asperger's syndrome

 

[californiamomof4grls]

I did take a peak at the disabillities side briefly but I thought it talked more about GAC's and WDW. The GAC is something that would be more for her to deal with and she has experience with that from other theme parks. Where as I am looking for more real life advice from parents who have done it. All excellent comments from everyone! Anything anyone has to contribute is welcome! Thanks so much mamaode! Oh thanks! Love it if it's a podcast!

 

[Midnightred]

This trip coming up, I want to take the boys to Tom Sawyer's Islands/Pirates Cove, and also to the Redwood Trail thing in CA to spend some time. The boys love the sensory integration they get from spinning, so Teacups were a huge hit. I never realized that table service is beneficial, but now that it has been brought up, yes! It seemed to really relax my children. We all had a really, really good time. My DH is always happy to take the boys back to the hotel, because he loves to be in the room. The boys enjoyed the train, Dumbo, all the Dark Rides, as well as Soarin'. We may try WOC in the disability section, but may not. Have a feeling it may not go well.

Midnightred

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

This DIS Unplugged Podcast may help:

Ben's Show
Ben, talks about spending time at Disney World as a child with Asperger's syndrome

You beat me to it. I recommend this podcast since Ben tells about his own experiences, and gives insight that has helped parents and others.

 

[arichau]

I hope you all have a wonderful trip. My advice to anyone who has kids who have never been to Disneyland is to start off slow and see how they react to the rides. I've seen kids who love roller coasters but hate rides that involve water. Love rides that plunge you into the dark or absolutely hate them. And there are so, so many rides that involved darkness. I always try to prep my kids if they are going on a ride "there's going to be a small drop but it's really short" or "it may get really dark for a second so I'm going to hold your hand" and I let them know what to do if they are scared - which is basically close your eyes and hug me until it ends Which we only really had to do once during Haunted Mansion - I just wanted to make sure she didn't try and get out of the car, log, boat, etc we were in if she got scared. My DD really responds well to prepping for any new experience (she's not autistic FYI but she is very sensitive and I was very concerned about her melting down at the parks).

Ideally someone in your group will be familiar with the rides or someone can go first and test it out. I forgot how scary Snow White was and was sure my DD would emerge out of that ride with tears in her eyes but instead she was all grins because she wasn't crying!! I wish I could remember what she said after that ride - it was very funny.

Have a great trip!!

 

[mamaode]

Glad I could share my stories and you are welcome! Have a great trip

 

[Rhonna]

I did take a peak at the disabillities side briefly but I thought it talked more about GAC's and WDW.

I guess I was thinking not just reading there but posting a similar question there would get more replies than here...I don't know, maybe not. Glad there are some good answers for you.

 

[californiamomof4grls]

I will try posting in there also then I thought it was more for lagistcs of how to get and use the GAC. I may have mis understood what tge forum was for. Thanks!

 

[disneydeb64]

There is a wealth of great info and tips on this thread. My 10 yr. old son has autism and is high-end. Every ASD child interprets stimuli differently, but 2 main things I've learned over the years, is prep and downtime (resting). We always take an afternoon lunch/pool break and nap, if we can. To prep for what rides will be like, I cue up you tube videos for him to watch so he knows what to expect beforehand. If you worry that maybe that might take some of the excitement out of the rides, don't. It removes the fear of the unknown, and I actually think they enabled him to enjoy the rides more so! I hope this helps - Enjoy your trip!