Autism and Disney ride anxiety

[lucigo]

My son is scared of most of the rides at Disney. Its been 1-1/2 yrs since we have gone but I expect he will remember that he is scared. He likes the outside rides like the carousel and dumbo, but inside rides where you don't know whats around the corner he doesn't like, or even Goofy's barnstormer. Fireworks also terrify him.

I'm wondering if you have any suggestions to help get him past this. I'm considering headphones to help drown out the noise, but not sure what else might help, or if we just continue to take it as it comes and not push him.

 

[livndisney]

My son is scared of most of the rides at Disney. Its been 1-1/2 yrs since we have gone but I expect he will remember that he is scared. He likes the outside rides like the carousel and dumbo, but inside rides where you don't know whats around the corner he doesn't like, or even Goofy's barnstormer. Fireworks also terrify him.

I'm wondering if you have any suggestions to help get him past this. I'm considering headphones to help drown out the noise, but not sure what else might help, or if we just continue to take it as it comes and not push him.

We struggle with fireworks too. Basically we can't be outside when there are fireworks. As far as rides and not knowing what is next, have you tried letting him watch the videos of rides on Youtube? DD is not a fan of "not knowing" (all the construction in MK is making her nuts), but the videos on youtube have helped.

 

[SueM in MN]

This got posted by mistake in the general part of the board, so I moved it to the WDW trip part of disABILITIES for you.

Many people find that their special needs kids have problems with the sound at WDW - it’s just too noisy and overwhelming. If you decide on ear protectors/headphones, your child will not be the only one with them. People generally recommend the type of ear protectors that are used for people shooting guns for target practice. Those are fairly inexpensive and are made to drown out noises, particularly sudden sharp noises like gun. They are especially good for fireworks.

Something that might work really well for your child to used to the idea of going in attractions is this Interactive Video Tour: Someone posted a link to this video on the Theme Parks Board and I thought it would be great for people with various disabilities: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yanxLYu8dto
It starts out entering MK, so you can see the entrance turnstiles, how to put in the ticket and do a finger scan. Children don’t need to do the finger scan until they are old enough for an adult ticket. Even if he is too young to do it, the adults in your party will need to do it, so it may be helpful for him to see what you will do.

The video goes on thru MK, filmed as though you are walking through the park. The interactive part is that when you get to an attraction, the tour
guide shows you the outside and tells a little about it. Then you can click the video and will actually be transported to a video of that attraction. Many of the attraction videos show part of the queue and a ‘taste’ of the attraction. Some actually show the whole thing. There are not videos of any of the 3D movies, but most other things have at least part of the ride.
I thought it would be great for people with physical disabilities who might be concerned about what the ride car looks like and how you board. For kids with autism or other special needs, they could decide whether to ‘ride’ or walk past to the next attraction.
Even though it might look at first like it will just be one park, it actually hits all the parks.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

One of the big things for our autistic son is familiarity.
Something he is used to is no problem but doesn't like a change in routine.

It could be though now your son is a little older he may adapt better, I wouldn't rule out trying him on the rides in question, if you do and he does cope better his confidence will increase and you could find he and you have a much more enjoyable holiday.

 

[lucigo]

We struggle with fireworks too. Basically we can't be outside when there are fireworks. As far as rides and not knowing what is next, have you tried letting him watch the videos of rides on Youtube? DD is not a fan of "not knowing" (all the construction in MK is making her nuts), but the videos on youtube have helped.

The funny thing about the youtube rides are that when we watch them I KNOW why he hates them...somehow when you are at Disney they don't seem so loud, but when you watch them on youtube all of the ambient noise is really evident!

That said, yes we are doing that, and concentrating on the rides that he seemed to have the most interest in last time, Buzz Lightyear, TOy Story Mania, etc. I do think it will be a better trip, but I am being realistic.

We don't plan to be at MK at night, in fact MK is our last day (we have breakfast at Crystal Palace) and my oldest DD has an exam at 6:30pm, so it will be a short day. We will decide by then if we are going to upgrade to weekday passes or just let it go for another year.

 

[lucigo]

This got posted by mistake in the general part of the board, so I moved it to the WDW trip part of disABILITIES for you.

Many people find that their special needs kids have problems with the sound at WDW - it’s just too noisy and overwhelming. If you decide on ear protectors/headphones, your child will not be the only one with them. People generally recommend the type of ear protectors that are used for people shooting guns for target practice. Those are fairly inexpensive and are made to drown out noises, particularly sudden sharp noises like gun. They are especially good for fireworks.

Something that might work really well for your child to used to the idea of going in attractions is this Interactive Video Tour: Someone posted a link to this video on the Theme Parks Board and I thought it would be great for people with various disabilities: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yanxLYu8dto
It starts out entering MK, so you can see the entrance turnstiles, how to put in the ticket and do a finger scan. Children don’t need to do the finger scan until they are old enough for an adult ticket. Even if he is too young to do it, the adults in your party will need to do it, so it may be helpful for him to see what you will do.

The video goes on thru MK, filmed as though you are walking through the park. The interactive part is that when you get to an attraction, the tour
guide shows you the outside and tells a little about it. Then you can click the video and will actually be transported to a video of that attraction. Many of the attraction videos show part of the queue and a ‘taste’ of the attraction. Some actually show the whole thing. There are not videos of any of the 3D movies, but most other things have at least part of the ride.
I thought it would be great for people with physical disabilities who might be concerned about what the ride car looks like and how you board. For kids with autism or other special needs, they could decide whether to ‘ride’ or walk past to the next attraction.
Even though it might look at first like it will just be one park, it actually hits all the parks.

Thank you for moving my post! I hadn't even noticed that it was posted in the wrong place, thats pretty weird!

I found some of the ear protectors on Amazon for around $15, seems like a pretty good investment. I'm betting they will make him feel more in control.

Thank you for the video link, I'm looking forward to sharing it with my son! I do wish he could be excited about going...he is only excited about seeing his sister and her dog, and her video games.

 

[lucigo]

One of the big things for our autistic son is familiarity.
Something he is used to is no problem but doesn't like a change in routine.

It could be though now your son is a little older he may adapt better, I wouldn't rule out trying him on the rides in question, if you do and he does cope better his confidence will increase and you could find he and you have a much more enjoyable holiday.

This is a big one for us also! In 2008 we had year passes and went 4 times. By the last trip he was much more comfortable with some of the rides. He loves the movie Finding Nemo and yet was terrified of the ride, so we rode it 4x one day just so he could get to the point where he could enjoy it!

 

[livndisney]

The funny thing about the youtube rides are that when we watch them I KNOW why he hates them...somehow when you are at Disney they don't seem so loud, but when you watch them on youtube all of the ambient noise is really evident!

That said, yes we are doing that, and concentrating on the rides that he seemed to have the most interest in last time, Buzz Lightyear, TOy Story Mania, etc. I do think it will be a better trip, but I am being realistic.

We don't plan to be at MK at night, in fact MK is our last day (we have breakfast at Crystal Palace) and my oldest DD has an exam at 6:30pm, so it will be a short day. We will decide by then if we are going to upgrade to weekday passes or just let it go for another year.

I understand what you mean about the noise-I should have mentioned we watch youtube without the sound. DD is a visual person. Once she has seen what to expect she does better. We also watch a lot of the Disney sing alongs where the characters are in the parks. Music sometimes helps take away some of the "stress".

I see you are in Florida too, we go a lot so DD is able to become "used to" things in the parks.

One thing I wanted to mention, MK has fireworks during the day as part of the castle show, so you might want to avoid that area while the show is running.

 

[lucigo]

I understand what you mean about the noise-I should have mentioned we watch youtube without the sound. DD is a visual person. Once she has seen what to expect she does better. We also watch a lot of the Disney sing alongs where the characters are in the parks. Music sometimes helps take away some of the "stress".

I see you are in Florida too, we go a lot so DD is able to become "used to" things in the parks.

One thing I wanted to mention, MK has fireworks during the day as part of the castle show, so you might want to avoid that area while the show is running.

No sound with the videos is a great idea! Do you think noise reduction headphones are best or actually headphones with his own music?

Thanks for the tip about fireworks during the day, that is a big one!

We are in Pensacola so its a good 7 hour drive, but my oldest has an apartment close to UCF so we have a home away from home down there

 

[Bete]

Absolutely agree with other posters about seeing as much video as possible inside the rides. It might even be good as you do it to see how he feels about doing the ride. Make a checklist and let him check it as you go along for what he would like to try. It doesn't mean he will agree once he's there, but it's a starting point. Even Disney's travel video will help some and that's free to get. There are kid books that may have decent pictures, too.

Once on the ride, I think it will be good to repeat it; so, when you come back for another trip you are not reinventing the wheel over and over again.

I would say almost every ride has escape exits; so, you don't have nothing to lose to try. Keep him well occupied in the line; so, he doesn't have time to think about the ride too much. Even use snacks in the ride lines; so, the ride queues are thought of in a good way.

I would even make up ride stickers for the rides he might try out and make a big deal out of him completing it at each ride when done. Maybe, have a book he can place them in as you go along. If he likes wearing them for the day like a badge of honor then that might be good, too. Sidenote, he might not be pleased about taking the stickers off each day for the new day, but you can see how that goes.

If he completes all the rides he agrees to in a day then get him something extra like a nice souvenir. If you use all positive reinforcement it should really help you out.

 

[mandylou6]

We have a son with the same problems whos 11, we use peltor earphones on a daily basis for noise. Our doctor also recoomended using a sedative when going to stressfull places we tired this in the uk at Alton towers and we managed to get him on a few rides before lunch it contains promethazine any strong antihistamine med will work but i should experiement before you go. we are taking him for the frist time in April excited and worried at the same time

good luck

 

[SueM in MN]

We have a son with the same problems whos 11, we use peltor earphones on a daily basis for noise. Our doctor also recoomended using a sedative when going to stressfull places we tired this in the uk at Alton towers and we managed to get him on a few rides before lunch it contains promethazine any strong antihistamine med will work but i should experiement before you go. we are taking him for the frist time in April excited and worried at the same time

good luck

Yes, very important to try the medication out ahead of time. Some people have what is called a paradoxical reaction - instead of sedating them, the sedatives make them agitated. Definatly want to know that ahead of time.


Also, if anyone is interested in making some kind of book, there is a link to a thread about a really nice book that a DIS poster made for her son in post 3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. I think it is in the area for Communication Book, Devices and PECs.

 

[Kat77]

Do you have an MP3 player that can store videos? You could download videos of the rides and have your son watch two or three in the car each day to become familiar with them.

 

[lucigo]

Absolutely agree with other posters about seeing as much video as possible inside the rides. It might even be good as you do it to see how he feels about doing the ride. Make a checklist and let him check it as you go along for what he would like to try. It doesn't mean he will agree once he's there, but it's a starting point. Even Disney's travel video will help some and that's free to get. There are kid books that may have decent pictures, too.

Once on the ride, I think it will be good to repeat it; so, when you come back for another trip you are not reinventing the wheel over and over again.

I would say almost every ride has escape exits; so, you don't have nothing to lose to try. Keep him well occupied in the line; so, he doesn't have time to think about the ride too much. Even use snacks in the ride lines; so, the ride queues are thought of in a good way.

I would even make up ride stickers for the rides he might try out and make a big deal out of him completing it at each ride when done. Maybe, have a book he can place them in as you go along. If he likes wearing them for the day like a badge of honor then that might be good, too. Sidenote, he might not be pleased about taking the stickers off each day for the new day, but you can see how that goes.

If he completes all the rides he agrees to in a day then get him something extra like a nice souvenir. If you use all positive reinforcement it should really help you out.

We have scrapbooks from 2008 that we have been looking through and he seems ok with them. I know if I ask he will say he would rather stay home. He would always rather stay home....but we can't just live in a bubble. The stickers are a good idea, maybe if we put them in the autograph book then taking them off won't be an issue

We have a son with the same problems whos 11, we use peltor earphones on a daily basis for noise. Our doctor also recoomended using a sedative when going to stressfull places we tired this in the uk at Alton towers and we managed to get him on a few rides before lunch it contains promethazine any strong antihistamine med will work but i should experiement before you go. we are taking him for the frist time in April excited and worried at the same time

good luck

I hadn't thought of a sedative but will keep that in mind in the future. I bought the peltors on amazon today, should have them in time for the trip!

Do you have an MP3 player that can store videos? You could download videos of the rides and have your son watch two or three in the car each day to become familiar with them.

He has an ipod touch I can put them on. The hard part is convincing him to watch them instead of space shuttle launches or playing angry birds LOL

 

[blondietink]

My son uses the shooters type hearing protectors all the time. He partiocularly likes the "Winchester" brand now, because of the "cool" logo on the side. You can get them in Wal-Mart or other large merchandisers for around $14.00 in either the gun section, the lawn care around the lawnmowers, or the electric tools section. The decibel level is posted on the different packages. You can also find them at local hardware stores.

We have been able to reduce the decibel level needed over the years as my son has gotten used to different sounds. It really is amazing what he can hear through the headphones, like my quiet voice in normal tone. When I try them on I can hardly hear anything!

He loves the fireworks shows but still has issues with any ride that has a steep drop like Splash Mountain, Jurassic Park or Expedition Everest. He rode all once and refuses to go again. His favorite ride is Thunder Mountain Railroad, even in the dark. I think he prefers to see where he is going.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

This is a big one for us also! In 2008 we had year passes and went 4 times. By the last trip he was much more comfortable with some of the rides. He loves the movie Finding Nemo and yet was terrified of the ride, so we rode it 4x one day just so he could get to the point where he could enjoy it!

Joshua doesn't really understand the movies that relate to the ride, but likes the 'ride'.

 

[a1tinkfans]

This got posted by mistake in the general part of the board, so I moved it to the WDW trip part of disABILITIES for you.

Many people find that their special needs kids have problems with the sound at WDW - it’s just too noisy and overwhelming. If you decide on ear protectors/headphones, your child will not be the only one with them. People generally recommend the type of ear protectors that are used for people shooting guns for target practice. Those are fairly inexpensive and are made to drown out noises, particularly sudden sharp noises like gun. They are especially good for fireworks.

Something that might work really well for your child to used to the idea of going in attractions is this Interactive Video Tour: Someone posted a link to this video on the Theme Parks Board and I thought it would be great for people with various disabilities: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yanxLYu8dto
It starts out entering MK, so you can see the entrance turnstiles, how to put in the ticket and do a finger scan. Children don’t need to do the finger scan until they are old enough for an adult ticket. Even if he is too young to do it, the adults in your party will need to do it, so it may be helpful for him to see what you will do.

The video goes on thru MK, filmed as though you are walking through the park. The interactive part is that when you get to an attraction, the tour
guide shows you the outside and tells a little about it. Then you can click the video and will actually be transported to a video of that attraction. Many of the attraction videos show part of the queue and a ‘taste’ of the attraction. Some actually show the whole thing. There are not videos of any of the 3D movies, but most other things have at least part of the ride.
I thought it would be great for people with physical disabilities who might be concerned about what the ride car looks like and how you board. For kids with autism or other special needs, they could decide whether to ‘ride’ or walk past to the next attraction.
Even though it might look at first like it will just be one park, it actually hits all the parks.

Wow, amazing information. Thank you very much for posting this. Dis boards/mods area simply AMAZING here, something new learned each time I visit!

 

[mickey&minniealways]

Don't know if just ear protectors will do the trick. Especialy ones you find for $15. I could be wrong though. My DH works for a defense company. When he goes on a business trip to one of the bases they wear noise canceling headphones because of the noise from the big jets. They one most of them use is by BOSE. They can be pricey but are well worth the expense. DS is 24. He is on the spectrum. He is considered a low functioning adult. Basicaly I have a permanent 16 to 17 yr old. He does not do fireworks, fire alarms and sirens freak him out. He is alright with thunderstorms as long as he is inside. If he is outside and hears it in the distance we have to grab his arm immediatly. He will otherwise run to get inside. Unfortunatly he will plow into people without looking if left to himself. It has gotten better over the years. However whenever viewing fireworks he wears the headphones. This way he can watch them from a safe distance without running in fear. As far as the rides there is u tube and the site Sue mentioned but I would also get one of the disney vaction planning videos. This has helped others we know. I would also get a copy of Open Mouse by Passporter. This is a Disney guide for those with disABILITIES of ANY kind. It is a bilble to us since we have 2 kids with issues. I will not go to Disney without it. As far as where you stay either stay as close as possible to the park you will spend the most time in. Cuts down on meltdowns or one with a slower pace such as OKW or AKL. You can visibly see them relax while ther. Resorts like the values are to in your face and frantic for mine. It makes them tense up. Lastly plan plenty of down time and figure out where the first aid and child care facilites in each park ahead of time. If you need a quiet place to get away from it all for a few minutes these are great.

 

[HeatherL]

Love that youtube video! I just watched it with ds and he really liked it. He is now excited about some of the rides he was feeling anxious about.

 

[lovethattink]

We have annual passes, and I agree with the previous poster who mentioned about familiarity with the ride helping. Videos helped my neurotypical son, but not my other son. My son has seizures from the fireworks so we avoid the parks at night. He absolutely hates any ride that has the sound of thunder. The 3D shows are too intense for him. He goes on Nemo but there are 2 parts that scare him, the fish that swoops down and where Bruce is. Monsters Inc hurts his ears. He needs a hat to cover his face for the ending air blast at Journey into Imagination. The cannon on Peter Pan scares him.

But there are unusual things he absolutely loves. He loves listening to the piano man outside Casey's Corner! He loves the trolley show! He loves a dole whip. He loves the tea cups, The Great Piggy Bank Adventure, Where's the Fire, Buzz Lightyear, Toy Story Mania, Soarin' and any fountain. He also likes watching Sonny Eclipse at Cosmic Rays.

There are some days he will go on an attraction that he usually doesn't like. We don't push him. If we are spending the day with other friends, and they want to ride something he doesn't, he will gladly wait somewhere for them to go on it.

And there are times when he thinks he wants to ride something and when we get near boarding the tears flow and he panics. This happened once at Soarin' even though it's one of his favorites. We were standing on our arrow and the tears began. It was really hard to explain to him that we had to walk through the boarding area to get out. He was so afraid that day that he would have to ride. I can't tell you how many times during the preshow he asked if we really could walk through without sitting down. Even the CM assured him he would walk out, but nothing appeased his apprehension until we were near the fast pass machines.