Autism & Anxiety

[bocaj1431]

My son is 14 and has Autism. He loves DW and is really looking forward to going again.

We have gone to DW the past 4 years and with each year his anxiety of having too many people walking around him has gotten worse. Last year it lead to him having mini melt downs, and miny fits of anxiety. What makes it worse is people's reaction. Obviously it is not their fault but my son sometimes misinterprets there looks and stares.

My son really wants to visit the parks and ride the rides. The only thing I could come up with would be to have him use a wheel chair, which would create a buffer and also alleviate the most difficult part of being in the crowds, which is trying to maneuver through them. I would have to push him.

I just don't know if this is appropriate.

Does anyone have any ideas or thoughts?

 

[lanejudy]

Many families with an autistic child do exactly that -- a stroller-as-wheelchair for younger ones or a wheelchair for older kids. It provides a bit of a safe-haven, their own space. I think this is a perfectly acceptable solution for your son if it will help him have a buffer away from people. He is also welcome to get up and walk when/if he prefers; you may park the wheelchair in stroller parking or push it empty.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[bocaj1431]

Many families with an autistic child do exactly that -- a stroller-as-wheelchair for younger ones or a wheelchair for older kids. It provides a bit of a safe-haven, their own space. I think this is a perfectly acceptable solution for your son if it will help him have a buffer away from people. He is also welcome to get up and walk when/if he prefers; you may park the wheelchair in stroller parking or push it empty.

Enjoy your vacation!

Thank you for sharing that. I wasn't rally sure and now I feel better about it. It really is the only thing I could think of to help. The only downside is it is just my son and I so, I will be doing all the pushing in the Heat of summer. Although my son is only 14, he is 6ft "2" and weighs 200lbs. I am definitely going to be tired by the end of the night. Good thing I have the one bedroom booked with the jacuzzi tub.

 

[MaggieMollyMom]

Hi! I also do the same for my daughter with same dx. She is much smaller but just had to rent a special needs stroller. I fully expect to be renting a wheelchair when she's your sons age. I hope you all have a good trip.

 

[bocaj1431]

Hi! I also do the same for my daughter with same dx. She is much smaller but just had to rent a special needs stroller. I fully expect to be renting a wheelchair when she's your sons age. I hope you all have a good trip.

Thanks for sharing. Wishing you a nice trip too, that is hopefully filled with some pixie dust.

 

[FutureMrsF]

Hi! I also do the same for my daughter with same dx. She is much smaller but just had to rent a special needs stroller. I fully expect to be renting a wheelchair when she's your sons age. I hope you all have a good trip.

Hi

I will be looking to do the same with our DD age 9 almost 10 when we go for the first time this May.

Please could you let me know where I can hire this type of stroller?

Thank you

Andrea

 

[lanejudy]

Hi

I will be looking to do the same with our DD age 9 almost 10 when we go for the first time this May.

Please could you let me know where I can hire this type of stroller?

Thank you

Andrea

Last I looked, Kingdom Strollers and Orlando Stroller Rentals both rent the Liberty Special Needs Pushchair. Orlando Medical Rentals lists a few different models of special needs strollers. Florida Mobility Rentals lists a Maclaren Major, which is the stroller my family owns for DD10. I've never personally used any of these rental companies so I can't endorse any of them, just listing what I've found online. You might find a few more through an Internet search.

There are differences, so you'll want to research which works best for your child and your plans. Some appear to be quite heavy and cumbersome to fold and carry for WDW transport, but might be preferred if you are driving. Also take into consideration your child's height and weight, whether you need a canopy, recline, etc.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[MaggieMollyMom]

Hi I will be looking to do the same with our DD age 9 almost 10 when we go for the first time this May. Please could you let me know where I can hire this type of stroller? Thank you Andrea

Hi, we rented from Kingdom Strollers. First time so can't say much until out trip is finished.

Have a great time!

 

[lmb80129]

My son uses a Convaid push chair during our Disney vacations and not on a day to day basis. When I looked into our options of renting or buying a stroller/wheel chair, I found that our medical insurance covered the full cost of the chair and it was as easy as going to our Children's Hospital to get him fitted for the right chair.

Just wanted to share our experience for those considering a wheelchair/special needs stroller rental. We had the mobility aid already covered by health insurance and did not realize it.

 

[bookwormde]

I am a whatever works person, so if a push chair is it certainly go for it!!

From a very young age we have looked at our visits to WDW as an opportunity where we could be focused on our kids and as such use it as an opportunity for therapy and growth at times. We have a Aspergers son who is 15 now.

It sound like you child still has significant theory of mind (TOM) limitations.

It can be fun to play a game of "what are they thinking" where your identify someone (without making them uncomfortable) and have each member of the family make prediction of what they are thinking. For individuals with TOM deficits this can really help them understand a more typical perspective and the variability of this skill. WDW is a great laboratory for this.

In more controlled environments (school, home etc) iftcan be great to set up therapies where your child can do this and then ask the target what they were actually thinking and feeling.

There is also a good computer program called "mind reading" which was developed by Cambridge University that can help a lot if your child with TOM is into computers

 

[FutureMrsF]

Thank you so much I will look into them all.

It's hard to know which one will be best as we don't use one in day to day life at home as we never go anywhere that DD will have to walk far or be surrounded by large crowds but I know this will cause an issue so I would rather hire one that we can use or not use as necessary.

She is of average height and weight for a 9/10 year old, we will have a car but will probably also use the monorail as an experience for the kids on one of the days.

Any suggestions would be great but I will also look into them

Thank you everyone

 

[Julylady]

Hi OP
I often rent a wheelchair for my 80 year old mom. She gets around pretty well, but has stamina issues. I have found the Disney wheelchairs to be pretty easy to push. However, we watch for steep up-hill areas and she gets out and pushes her own wheelchair up those inclines. It's the hills that wear me out as the pusher. Holding on to the wheelchair gives her a stability that she doesn't have just walking. Maybe you and your son could take turns and he could give you a ride sometimes! Standing behind the wheelchair may also provide a buffer for your son.

 

[bocaj1431]

Hi OP
I often rent a wheelchair for my 80 year old mom. She gets around pretty well, but has stamina issues. I have found the Disney wheelchairs to be pretty easy to push. However, we watch for steep up-hill areas and she gets out and pushes her own wheelchair up those inclines. It's the hills that wear me out as the pusher. Holding on to the wheelchair gives her a stability that she doesn't have just walking. Maybe you and your son could take turns and he could give you a ride sometimes! Standing behind the wheelchair may also provide a buffer for your son.

That is a great idea! Thanks for suggesting it. I am definitely going to try that.

 

[wearegoingtoDisney]

I agree with the recommendation for a special needs push chair/stroller. These are designed to be lighter weight and easier to push than a wheelchair. Your son would not need all the support accessories but just a basic push chair. If there is no place to rent try the adaptivemall on line. This sight sells many different types and therapists available by phone to help you through the measuring process.