autistic 8 year old survives her trip to WDW

disneymami

por favor mantengase alejado de las puertas
Joined
Jun 3, 2009
Messages
185
Hi Everyone
Got back last week from a 5 night stay at the WL with my twin 8 year old girls and my DH. Despite the incredible heat, we had a very good time. Just wanted to report to you all how well my DD did despite her autism.

She wore her noise muffling headhphones on and off at both parks we visited: MK and EPCOT. Her head was so sweaty from the heat and from the headphones.
She would not ride many attractions as I expected.
The surprise hit attractions she loved (that I did not expect) were: Mickey's Philharmagic (she kept trying to catch all the objects in 3D)
and Nemo and Turtle Talk at EPCOT. I think she even liked Soarin which I didn't expect her to like at all. The key to a successful day at the parks was the guest assistance card. We did not have to wait on any long line. We entered the attraction at the wheelchair line and were able to board. The waiting on line for her would have exasperated her anxiety. We would probably have to abandon the attraction in that case. But luckily, we able to enjoy this gesture from the disney folks.

Just when I think I know exactly what will upset her or what she will enjoy, I get corrected.

Now, the real meltdown happend at the bus depot after EPCOT closed and we had to get back to the WL. We must have waited 30 min. We just missed a bus and then we had to wait for two physical disabled persons to board. She was almost unconsolable. She held it together so well all day too. I was trying to figure out a way of jumping the barrier and just grabbing a taxi to get back to the WL. But I couldn't see a safe way to do. So I (we) all hung in there.

I hope the folks waiting in line could have understand that she has a mental disability and that an 8 year old having a full blown it is not a pretty site but that she can't help herself.

She liked the Wishes and Illuminations but only at a distance and only with the headphones. Getting out of the parks in a timely fashion is also key to a successful visit.
 
I'm glad to hear that your trip went well and that your daughter found a few favorites too! Was this your first trip to Disney? I've read other reports about autistic children and Turtle Talk with Crush- in fact there was one child who uttered his first word there! As to the bus meltdown, it is horrible at the end of the day even if you're not autistic. I'd think for a person with difficulty waiting and in crowds, that bus experience must be a nightmare. I remember one night being in a line of 7 wheelchairs waiting to board, for instance and since that time I either hang around til the park clears out a bit or leave early. I agree that's the best way to avoid issues at the end of the day when just about everyone has reached the overload point. I'm thinking most people likely realized your daughter was disabled and if not, that they could at least empathize.---Kathy
 
Thanks for the report and glad to hear most everything went well.
We also hang around for a while after the park closes. That way, we can walk out with hardly any people nearby and when we get to the bus, it's usually pretty empty at the stop.
 
Glad you had a successful trip.

My DS love the 3D and still tries to catch the 3D object (even though he logically knows it is not possible).

Bus stops at the end of a “session” are always a “favorite” melt down place (even for NT kids).

Every trip gets better and easier so have fun planning for the next one

bookwormde
 

I'm glad you had such a great trip!!! I know how much planning, sweat and prayers go into preparing a special child for such a big trip!!
 
Glad to hear that you had a great trip. I have two on the spectrum as well. I have actually been to nervous to try the Disney transportation so we have always rented a car to use during our stay that way if we need to get back to our room ASAP we can. We are leaving this Saturday (5th) for our 4th visit in a row Disney is such a great place to take our special kiddos.
 
I am glad to hear that you had a wonderful trip! I have a friend there now, coming home today, and they are shocked at how busy it is! I was nervous about Soarin, but with your report I might take my son on it this year (he will be that much older as well)

Sorry about your Epcot wait, that is always so hard. We have thought about renting a car the odd time, but so far it has worked out. I have had to wait again, leave DH and others in line with I go for a walk with my son (we go looking for squirrels, or fireflies etc) and then my DH explains to the driver and we get him on the bus, against a window, and it seems to be great! He loves the monorail, and we are staying at Poly this time around.

Aren't you just so grateful that a place like Disney exists?? It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about how much joy they bring to so many wonderful kids!
 
Thanks everyone for the hugs :grouphug:
right back at ya.

DD still talks about the bunkbeds at the WL. Seems to be the big hit from the trip. She also loved loved the Cub's Den at the WL. I'm able to leave her for a couple of hours in thier care and it went great. They told me she was just fine. It gave me some time with my DH alone. She did not mind the ferry at all. In fact, maybe maybe she liked it.
We hired a towncar from Tiffany Limo from the airport to the hotel. I did not want to waste any time and DD needed to get off the plane and direct to the ASAP. So I have to say, this was a luxury well worth every penny.
I love WDW. I'm already planning (in my head) when to return. I'm thinking it best for both my DD that I give it a few years. They are only 8, and I have one with autism, so I figure allowing a couple of years to pass will probably make more enjoyable for both.
They both thought Mickey was REAL. That did not occur to me. They both thought Mickey and all the rest really live there! I think its cute but I had no clue both my girls would be a little afraid of this "fact."
 
I have two autistic boys and there is NO better place to vacation then Disney. I'm so glad you enjoyed yourself!
 
Disneymami, glad your trip was a success. We go to Disney every summer. Up until 3 years ago, I did not know about the GAC. What a huge difference it has made for my almost 6yr old ds who is on the spectrum. Before that we would dread taking him to the parks. But its wonderful to see him have a great time and enjoy everything with his 8 yr old sister now. Disney goes above and beyond with that pass. Hope you have many more great stays at Disney now!
 
Last year my daughter too had a major melt down at the bus depot at HS. She was 9 at the time and she is non-verbal autistic. I think it was too long of a day and we should have left earlier, but live and learn. It seemed like NOBODY understood why this big girl was freaking out crying, hitting her chin and screaming. Luckily a CM noticed and asked us if everything was alright. I said that there was no way we could get on a bus with her like that and I was in panic mode. She quickly arranged to have the manager of the bus area to drive us back in a mini-van door to door to our hotel. I was beyond grateful and kept thanking them all :worship::worship::worship::worship:

My DD10 :littleangel: loved the thrilling rides like Space Mountain (gonna miss that one this time :mad: ) Tower of Terror :thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2 and Thunder Mountain. She did not seem to be interested at all in the slower rides like Pirates of Carribean or It's a small world but she did it without getting upset.

We are leaving in 8 days :woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo: and are getting excited. Love to hear others experiences and tips etc..... Glad you had a great time even with the Epcot meltdown, we've ALL been there and can totally understand :goodvibes

Tina
 
I know you and so many other in this board totally understand what its like raising and loving a child on the spectrum. It is so hard for me not to notice other people and what they must be thinking seeing an 8 yeard old girl act like she's a two year old having a world class temper tantrum. Sometimes I just want to cry along with her but I know that will just make it worse for her and for my DH and for my other daughter who is getting more sensitive to her twin sister's antics. I almost bought a t-shirt for my DD that says: "I'm not misbehaving. I'm autistic." At that moment when she had her meltdown, maybe that t-shirt would have benefited her because at least the people in the line waiting for the bus would have understood. Or maybe I'm just asking too much.
 













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