autistic child´s first disney trip

[mamita]

Hi everyone! I´m new here. My three year old son is mildly autistic and has traveled with us before but this october will be his first trip to disney. I need advice on how to handle stressful situations like loud noises that scare him and big characters coming up to him ( he does not like them) and what rides not to miss and avoid.
I´d love some help, thanks.

 

[SueM in MN]

Welcome to disABILITIES

If you haven't looked at the disABILITIES FAQs thread, I'd suggest looking there. You will find a couple of links in that thread that should be helpful. One is about hints for dealing with ADHD - I realize that autism is not the same, but some of the same hints that are helpful for people dealing with ADHD will be helpful to your family. There is also a link to a trip report called "Adventures in Autism" on that thread and there is a section about GACs (Guest Assistance Cards).

There are also 2 books that would be helpful. One is WDW For Kids By Kids, which is exactly what it says - WDW from a kids' view. I know a 3 yr old is not going to read it, but that book has reviews of rides from kids and includes things like a 'scare factor' that might help you to pick appropriate attractions for your child. The other book is Passporter's Walt Disney World for you Special Needs (that is being updated and a new version with a new name will be coming out soon). That book covers all sorts of special needs, so it might look a littlem overwhelming, but it does have a lot of helpful information.

In most cases, you won't have to worry about characters coming up to you. Most of the characters are either in a specific place/building where you need to get in line and go in for 'meet and greet' or they are set up outside with lines you can join if you want to meet them. I don't know if your child watches any TV shows, but there is a Disney Sing-Along called Disneyland Fun that includes views of some of the attractions, music and children interacting with the characters ( it is a bit old and is DisneyLAND, rather than WDW, but that won't matter much for what it shows).

For what would be the best attractions to go on, it might be helpful to know a little more about your child - does he enjoy music? Does he enjoy motion? In general, is a he a sensory seeker or a sensory avoider?

 

[flynnmnstr]

We are leaving in 9 DAYS!!! This will be our DS 5's 6 or 7th trip. He is diagnosed with PDD-NOS (high functioning). It's really hard to predict what is going to trigger the kids at Disney. Our last trip DS did not want to any ride that was inside, even going into the Living Seas (which is his all time fav attraction) completely stressed him out until he got into the aquarium section. We finally forced (yes I know a little extreme) him to go on Its a Small World and he loved it.

Watch the Disney planning DVD and youtube video of rides and attractions you are planning on doing. GO SLOW once you get there. Do rides like the Merry go Round and Dumbo first then move up to Pooh and Pan. As far as nighttime entertainment- it's loud. Has he even seen fireworks before- did he like them? If not than I would skip nighttime stuff because Disney's nighttime shows are louder and brighter. You can use earplugs/ headphones and sunglasses for the noise and lights. Last year we would give Alex a 15-20 min warning when the fireworks were going to start and he would actually make himself fall asleep so he would miss them. This year he saw a couple of local fireworks shows and says he really wants to see the fireworks this year-- we'll see.

Get a GAC card if you feel like he may need some extra accommodations. For Alex he really needs to be able to stay in his stroller in lines and shows at times, normally later in the day when he's tired or if he is worried about the show.

Some will tell you to go back for a nap and pool time everyday; others will tell you to bull dog it. You just need to do what works for you. Out of our 5 trips we only napped on 2 of them because there was a period of time he would only nap in the stroller. He did great; DH and I were exhausted some nights. We don't do EMH mornings; too early and not worth being exhausted the rest of the day, but if you guys are up by 6am than go for it.

Characters won't come up to you-- you need to stand in line to see the characters. Just don't schedule any character breakfasts/dinners if you think he is not going to like this or do it at the end of your trip so you can cancel it if he hasn't liked the characters in the parks.

 

[mamita]

thank you!

 

[lisadoll93]

We avoid character meals- for us it NEVER turns out well. Bring a stroller- for Jeremiah its a safe place. We also bring his favorite lovey (feeling of home). For us, the first day is tough, with traveling and the change in routine. The second is great. We take breaks when he needs it and go back to the hotel, so he can unwind. We also do not stay super late. My ds is 3 1/2 and is HFA. Let me know if you need any more advice.

 

[tacomaranch]

Our son is 4 and HF autism. He just loves Disney but really doesn't care for the head characters because they don't talk to him. He loves princess dining and the pretty girls giving him hugs and kisses. LTT, Chef Mickey's, Crystal palace just don't do much for him but the buffets are easier to get food to him fast and then out quick.

We bring a DVD player, stroller and toys. Right now we are doing an ABA program for staying in his seat during meals.

I hope it is magical for you.

April

 

[mamita]

thanks for all the great tips,It´s great to hear from other parents,he´s always enjoyed being in his stroller when we go on trips and I never realized why before since he does not use one here now I know why
our little guy is just the best! he´s doing great but we just want him to have the best time without stressing him out. He loves colors,music and fun.
I´m not sure if there is any show or dinner I should try to make reservations for ?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

If you do go to any character meals ask the person who seats you to have one of the "handlers" come over to talk to you. They normally will be wearing yellow shirts as part of their costume. Mention to them any potential problems, and that your son is autistic. They will make sure that the characters will approach from the front and they will take their cues from the child. The members of the Zoo Crew are well trained as to when to back off. You may be pleasantly surprised at the results.

I have one grandnephew who is HFA and he had no problem with the characters when they approached him slowly from the front.

 

[tinkerbell728]

I have a 8 year old with autism. We do a lot of prep before we go. I always make a schedule of our week. I print pictures of where we will be and eat each day. We also print pictures of special resort things. Example pool, food court arcade. Early mornings are his free time. I let him pick from his disney pics( PECS) where he wants to go. Later I post the pic of the park we will go to. His therapist and I go over the park videos and maps. We show him rides he may like and what they look like. We do take earplugs. I practice with him wearing them before we go to get use to. There are certain shows that scare him like Fantasmic. We still take him every year to get use to it. Each time he does sit longer. He is older and is able to work him through alot of behaviors. I will say try to be as consistant as you are at home. Do'nt break the rules because your are on vacation. You don't want to set him back on everything you have been working on. Get the GAC pass but still take a small hand held or get pal mickey to keep him busy while waiting on rides.Pick one ride and let his choice of ride be reinforcer for "nice waiting". Each year we have more fun and are able to do more things.If you need more ideas let me know.Hope you make lots of magical memories.

 

[JarrothsMom]

WOW!!!!You guys are awesome. This is my son's (15) 1st trip too. I did not think about head phones or ear pluggs. a wonderful idea. We are going to start wearing them now. We were going to skip the fireworks. Now I think we will try the earplugs. We will test them out New Years.

 

[SueM in MN]

WOW!!!!You guys are awesome. This is my son's (15) 1st trip too. I did not think about head phones or ear pluggs. a wonderful idea. We are going to start wearing them now. We were going to skip the fireworks. Now I think we will try the earplugs. We will test them out New Years.

Another thing that might be helpful for Illuminations is to watch from the 'bridges' in front of First Aid (kind of between Mexico and Test Track). It is a little removed from the water where the show is, so is a little bit less overwhelming and there are almost no people there. Another helpful thing is that there are restrooms you can retreat into if you need less noise.

 

[Kaler131]

Hi!
My DS10 and DS4 are both autistic (high functioning) and they LOVE WDW! My 10yo used to not like loud noises (but he does so much better now) so I avoided things like the Indiana Jones show and the new stunt show at MGM (I can't remember the name of it because we never go to it! LOL). My 10yo also HATED Splash Mountain when he was 5, but he LOVES it now.

 

[Jackie Psarianos]

Special Needs and Disney

Firstly, you need to get a copy of the PassPorter's Guide to Disney World for your Special Needs. This is a hand book outlining every ride and detailing the scare factor, noise factor etc. It's awesome, just go to passporter.com and follow the links.

 

[pcparamedics01]

I have a 8 year old with autism. We do a lot of prep before we go. I always make a schedule of our week. I print pictures of where we will be and eat each day. We also print pictures of special resort things. Example pool, food court arcade. Early mornings are his free time. I let him pick from his disney pics( PECS) where he wants to go. Later I post the pic of the park we will go to. His therapist and I go over the park videos and maps. We show him rides he may like and what they look like. We do take earplugs. I practice with him wearing them before we go to get use to. There are certain shows that scare him like Fantasmic. We still take him every year to get use to it. Each time he does sit longer. He is older and is able to work him through alot of behaviors. I will say try to be as consistant as you are at home. Do'nt break the rules because your are on vacation. You don't want to set him back on everything you have been working on. Get the GAC pass but still take a small hand held or get pal mickey to keep him busy while waiting on rides.Pick one ride and let his choice of ride be reinforcer for "nice waiting". Each year we have more fun and are able to do more things.If you need more ideas let me know.Hope you make lots of magical memories.

Great work on prep's. I have an ASD son 9. We have no idea which pitches will bother him until he is there, so we always carry earplugs. Many times at home he will say to turn off one particular song. I have no idea why. Then he proceeds to tell me to turn up a song he may like and sings to it. No child is the same and that is why it is called the Spectrum.....

 

[pcparamedics01]

Hi!
My DS10 and DS4 are both autistic (high functioning) and they LOVE WDW! My 10yo used to not like loud noises (but he does so much better now) so I avoided things like the Indiana Jones show and the new stunt show at MGM (I can't remember the name of it because we never go to it! LOL). My 10yo also HATED Splash Mountain when he was 5, but he LOVES it now.

Hey they tend to overcome and concur!!!!

 

[Hasil72]

My best suggestion would be to follow your child's lead and take each day as it comes. DS8 is on the spectrum with a list of other issues and oh, boy did I learn my lesson on our first trip when he was 4. I'm a disney freak who tends to over plan. We made the mistake of trying to methodically visit the different lands with a list of "must see" items. Rides I thought he would love, he wanted nothing to do with. DD only wanted to ride the carousel. We said that when we are able to return, we go with the flow. I hope to take the kids in January w/out DH for a very short (MK only) trip and I am fully prepared that DS will want to spend most of his time at the resort pool rather than the park.

Anyway, earplugs are a must. We found that the child sized silicone ones work best compared to the foam. And the kids can pick out the cool color. If earplugs don't work well, try ear muffs. DD was only 18 months on her first trip and nothing really fit her, so we bought a pair of Minnie Mouse ear muffs. They did the job and she wasn't against wearing them. Also, you can take the monorail to the Poly and watch Wishes from the beach then walk to the TTC to catch your ride home. I've never had that opportunity but it's supposed to be a good viewing area.

Good luck! I'm sure you'll have a great time.

 

[tinkerbell728]

We just got back 9/8/07. My son surprised us this time by asking to see Fantasmic. My husband gave me the eye but we decided to let him try it anyway. I put the earplugs in and we sat higher up than normal. Well he took the earplugs out and enjoyed the show. Just want you to know that the poster that said follow your child's lead is right. We never thought he would ask for Fantasmic. I guess the prep work and years of trying paid off. There is something amazing about people with ASD. I have seen many by having a child with ASD and being a Den Leader to a Cub Scout Pack with children with ASD. They always bring you joy when you least expect it. I hope you enjoy your trip to the world. I hope your time with your son will be as magical as ours.

 

[pcparamedics01]

We just got back 9/8/07. My son surprised us this time by asking to see Fantasmic. My husband gave me the eye but we decided to let him try it anyway. I put the earplugs in and we sat higher up than normal. Well he took the earplugs out and enjoyed the show. Just want you to know that the poster that said follow your child's lead is right. We never thought he would ask for Fantasmic. I guess the prep work and years of trying paid off. There is something amazing about people with ASD. I have seen many by having a child with ASD and being a Den Leader to a Cub Scout Pack with children with ASD. They always bring you joy when you least expect it. I hope you enjoy your trip to the world. I hope your time with your son will be as magical as ours.

I am soo glad to hear that it was magical for your family!!!!

 

[shannonh]

Alot of great advice on this thread. My best piece has already been said, but I'll say it again..Be prepared to just go with the flow.
I am a go with the flow kind of person anyway and my 3 year old loves being outside so I figured we'd go, plan on being out all day and just see what we could. Well, we had 4 day passes and only did 3 parks and I'm not kidding, we spent about 10 hours in the parks in 4 days. We rode no rides, I even had a GAC, she just didn't want anything to do with it.
So, instead of a trip to Disney to ride and sight see, we spent our time at the pool and stopping at every icecream stand she found.
We had fun, but it sure didn't turn out like I thought.
So again, plan for anything and expect nothing. Then just enjoy the little things that your child finds to do.
A Disney trip is great, no matter what happens.
Have a great time!

 

[pcparamedics01]

Alot of great advice on this thread. My best piece has already been said, but I'll say it again..Be prepared to just go with the flow.



I totally agree too! It always works for us.