Autistic child and child care centers

pilgrimr

Mouseketeer
Joined
Apr 19, 2008
Messages
353
We have an 6 year old autistic child and was wondering if anyone w/ an autistic child used WDW child care centers at the resorts. Do they allow them and are they capable to watch them. Any info would be appreciated, as I have not been able to find anything.
 
We used Cubs Den when we stayed at WL last May.

My son was 6 and he is high functioning autistic.

It was very nice inside and it looked like he would be okay - there weren't many other kids.

I had made reservations for Dinner at Artist Point so I would be literally right around the corner. I had thought it would be too fancy to bring him along and I thought maybe we could swim afterwards or just .....you know :banana:

Anyway, about 15 minutes after we left him I get a call while we are looking at our menus. They said he was fine but he was asking for "his best friend, Mom". Since, I noticed there were plenty of kids in the restaurant and it wouldn't be a problem - I went and got him.

I know I am a sucker but I don't let anyone but family watch him anyway. I just don't trust anyone. I would have been a nervous wreck thinking about him so it was just easier to go get him. My husband is a sucker too....an even bigger one than me.

I think their childcare sites are probably great and I told them ahead of time about his Autism but he can't tell me what went on so I really don't like having him with strangers.

It may be better to use an in room sitter since your child may be more comfortable in the room?????

I hope you are able to get some free time and it works out.:goodvibes
 
I would be very uncomfortable with an in room sitter for a child who doesn't communicate. Better to be in a childcare center where there are more than 1 adult or with family than 1 on 1 with a stranger.
 

We used Fairy Godmothers last year for our DDs one of which is high-functioning autistic. Our sitter was great. I called months in advance to request someone who could handle her and they sent us someone "extra special"..I think she used to be a teacher. I had also had a recommendation from another DISer who had used Fairy Gomothers for their auristic child a few times in the past.

I actually trusted an in-room sitter more than a club. In the room your child will get dedicated attention surrounded by familiar toys and belongings and can also get to bed early to stay on schedule.

Just a thought:goodvibes
 
I am paying for my MIL to join us this May and she will be able to stay in the room with him a few evenings so we can at least see Wishes.

Alot of the stuff we wanted to see was just too loud for him.

I have really heard good things about the other clubs and in room sitters but I am just too overly protective I guess.

Do what you feel okay with.
 
We used Fairy Godmothers last year for our DDs one of which is high-functioning autistic. Our sitter was great. I called months in advance to request someone who could handle her and they sent us someone "extra special"..I think she used to be a teacher. I had also had a recommendation from another DISer who had used Fairy Gomothers for their auristic child a few times in the past.

I actually trusted an in-room sitter more than a club. In the room your child will get dedicated attention surrounded by familiar toys and belongings and can also get to bed early to stay on schedule.

Just a thought:goodvibes

Our son has a different issue, a severe communication disorder, but Fairy Godmothers is great! We've used them at least a half-dozen times since our DS was a year old.

Almost every time we go, we get the same sitter. That's another thing to consider...you could start building a relationship with the sitter for future visits!
 














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