Babysitting Son w/ Down Syndrome

[Wayno210]

Hi:

My wife and I might like a night out alone when we hit OKW in January.

We have four kids: 8, 7, 2, and infant. Our oldest has Down Syndrome and although he is about as typical as one can be, he does have a speech problem and a shorter attention span than the 7 yo.

Are there any babysitting options and are there any Kids' daytime programs offer that accept children with special needs.

Thanks

 

[s&k'smom]

Hi Wayne though your infant couldn't use the Disney Clubs at the hotels I'm sure your 7 y.o. wth Down syndrome could. I have spoken to other parents of children with special needs and they have been very pleased. I haven't personally but I do plan on it when he is older. One mom I talked with has a son on the autism spectrum and he just loved the Neverland Club over at the Poly.

 

[Wayno210]

Tracyee & S & K's Mom:

Thanks for input, I really appreciate it.

I'm going to look into both the babysitting aspect and the Disney Clubs. It's good to know that my son should be able to participate in the Clubs.

Thanks Again.

Wayne

 

[SueM in MN]

Just wanting to welcome you to disABILITIES. I see you already got some great advice.
I think that the Disney clubs begin at age 3 years. I also have read posts from people who used the clubs with their children wh o have disabilities. Even if your 7 year old is not toilet trained, there are ways they could accomidate him. A lot of people have also posted good experiences with Fairy Godmothers.
Here's some pixie dust for a great trip.

 

[disneyelaine]

We used Kids Night Out. When you call them, explain your situation. They do have sitters who have special needs training. Our sitter was very familiar with my son's issues & I felt better leaving him in the hands of someone who "understood" his behaviors. Everything went fine. We had a 9, 6 (special needs) & 7 mth old with us.

Also we have used the Sandcastle Club (at Beach Club) and Harbor Club (at Boardwalk Villas). Probably 6 times total. My son was fine there too. I was concerned they would not want to take him in the kids clubs, but it is has never been a problem.

We have not used Fairy Godmothers so I can't comment. Before Kids Night Out, we used Kindercare In Room Sitting.

 

[BCV23]

It was many moons ago now but our 3 kids went to Neverland Club during it's first year I believe. I'm guessing our children were then about 9, 7 (Down's syndrome and Type I diabetes) and 4 (spastic quad). No problem at all.

We also used in room sitting once and that was fine, too.