Ben segment on the Pod Cast

[DSNYDREAMER]

I heard Ben say he watches the 3D films with the glasses. I would recommend these

http://www.thinkgeek.com/interests/looflirpa/e8be/

They make 3d movies 2d. But makes them as clear as a normal movie would be. It's only $15 dollars and I'm sure us dissers would even buy them for him. I just don't like the idea of him having to watch blurry movies just to experience it with everyone else. This would be a real solution.

What do you I can do to make sure Ben or his family sees this?

You just made sure we saw this!! Thanks so much, we will look into them. Who knew such a thing even existed!

 

[hockeymomNS]

I agree with everyone.....well done Ben!!!!

 

[OKW Lover]

What an awesome segment! I've got to give Ben a huge amount of credit for talking about his experiences and helping us all understand how we should be coping with life's challenges, no matter what they are. A big shout out to Tracey and his Step Dad as well.

Tracey, discovered we have something in common - how we met our spouses. In our case it wasn't the DIS Boards (they hadn't come into existence yet), but Val & I actually met at WDW. If it weren't for Disney, we never would have crossed paths.

 

[DeerIsleDisney]

Thank you very much for this segment. Great job, Ben!
Our son, age 13, also has Asperger's. I learned a lot from this segment and found myself nodding my head in agreement many times. It was reassuring and helpful to hear firsthand the story of someone else with similar experiences. Our son also is bothered by rain and sweat... anything that makes his clothes (and especially his glasses) wet. He also loves Sum of all Thrills. And we've used pin trading as a social skills development tool - he loves it!

There are differences as well... our son is fine with the 3D movies and characters, but has some significant issues with food, heat, and stamina. And we have two younger children who aren't on the spectrum, so balancing the needs of the entire family is a challenge.

We went to Disney World for the first time as a family in 2010. I went reluctantly, thinking that the crowds, lines, and sensory stimulation would be a disaster for our son. Instead, we were blown away by the level of accommodation and the graciousness cast members displayed. Our son LOVED it, despite the challenges, and we realized we had found a vacation spot that the entire family could enjoy. Within 9 months we had purchased DVC points and have made two trips since.

Thanks again for the great podcast segment, and for your inspiring words, Ben and Tracey.

 

[papamouse1]

WOW!! So much for any old archaic ideals that people like Ben are "disabled". Ben, you have proven so clearly that any challenge in life can be overcome with the right attitude and dedication.

You are extraordinary, young man

 

[racingwench]

As a mom of a 23 year son who also has Autism it was great to hear your story. I can't tell you the amount of times that I was agreeing with what you were saying. My son can't verbalize as clearly as you his feelings yet but we are working on it still every day and will continue to do so.

Please know that you have educated many listeners in sharing your story and we are very proud of both of you and your mom.

I look forward to hearing how the next chapter of your story evolves and to hear what a great young man you are and what the futures hold for you both.

You truly have both been blessed.

Thanks again!~

 

[NitroStitch]

I wanted to post a "favorite podcast moment" for the 5 year anniversary of the Podcast, but I couldn't decide on just one favorite moment. After listening to Ben's segment, I have a definite favorite now!

I am astonished at how articulate and self-aware Ben is at age 15 - he described how things affect him and why and added so much to my understanding of what autism and Aspergers does in those situations. (I was surprised at how many of the things that are a challenge for him are also a challenge for me, to a degree.)

Huge kudos to Ben for sharing his story with us, for working hard on being in the world despite its challenges and to Tracey for seeing all Ben can be and encouraging him to soar with the eagles. What a blessed family! I can't wait to hear the next segment from Ben!!

 

[mjaclyn]

Dear Ben and Tracey,

Thank you SO much for taking time out of your vacation to share your experiences with us. My husband and I both greatly appreciated and enjoyed your segment. Even though we do not know anyone with Autism, it was incredibly informative and generous of you to let us into even a small part of what you deal with. Please know that we are now among what I'm sure is a great many admirers of you both. Thank you again for sharing this with us. I can only imagine how much this will help someone who is going through the same situation as you.

Well done!

* I also wanted to add... I think segments like this are amazing. I would LOVE to see more of the same type of format... DIS Unplugged listeners who visit WDW in a different way than the members of the podcast crew. Families with kids of different ages, food allergies, disabilities, etc. I have really come to appreciate all of the informative segments, especially those with young kids and trip planning. However, these segments still don't tap into a lot of things many of the listeners are going through because most of us do not live in Orlando. Living far outside of WDW presents traveling challengers in and of itself. I think this segment really opened the door to continue recording shows like this...*

 

[linnell]

I was laughing and crying during this segment. Great job all around! My 4yo is an aspie and I am still learning about what his different behaviors mean. We're going in October and I'm going to start talking to him about it everyday. I am also going to have my DH listen because I think it will help him too. Thanks so much!

 

[heatherwillmom]

I loved the Ben segment. He is truly an inspiration. I remember him from the podcast on the ABD trip. He is such a articulate young man. I'm looking for the "ask the Gingers" segment. By the way, I have red (auburn) hair & my name is Ginger so I double qualify!

 

[simonkodousek]

"""

 

[florida sun]

It really was a truly special segment, very very well done to Ben

 

[EPCOT is a verb]

What an amazing segment. I learned a great deal. The more we know, the more we can understand.

Tracey, you are a wonderful mother. You have done a great job.

I, too, would encourage more segments like this.

 

[Alztybrn]

I hope Ben gets to pick a number He did suggest the segment!

Awesome job Ben....be proud of yourself!

 

[darrengs]

Ben, thank you so much for your segment. Although my 8 year old daughter does not have Aspergers, she was diagnosed this past year with several Anxiety disorders. We had a tough year this year, mainly finding her the help that we needed, as well as getting the school to understand and work with us. Well things are definitely much better now and we ended the school year on a much better note then it has been.
I know it was stated during the segment, that your information and coping strategies can help anybody deal with Walt Disney World. But, there were plenty of ideas that you and your Mom had that I plan to use with my daughter, such as working on a script when talking to adults, and when ordering food.
As for asking your Mother if she wish she had a “normal” child, I will say what I tell my daughter, why would she settle for normal, when she has extraordinary?

This has become my favorite segment ever.

 

[Dismom+two]

I hope Ben gets to pick a number He did suggest the segment!

Awesome job Ben....be proud of yourself!

I totally agree, I think Ben should be able to pick a number!!

 

[cindyland]

I have a dear friend who is planning her first trip to DW with her autistic son. She has taken him to DL many times, but is understandably nervous about their upcoming trip. What a priceless gift I can now give to her and her family to help them plan their trip. This segment could not have been any better!! Thank you!!

 

[djblu883]

This was the best ever!!! Thanks so much for this wonderful gift! My DGD is 6 and was recently diagnosed with Asperger's . Listening to Ben has really helped me better understand what Ry can be going through. She doesn't like 3D either and at times just needs to "chill ". And definitely needs to be organized to the point of OCD! Ben you are so brave to open up yourself and tell the world what so many can't !!! I'm so proud of you and thank you for showing me that Ryleigh can be all herself and so much more!!! Teresa: you aren't the only cry baby lol I , like you, will cry at the drop of a hat and was tearful through out this segment!!! And Pete and Walter: thanks for Bringing Ben into the Dis!!!! PS We choose the Fort over even Deluxe Resorts so Ry can come back " home" whenever she feels the need! Last year we took her to AKL for her 6th BD and she kept asking to go back to the Fort! She said MiMi I don't ever want to go back to a Disney hotel again I just wanna be in the camperHOME lol

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I loved it, too. My youngest cousin is 15 and has Asperger's, and it gave me a lot of insight into what his life is like. Thanks, Ben!

 

[disney4dan]

I am looking forward to this segment, just listened to a discussion on our local radio show where they were planning a benefit for a local autism support group. It hit home for me when they discussed one of the stresses for families is the way other people can react to their family member when the person with autism is uncomfortable.

It made me realize how ignorant I am to the challenges of this affliction and how I may, even unknowingly, respond in a way that might cause more stress for the other family. I'm looking forward to getting rid of my ignorance and hearing Ben's story.

Several years ago, we were at a large family gathering for the holidays at a function hall. Our preschool age daughter was playing with another preschool age child who was a year or two younger. They were having a great time just spinning in circles, holding hands and dancing around on the open floor like kids do. I remember just casually noticing this and not really paying attention until I noticed the mother of the little boy nearly in tears with joy. It seemed unusual until I learned that this was the first time that little boy had really opened up and played with another child, was actually happy and connected to another kid in a typical way that we all take for granted. His affliction with autism was just being evaluated and they were at the beginning of their journey.