Convincing sister in law to go to WDW

[steelebug]

My sister in law has one autistic (PDD) 5 yr old son and a 3 year old with other unspecified issues. Her husband is up for a family trip to WDW but she says no way. No one else has a problem helping her deal with meltdowns, etc but she shelters the children from any such activities. Nephew did go to a waterpark with dad and had a great time. Any suggestions on how to get her to not miss out on the fun.

 

[bookwormde]

Have her check out DISboards and the disability section. Let her know that there is a significant community for Autism spectrum children for both Disney related issues and general issues.

She will quickly find out how special WDW is for our children, and how much support she will get for the special situations she will face.

bookwormde

 

[ireland_nicole]

Life with a child w/ ASD is challenging, lively, interesting, frustrating, fascinating, and never boring. It takes time to figure out what works for your family and what doesn't. And it takes time to develop enough tunnel vision that you don't notice other people's stares and comments. Your brother and SIL are probably somewhere in that process. I also would encourage them both to spend time talking to people on this board and others who are in similar situations. I can say that for us Disney truly is magic. We go once a year (all we can afford); and every trip my kids both make significant progress

 

[steelebug]

The problem is she does not think the kids are capable of doing anything but going to school for 2.5 hours per day. It breaks my heart to see them so sheltered because she does not want to make the effort to expose them to anything. They can't learn social skills if they are not exposed to social situations. They don't even go to restraunts because they don't make them eat or sit down. When their dad has them they do much better because he allows them to be kids. AT WDW she would have more than enough help with the kids.

 

[alizesmom]

You're facing a mama bear here. You may not agree with her but she's definitely not ready for WDW even with help. You need to help her make small steps before she runs. Karen