DAS how to tell the kids plus another qiuestion

[scooffer]

I did want to start another topic, but had another question... we tool my DS7 to a childrens museum today. I think maybe the first time out in an overstimulating place since his diagnosis. Since his diagnosis we have watched everything he does like a hawk (without him knowing most of the time) to see where we can help him... now that we know this is not just all bad parenting!

It was a hands on, please touch kind of museum, that he has been to many times. But this time, after less than an hour, he started freaking about being thirsty. As we tried to find him a water fountain, he threw himself on the floor and then popped up and darted out the door into the parking lot... the meltdown is usual, but the taking off, not so much.

I knew right away when he asked for the water, he was looking for a quiet "escape". DH took him to the car, and me and my other DS5 finished the museum.

So, this gets me thinking we are really not prepared for sensory overload at Disney. here is what I have already:

Stroller for him to use as a quiet place (will ask to use it as a wheel chair).
His hand fidgets.
His weighted puppy.
we are getting him an iPod and noise cancelling headphones
He will have access to our iPhone and iPad.
all the water and such he wants.

any other suggestions?

What about the plane... what if he freaks out on the plane.., ok, now I am freaking out Look for us on CNN...

 

[Maggie'sMom]

I did want to start another topic, but had another question... we tool my DS7 to a childrens museum today. I think maybe the first time out in an overstimulating place since his diagnosis. Since his diagnosis we have watched everything he does like a hawk (without him knowing most of the time) to see where we can help him... now that we know this is not just all bad parenting!

It was a hands on, please touch kind of museum, that he has been to many times. But this time, after less than an hour, he started freaking about being thirsty. As we tried to find him a water fountain, he threw himself on the floor and then popped up and darted out the door into the parking lot... the meltdown is usual, but the taking off, not so much.

I knew right away when he asked for the water, he was looking for a quiet "escape". DH took him to the car, and me and my other DS5 finished the museum.

So, this gets me thinking we are really not prepared for sensory overload at Disney. here is what I have already:

Stroller for him to use as a quiet place (will ask to use it as a wheel chair).
His hand fidgets.
His weighted puppy.
we are getting him an iPod and noise cancelling headphones
He will have access to our iPhone and iPad.
all the water and such he wants.

any other suggestions?

What about the plane... what if he freaks out on the plane.., ok, now I am freaking out Look for us on CNN...

I think you've hit on most of my strategies. Just a couple things I'll mention that help us:

Afternoon breaks back at the resort to swim. Swimming works magic to calm DD.

A fan to help keep cool.

Watch youtube videos ahead of time to familiarize him with rides and such.

Bring some hard candy or something to suck on for during take off and landing on the plane. For us, ring pops have worked better than anything else.

Keep to as normal a sleep schedule as possible.

 

[bookwormde]

Not sure if this was answered, but yes if you have a DAS for 6 any 5 companions can join him. Feel free to mix and match as appropriate

Before our DS AS developed his self advocacy skills, we would always be scoping out quite escape locations when we went to public places. If he started to look stressed we would guide him there before he got overwhelmed to decompress.

One thing I would offer is that at 7 it is time to begin talking directly to him about his genetics, both the gifts and challenges. Otherwise he will think that there is something "wrong" with himself. It is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety and begin the "thoughtful" self advocacy process. You do not need to use labels if you do not want to

 

[Gracie09]

What kind of sunshade does your umbrella have? If it does completely cover his body I would suggest a light blanket and clips to hold it. That way he can have his own cocoon area so he feels safe. Stroller as a wheelchair tag wold also be useful so you can keep him in his space as long as possible.

Check with your airport and see if they have any programs that involve kids with autism and other sensory issues visit and get to go through security etc so they know what to expect. Obviously they don't fly but it gets the ground stuff familiar to kids.
Lollipops, ring pops (my girls favorites) lady taffy anything that gets them to chew or suck. And don't give it to them until you know you are next for take off. Nothing like your kid finishing her lollipop right before take off and you can't grab another.

 

[Cavners5]

Thank you for all of these suggestions! My DD-9, has Autism and we have been to DL many times. She was diagnosed a year ago, and have only used the DAS once. We are planning a trip to WDW for next June, and I never even thought about the flight. She has never flown before and we will be on a plane for 6+ hours!!!! We always drive to DL. She has already started packing

 

[scooffer]

Thank you for all of these suggestions! My DD-9, has Autism and we have been to DL many times. She was diagnosed a year ago, and have only used the DAS once. We are planning a trip to WDW for next June, and I never even thought about the flight. She has never flown before and we will be on a plane for 6+ hours!!!! We always drive to DL. She has already started packing

Call your airline and your airport. I explained that my son tends to kick seats and will need to be able to stand and get out the wiggles due to his ASD and ADHD. They were very accomidating and moved him and DH to the bulk head seats so they have a little extra room and they did not charge us for the Economy comfort upgrade for them.

I called my airport to request a TSA escort through security so we would not have to wait in the long line. They actually have a Wings on Autism day this weekend! We go to the airport at 9am, they have special checkin are to get a "boarding pass" then we will go through security for real and board a real airplane! So its a practice run to get the jitters out. Such luck!!

Our Dr also recommended a new game that he only gets on the plane, and a new book that he will be excited about. Magical Disney for his DS is on pre-order and I pick it up the day we leave...

Its all coming together.

 

[Cavners5]

Call your airline and your airport. I explained that my son tends to kick seats and will need to be able to stand and get out the wiggles due to his ASD and ADHD. They were very accomidating and moved him and DH to the bulk head seats so they have a little extra room and they did not charge us for the Economy comfort upgrade for them. I called my airport to request a TSA escort through security so we would not have to wait in the long line. They actually have a Wings on Autism day this weekend! We go to the airport at 9am, they have special checkin are to get a "boarding pass" then we will go through security for real and board a real airplane! So its a practice run to get the jitters out. Such luck!! Our Dr also recommended a new game that he only gets on the plane, and a new book that he will be excited about. Magical Disney for his DS is on pre-order and I pick it up the day we leave... Its all coming together.

Thank you so much. I will call the airport and airlines.

 

[Sefoti]

Other suggestions we will be using for my daughter.

Sunglasses
A hat or crown (sensory input across head)
A rash guard for deep input.
Oral fidgets
A backpack leash.

My daughter does the taking off thing too so we will do the backpack this trip something I have always been really against as a parent but the last trip we really needed it. The last trip we did not have a diagnosis and it was just horrible. Trying to run off, slamming her head into the ground until it started bleeding, screaming for HOURS without let up. So this time we are going very very prepared. She LOVED the water spray ground though. So we will go do spray ground or pool if its just too much.

We will be bringing a woven wrap for my daughter. I can use it under the table to make a hammock for snack or lunch. It is WONDERFUL for her. Its dark, closes off all input, can be rocked and is a safe quiet place. We will keep that with us at all times for lines because I can use it as a make shift swing or hammock if she is getting overwhelmed. I feel like that alone will be a life saver. I have a girasol but any woven wrap (not a stretch wrap) will work.

 

[Sefoti]

I also made a book of our last trip photos for my kids. It was free on shutter stock last week. That may be a cute idea for the plane to get them excited about the trip and keep him busy. We are driving so I am hoping it buys us some quiet time