DD recently diagnosed with sensory issues ~~~~ very overwhemled

[Lorilais_mommie]

we found out about 8 mo. Ago my DD (6) has sensory issues... Tho they are not as server as most, I'm very nervous about are up coming trip..
Mostly bc we took a trip to DL this last summer and DD had a full blow melt down over the fact that someone lightly bumped into her..
The CM nicely came over to help deal with the situation, he let us out of line and have FP to come back after she had calm down..
He also was able to walk us down to town hall and get a GAC for the rest of our trip.. Which was a LIFESAVER!
Well now I'm worried about our trip to WDW.. We had planned to just use FP as we could always use them past their printer time.. But now I hear that is no longer the case.
I'm not sure how to explain her sensory issues.. And what would be the best stamp to ask for.. Any advice would be very welcome.

 

[Piper]

Take or rent a stroller and get the "stroller as wheelchair" tag for your daughter. This will give her a safe space and will make the crowds less of a problem for her. You will need to get it at GS. While you are there, tell them her issues and what happened last time. They may have some ideas to help.

Also, you may want to read the FAQs at the top of this board. It will give you a lot of information.

 

[Lorilais_mommie]

Take or rent a stroller and get the "stroller as wheelchair" tag for your daughter. This will give her a safe space and will make the crowds less of a problem for her. You will need to get it at GS. While you are there, tell them her issues and what happened last time. They may have some ideas to help.

Also, you may want to read the FAQs at the top of this board. It will give you a lot of information.

Our only problem with this is we will have our other DD (18 mo.) who will need a stroller.
DD(6) will not sit in the double with her sister b/c our 18 mo. "Pinches and is sticky" her words..

We are thinking of renting another single stroller... However this may make it hard to get through the park with two strollers

 

[Cierese]

Our only problem with this is we will have our other DD (18 mo.) who will need a stroller.
DD(6) will not sit in the double with her sister b/c our 18 mo. "Pinches and is sticky" her words..

We are thinking of renting another single stroller... However this may make it hard to get through the park with two strollers

Maybe a sit and stand type stroller with the heavier kid on the back (easier to push around). This will give her the choice to sit or stand when she needs a break AND not be touched by her little sis on the front. They are more expensive, but our last trip, we just bought a used one off craigslist and then turned around and sold it [to my friends who were heading out to Disney] when we got back. You could always just repost it on craigslist or something. Was WAY cheaper than renting and you could recoup some money spent.

The good thing about your next trip is you can be on the look out for situations that will trigger meltdowns and either make a new attack plan, avoid them, or try again later. My youngest has SPD and there was a lot of stuff we had to plan around.... Characters had to be while he was busy with other stuff.. terrified of them. Rider swap on a lot of rides (especially ones he might get 'splashed'). We would also take our touring cues from him. Going in the morning and at night when the crowds were lowest allowing him down time mid day to nap or just regroup/destress. Parades/fireworks would usually take headphones, sunglasses or the shade of the stroller, etc. We've never used a GAC, though I'm thinking this year we might since he'll be older and the only reason we will take a stroller is for him. He tires easily and too big to carry everywhere anymore and needs the cover/shade for 'protection' and a place to 'escape'.

 

[Kellykins1218]

You could get a sit and stand or even a cheaper umbrella stroller for her. We got our 6 yr old a really nice one for $24 at Toys R Us & he did great in it. On a previous trip, I got a decent stroller at a garage sale for $10. On our last day, we left MK around 3. As we were walking past all the people coming in we just asked if anyone wanted to buy it for $30. We sold it in about 3 seconds. We made $20 and they saved a ton on stroller rental. Heck they may have sold it on their last day, too

 

[lanejudy]

I also recommend finding a way to use a stroller-as-wheelchair. Unfortunately with another younger child, it may mean 2 stollers, but it honestly can be a lifesaver. The stroller provides a safe haven or buffer zone, less likely to be bumped, less likely that others will invade her space. Definitely worth the extra hassle versus coping with meltdowns every 30 minutes. She does not need to ride in it at all times; you're welcome to park it and walk a bit if she needs to stretch her legs and burn off some energy. (obvioulsy in a less crowded area).

Other ideas for sensory...noise-reducing or noise-cancelling headphones, or even an iPod with ear phones playing some of her favorite music. Small electronic games or other distractions that she can play with while in line so she doesn't stress about all the others moving around her and whether they'll get too close (our DD used to freak-out if someone got within 2 feet, nowhere near even touching her but she was afraid they would). Sunglasses if brightness bothers her. A small blanket or lovey if she needs that comfort item. Just try to think about what helps keep her calm, as well as what you might need to calm her if a meltdown occurs. Prevention is key, so think about your everyday life - when you go to the grocery store or mall, how does she react with others around and then figure out how to transfer those strategies to the park setting.

Also, if you are unsure about speaking with Guest Relations, bring your prior GAC and tell that how that worked for you.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[nursie]

Getting the GAC is not difficult and you just need to explain that your child has a diagnosis and has difficulty with crowds, waiting, heat, or whatever the biggest concerns are. They do not need to see Doctor paperwork, the type of card is based on how they can best meet your child's needs.
It is for YOUR families benefit as well as everyone around you.
We have 6 children, 4 of them have special needs (FASD/brain damage) and this is an invisible disability as are many other diagnoses. We did not want to go to Disney until we did some searching and found out we had some options to make our trip a success not a dreadful disaster. We got the GAC when we activated our AP at MK and I'm telling you, the 20 min. we waited at GS was almost putting me in the looney bin!
When we started going to the attractions, we found it easy to use and it made our trip so much more magical. We would have given up and probably skipped the parks if we wouldn't have had it as our children would not have lasted in ANY line that involved an hour wait or too many people in their face and space.
Do what you need to do and don't hesitate to get that pass again. If people look at you and judge, ignore it. Having a pleasant, enjoyable vacation is more important to you and your loved ones than pleasing strangers.
The older I get, the wiser I get and I have developed tougher skin. I do what I need to do and advocate for families like ours all over including our local 'capitol hill'.
Do what works for you and don't bat an eye. If the GAC is a lifesaver, get it!

Best wishes for a magical time.

 

[sb682]

I would definitely get the GAC and explain that your daughter does not do well in tight spaces/crowds and gets upset easily. Many, many kids with autism and SPD go to DW every year and have a great time. What else triggers her, other than being touched? Some kids with sensory issues LOVE loud noises and bright lights, some others flip out and can't stand them. What you do all depends on her issues, what works for some kids may not work for her.

Have you looked at renting a double stroller from Magic Strollers? They rent City Mini Doubles and those are more "separate" than the ones at DW, so your younger DD might not bother your older one as much. I agree with everyone who said you should maybe bring a CD/MP3 player and sunglasses for her, if that will help.

 

[Lorilais_mommie]

I would definitely get the GAC and explain that your daughter does not do well in tight spaces/crowds and gets upset easily. Many, many kids with autism and SPD go to DW every year and have a great time. What else triggers her, other than being touched? Some kids with sensory issues LOVE loud noises and bright lights, some others flip out and can't stand them. What you do all depends on her issues, what works for some kids may not work for her.

Have you looked at renting a double stroller from Magic Strollers? They rent City Mini Doubles and those are more "separate" than the ones at DW, so your younger DD might not bother your older one as much. I agree with everyone who said you should maybe bring a CD/MP3 player and sunglasses for her, if that will help.

Thank you everyone for the help!

We are still trying to deal with little issues that pop up, but the big ones are
Touch,
Wetness if she gets a drop of water on her shirt she has to change it right away,
heat ( b/c she sweats) stickiness,
to much going on around her (example All at once- TV, People talking, baby crying, dog barking) its just to much,
To tight of clothing, shoes, or hairbands..

Minor triggers- Scratchy fabric, getting pinch, poked or stepped on ( which I don't think any kid likes), hair in her face or on her back. Anything that lightly tickles her..

My plan is
Looking into strollers..
iPod is already packed!!! This was a must just for the plane ride.. But thanks for heads us for the parks.
Any costumes I got were handmade with 100% cotton or I already know she is ok with wearing them..
Sun glasses.. Thanks on these I didn't think about these..


Still working on shoes... She loves crocs, but I don't know if they would comfortable enough for all day at the parks?
And NO socks! They get to sweaty for her..

Anything else I need to add?

 

[lanejudy]

iPod is already packed!!! This was a must just for the plane ride.. But thanks for heads us for the parks.

Still working on shoes... She loves crocs, but I don't know if they would comfortable enough for all day at the parks?
And NO socks! They get to sweaty for her..

Anything else I need to add?

A note about iPod on the plane - don't let her start to use it until the plane is in the air. All electronics must be turned off during take-over and landing. You don't want to start the flight with a meltdown over needing to turn off the iPod!

If she'll be in a stroller, crocs are probably fine. If she will be walking, they really don't provide adequate foot support and she could be really hurting after a couple of days if not sooner. Socks and good sneakers are best. The average guest walks anywhere from 6-12 miles per day at WDW. Have you tried "no seam" socks? Many kids who despise socks hate the feel of that seam on the toes and tolerate seamless socks. Also, look into "wicking" socks - I forget the better name for them - but essentially they don't allow the feet to get/feel sweaty. Probably found in the sports department, or a sporting good store. I'm not sure if you can find seamless wicking socks, but maybe online. Shoes without socks is a clear path to blisters at WDW.

Good luck!

 

[Lorilais_mommie]

Thanks for the sock info! I'll be getting a pair of those to try before we leave.. Keep fingers crossed?

What about flip flops? On our last trip her shoes got soaked, so I bought her a pair of flip flops.. She wore them after our trip until they finally broke!!
I'm already planning on buying her a 2nd pair why we are there.. Just to have in the diaper bag.. As a back up..

The same with some extra clothes... Just incase she gets water on her...

Since we are going in may, will they have any kinda misters on..
I can't remember if they have them their.. I know they did in DL..
That was a whole other problem, but thank god I knew to avoid them..

 

[Aladora]

My DS (7) is HFA so we deal with a lot of the same issues as you seem to be dealing with. Noise is a big one for him so we got a good pair of kid sized headphones, the ones that cover his ears not the ear bud kind. I toss his Nintendo DS into my backpack and it really helps with the crowds/noise issues. He's also not a fan of tags in shirts so I used to cut them out, although the older he gets, the less this is an issue.

People will give you different answers about flip flops, some say that they would never wear them for a day at Disney, others wear nothing else. I've worn the same pair for my last two trips to DL and have only had one tiny blister.

DS always wears sunglasses but like most kids has an absolute talent for taking them off and leaving them wherever, so I always carry a spare pair in my bag.

Get the GAC, it can really make a world of difference!'

Good luck and have fun!

 

[Schmeck]

I would definitely get her a stroller. A GAC may help a bit for attractions, but it will not help in any other situation, including just getting down Main Street, or waiting for a bus or some other form of transportation. The stroller will give her that buffer from being 'bumped'.

You say you are nervous, but since your daughter is 6 years old I'm sure you have a handle on her needs. Just because she got diagnosed 8 months ago doesn't mean that 8 months ago she suddenly became this way, does it? My oldest has sensory issues, and I never bothered to get her a diagnosis because we got her needs met without one. The diagnosis means nothing besides the label she now has (and assistance at school if needed), know what I mean? Don't let that label stress you out! You've done fine so far, I'm thinking, do what you would have done 9 months ago, pre-diagnosis.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

If you are going in May, keep multiple sets of clothes for her since she doesn't like to feel sticky. That includes underwear. If you get a stroller, get a fan that attaches to keep her cooler.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

also she will need to use headphones or without sound on airplane. as pp said do not start until told that is save to use. none are allowed on during takeoff and landing. so prepare her that she may have to turn off before what ever she is watching is done. this can cause major meltdowns because it can not stay on like in a car until parked and ready to leave car.

 

[babyberger]

Thanks for the sock info! I'll be getting a pair of those to try before we leave.. Keep fingers crossed?

What about flip flops? On our last trip her shoes got soaked, so I bought her a pair of flip flops.. She wore them after our trip until they finally broke!!
I'm already planning on buying her a 2nd pair why we are there.. Just to have in the diaper bag.. As a back up..

The same with some extra clothes... Just incase she gets water on her...

Since we are going in may, will they have any kinda misters on..
I can't remember if they have them their.. I know they did in DL..
That was a whole other problem, but thank god I knew to avoid them..

I just saw your question about misters....I honestly can't recall them in line anywhere ( but I could be wrong). HOWEVER, these are the places that my Aspie son avoids like the plague because of water.....

The misting station in MK by Space Mountain
The misting Coke Bottle in DHS by the Back Lot Tour
I am pretty sure there is another misting station in Epcot by Test Track
The camel in front of the Magic Carpet ride in MK, he spits water (pretty far)
Stitch above the World of Disney store in DD also spits water

I can't think of any others right now but will let you know of I do. On and just to second what everyone else said....get the GAC! DS also gets upset when he gets knocked around so we try to make sure he is surrounded by us in line and we do use the alternate entrance whenever possible. He is 9 1/2 now but didn't like being in a stroller so he has been walking for years. We just try to be very aware of his surroundings and if we see him getting upset we remove ourselves immediately. The GAC has been a life saver and made a complete difference in our Disney experience.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[jlr9882]

If you are going in May, keep multiple sets of clothes for her since she doesn't like to feel sticky. That includes underwear. If you get a stroller, get a fan that attaches to keep her cooler.

Fan is a great idea, and we love the one I had for my son. I bought it for like $16 at toys r us, and it hung right on the stroller. When I arrived at POP, they had a great Mickey hand one for the same price.

 

[lovethattink]

Take or rent a stroller and get the "stroller as wheelchair" tag for your daughter. This will give her a safe space and will make the crowds less of a problem for her. You will need to get it at GS. While you are there, tell them her issues and what happened last time. They may have some ideas to help.

Also, you may want to read the FAQs at the top of this board. It will give you a lot of information.

A medical stroller has been a godsend for my son. When he's walking we try to be human shields for him. So many people don't have the same concept as him when it comes to personal space.

gets water on her...

Since we are going in may, will they have any kinda misters on..
I can't remember if they have them their.. I know they did in DL..
That was a whole other problem, but thank god I knew to avoid them..

On my PTR Come to the dark side, I have been getting advice from people about ways to stay cool. We live in Florida and heat is one of his seizure triggers. Someone had suggested getting a hand held air conditioner. I ordered one on Amazon and will be interested to see if it works or not.

Yes, there are misters at so many different places. I don't know how your daughter would feel about being wet in a bathing suit, but my son is more willing to get squirted with water if he is in swimming attire. I bring an extra change of clothes.

We also bring a flash light or glow sticks, in case we are on an attraction that stops at a dark seen.

brush for Wilbarger brushing

fidget toys

apples or something to chew


We go at his pace. Some days it's only 1 ride, but there are so many other things besides attractions to do in the parks.

The 3D shows can be stimulation overload. He has to be in the mood to tolerate it in order for us to go on it. They have squirts of water, puffs of air, noise.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

My DS17 who has Asperger's does not like to be touched or bumped by strangers. Since a stroller is no longer an option (although he would love to ride in one), we have developed a set of strategies to keep him comfortable.

When walking or standing in crowded areas, we form a buffer around him (DH, DS14 and me). He's always between us when standing in lines, sitting in shows, etc. If anything gets too overwhelming for him, I will pull him off to the side while DH and DS14 finish up what they were doing. For example, if we're looking at an exhibit and the area gets too crowded, I take DS to a less crowded area to wait. If I really want to see something, DH and I take turns waiting off to the side with him.

He can wait in long lines pretty well, but we try to use Fastpass or go at slower times. If DS14 really wants to do something that DS17 can't handle, we just split up. DH takes DS14 (they both love roller coasters), while I take DS17 to do what he wants to do (which often involves getting Mickey pretzel!).

I think it's a good idea to figure out what works best for your family. Follow your child's cues and have a great time!

 

[Lorilais_mommie]

Thank you for the wonderful tips!
Fans will be added... Do you recommend those Mickey ones?? DD is a big Mickey person.. Or should I just buy the personal ones so she can have her own?
I did have the thought of bringing a swimsuit... I don't think she would be willing to play in the new water play area by dumbo, but she may surprise me..


Fan and swimsuit added to the list..