Disney done differently, (BOG dining updates pages 202 and 203)

[lovethattink]

I am lucky to have help here. I don't take them to the store unless I have to. We really talk out what is expected of them and if they start to loose it we go to the van. That has been a great trick to get him to calm himself down. This time in Disney I am going to try ear plugs to see if that helps for getting him overwhelmed. We only did it for the fireworks and it help big time. I don't know why we didn't do it the rest of the time. Plus this time he is on better meds that really are helping him. I am hoping we can do a lot more this time around.

If kaffinito hadn't answered you, I would have never seen your post. It snuck in there between the pictures. So sorry I missed it!

I try not to take him shopping unless I have to. I was born to shop and am perfectly content to window shop. That just doesn't work with him one bit!!

On one of the other threads I subscribe to, there was a conversation about ear muffs to reduce sound. I thought I had saved the link to the ones a few had ordered, but can't find the link.

Glad his meds are helping. Hopefully you all will get a chance to do more things.

Great pic of Anakin with "lighter touch" Donald! Love the smile

The GAC for characters is a life saver, isn't it? I used that for DS10 when he was still into the characters (before he became too cool for such things) and really was glad I did.

I wish I could check out your F&G pics but I can't. I'll be there soon to see them and don't want to spoil the surprise! I'll come back on after I go to see them though.



I used to have to grocery shop every day for 5 items at a time. Any more than that and DS18 would have a major meltdown. This was way before I found out he was autistic.

I used the earplugs for youngest DS and they really helped him out - Hope they work wonders for you too!

I look forward to seeing your pics!

Today there was a meltdown outside of a pet shop. Grumpy went in to get something, and I was in the car with Anakin. I was on the phone with our insurance company and told him I would take him in the store once I am done with my phone call. When he saw his big brother coming out of the store, that was it...huge meltdown. I had to hang up immediately with the insurance representative. Grumpy put his purchase in the car, and as soon as we started walking to the pet store, the fountain of tears and screaming stopped. I told him he could walk through the store, look at the animals quickly then we leave. He walked around the store, happy as could be, as if there was never a meltdown. As I was still preturbed by the meltdown. When we got back in the car and he was able to reason we talked about the needless meltdown, and how he should have acted and what he could have asked about going in the pet store.

 

[sl_underwood]

If kaffinito hadn't answered you, I would have never seen your post. It snuck in there between the pictures. So sorry I missed it!

I try not to take him shopping unless I have to. I was born to shop and am perfectly content to window shop. That just doesn't work with him one bit!!

On one of the other threads I subscribe to, there was a conversation about ear muffs to reduce sound. I thought I had saved the link to the ones a few had ordered, but can't find the link.

Glad his meds are helping. Hopefully you all will get a chance to do more things.



I look forward to seeing your pics!

Today there was a meltdown outside of a pet shop. Grumpy went in to get something, and I was in the car with Anakin. I was on the phone with our insurance company and told him I would take him in the store once I am done with my phone call. When he saw his big brother coming out of the store, that was it...huge meltdown. I had to hang up immediately with the insurance representative. Grumpy put his purchase in the car, and as soon as we started walking to the pet store, the fountain of tears and screaming stopped. I told him he could walk through the store, look at the animals quickly then we leave. He walked around the store, happy as could be, as if there was never a meltdown. As I was still preturbed by the meltdown. When we got back in the car and he was able to reason we talked about the needless meltdown, and how he should have acted and what he could have asked about going in the pet store.

I know exactly what you mean. Luke can only shop in places like walmart for less than half an hour. Any longer and it causes a melt down. Of course, he does pretty good at Disney for a great deal longer. Maybe cause its outdoors. We have yet to see an indoor show there though. He just cant handle it. Not sure exactly what causes his problem but any auditorium setting freaks him out bigtime. It can be difficult but I also find it works easier if we do things based on his comfort level.

 

[lovethattink]

I know exactly what you mean. Luke can only shop in places like walmart for less than half an hour. Any longer and it causes a melt down. Of course, he does pretty good at Disney for a great deal longer. Maybe cause its outdoors. We have yet to see an indoor show there though. He just cant handle it. Not sure exactly what causes his problem but any auditorium setting freaks him out bigtime. It can be difficult but I also find it works easier if we do things based on his comfort level.

Is your son verbal? I've started to ask mine how he feels and we try to determine what is causing that feeling. My son said he doesn't like when the lights go out, it scares him. He also doesn't like thunder sounds, nor how loud the sound systems are. Also, doesn't like when light shines in his eyes. The music also plays a part too. He said he likes happy music. At the Lion King show he can't stand the part of the fire twirler because of the music. But he loves the monkey part so much that he is willing to sit through the rest of the show. Philharmagic is out of he question completely, as is Tough to be a Bug. He has tried both of them multiple times, but they cause too much anxiety. Yet he loves the little mermaid show, IF and only IF, he is wearing a bucket hat. Go figure.

You are right, it's much easier to do things based on his comfort level. If everyone else wants to do something and he doesn't, one of us will sit out with him and wait for the others.

 

[sl_underwood]

Is your son verbal? I've started to ask mine how he feels and we try to determine what is causing that feeling. My son said he doesn't like when the lights go out, it scares him. He also doesn't like thunder sounds, nor how loud the sound systems are. Also, doesn't like when light shines in his eyes. The music also plays a part too. He said he likes happy music. At the Lion King show he can't stand the part of the fire twirler because of the music. But he loves the monkey part so much that he is willing to sit through the rest of the show. Philharmagic is out of he question completely, as is Tough to be a Bug. He has tried both of them multiple times, but they cause too much anxiety. Yet he loves the little mermaid show, IF and only IF, he is wearing a bucket hat. Go figure.

You are right, it's much easier to do things based on his comfort level. If everyone else wants to do something and he doesn't, one of us will sit out with him and wait for the others.

Luke is verbal but his speech is not at age level. When we got him at nearly 4, he only knew curse words, so really no vocabulary at all. At 7, he does talk and is making lots of progress but his speech is at about 3-4 years accoridng to his speech pathologist. That being said, he does not answer questions well most of the time. If ask ask for specifics, I usually do not get an answer that makes sense. For example, the other day he said that Walmart was bothering him. I said what is that is bothering you. He answered Walmart. I tried to get him to elaborate by asking more questions and he would just parrot my question as response. Our last trip, he did make it through turtle talk which was great and made it about halfway through beauty and the beast. We also have one parent always ready to sit out with him if needed so the other kids can do what they want too. Would love to hear any suggestions any of you have for vacationing with autistic kids. We have only done it once and need allt he help we can get!

 

[lovethattink]

Luke is verbal but his speech is not at age level. When we got him at nearly 4, he only knew curse words, so really no vocabulary at all. At 7, he does talk and is making lots of progress but his speech is at about 3-4 years accoridng to his speech pathologist. That being said, he does not answer questions well most of the time. If ask ask for specifics, I usually do not get an answer that makes sense. For example, the other day he said that Walmart was bothering him. I said what is that is bothering you. He answered Walmart. I tried to get him to elaborate by asking more questions and he would just parrot my question as response. Our last trip, he did make it through turtle talk which was great and made it about halfway through beauty and the beast. We also have one parent always ready to sit out with him if needed so the other kids can do what they want too. Would love to hear any suggestions any of you have for vacationing with autistic kids. We have only done it once and need allt he help we can get!

He probably answered Walmart because rather than seeing the big picture like we do, he is probably only focusing on a fine detail of that whole picture.

I don't know if any other airlines offer this, but here is a link about Southwest airlines and autism. http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/2010-11-29-airportcheckin29_ST_N.htm

Social stories about flying are always good too.

This one is about taking an airplane trip http://www.kansasasd.com/upload/Airplane Trip.pdf

This one is about the airport and plane
http://www.einstein.edu/rx_files/yourhealth/airport_social_stories_einstein.pdf

There are several more online if you google social stories and airplane.

 

[lovethattink]

sl_underwood,

When you arrive in a Disney park, make guest services your first stop. Explain to them what your son needs, and they can make suggestions on how to accomodate him in the park. This would be the same at Universal, Sea World, and Busch Gardens, to make Guest Services be the first stop.

Post #6 on the disability boards FAQ thread discusses the GAC and if it is right for you
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=10237514&postcount=6

We find that using a stroller is helpful. While my son doesn't have mobility issues he does run when fightened. Once, a construction wall at the Winnie the Pooh ride spooked him and he took off running. I caught up to him near Dumbo. Thankfully the park was not busy that day, and he stopped because of low endurance. The stroller keeps him with us. It also offers the added benefit of providing a place of escape for him. If he is over stimulated by the crowds, he can put up the sun shade and block everyone else out. Our GAC card is stamped to use the stroller as a wheel chair, so if he needs to do this in line he can.

There are rental companies near Disney that rent out medical strollers that will accomodate up to 100 pounds. They are red, medical jogging strollers that are made by baby jogger. Post #2 of the disability FAQ has info about this. http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=5873006&postcount=2

I'm not sure what other type of info you are looking for? Do you have specific questions?

 

[sl_underwood]

Thanks so much for the tips. On our last trip we did use a GAC just so we could use the stroller as a wheelchair. Our son can not stand or walk for long periods of time so this helped a great deal. Also, he does great on airplanes, no clue how. They bother me a great deal, but he just stares out the window and listens to his mp3 player the whole time. We only have one 3 hr plane ride which helps I think. This trip I think I will be renting from off site and I honestly do not know who to go with. Any suggestions?

 

[lovethattink]

https://www.orlandostrollersrentals.com/ProductDescription.aspx?PID=5

This is the medical stroller I see rented the most at the parks. A 7 year old would kind of swim in it though depending on how small he is. I'm sure the rental company can find the best fitting one based on his measurements.

 

[sl_underwood]

Thanks I rented one! He is tall for his age so the others were just not going to work. He is right at 70 lbs but he is 56 in tall

 

[lovethattink]

Thanks I rented one! He is tall for his age so the others were just not going to work. He is right at 70 lbs but he is 56 in tall

You're welcome! I hope it works out well for you. I'd like to buy one of them for Anakin, but they are so expensive and he can still squeeze into his stroller.

 

[lovethattink]

Our friends from PA are still on vacation, so we met them last night at Pop Century for supper. I had hummus and bagel chips, and ate the salad that came with Grumpy's meatball sandwich. Grumpy ate half of his meatball sandwich because he wasn't hungry, I hope he isn't getting sick! He is always hungry! Anakin had the pepperoni pizza, grapes and apple sauce. Goofy had chicken parmesan which came with pasta. The salad with the meatball sandwich came with a nice vinegrette dressing. For dessert, Goofy and Anakin at Mickey Premium Bars. We used our tables in wonderland card for 20% off food and beverages.

One thing we learned about ordering food, is not to take Anakin with us!! It is just too hard on him and it makes it too hard on us!!!!! I brought Star Wars sticker books, and some of his lego figures. Goofy stayed at the table with him and they played while Grumpy and I got the food. It worked out great and was stress free on all of us!

After supper, we walked out to check on the Hippy Dippy pool. The refurbishment was finished on it. It's been a while since we stayed at Pop. We have resies for May. I noticed there was a box of life jackets just like there was at CSR. I don't remember seeing them there before?? There was also a ping pong table that I don't remember there on our last visit. Also noticed a sign that specified pool quiet hours.

Anakin wanted to swim so badly. We explained to him that he didn't have a bathing suit and that we will be staying here in May. He didn't care that he didn't have a suit, he was willing to swim in his clothing, because he wanted to swim right here, right now. We told him that he couldn't swim unless he was guest of the resort. He is a stickler for rules, so that ended the conversation on swimming.

 

[MyPeanut&Bug]

Love your Mickey strawberry! (looks yummy too!)

POP looks fun - think we may have to stay there next time. Anakin is too cute in his mouse ears!

 

[lovethattink]

Love your Mickey strawberry! (looks yummy too!)

POP looks fun - think we may have to stay there next time. Anakin is too cute in his mouse ears!

Plant City strawberries are the best. Right now it's the end of the strawberry season here in Florida. CA berries will be the only on our shelves soon. You might be able to try Plant City berries in your town. Walmart often carries them.

Aww, thanks! He is so proud of his mouse ears. Of all the different kinds of mouse ears, those are the ones he picked out.

Pop is very fun! It's our favorite value resort. If we can't get Pop when we are trying to book a value we go for movies. I prefer the food court selection better at Movies. But my boys prefer Pop's.

Today is the last full day of our friend's vacation. We are hoping to meet up to say our goodbyes either at MK later this afternoon or Epcot tonight. It has been so nice to see them after a couple years of not. When we are in PA we all go to Hershey Park together or Shady Maple to eat. We have had some awesome times together, it's just a shame we live 1000+ miles apart. But computer technology has brought us closer together with email, chat, and now facebook!

 

[lovethattink]

Last night we met up with our friends at Epcot. This was not one of those perfect Disney days. Things did not go as planned. There were some unforseen holdups. Some lessons learned.

Anakin wanted to do Kim Possible so we stopped at the KP booth near UK. Our return time was to Norway at 6:30pm. I told the cm we did Norway before, but never did UK and France. He told us, that's not problem just to tell them at Norway and they can program it in.

We headed off to the American pavillion to meet up with our friends who were waiting on some of their group who was shopping. The rest were waiting to see the Melissa Manchester flower power show. We made a detour at France to stop and try an orange slush that we had heard so much about. It is true that it tastes just like and orange creamsicle, but if I want that taste, I think I will go for an orange creamsicle over the orange slush. Goofy felt the same way.

Anakin did some pin trading. He was excited to get a Joe Jonas, Nick Jonas and a High School Musical 2 pin. The cm he traded with came back to us and asked him if he had the Kevin Jonas pin. He saw Anakin's excitement over the Jonas Brothers, and noticed another cm with the Kevin pin. That was so thoughtful of him to walk all the way back to us to tell us!

Here is where things begin to go not as planned and it caused some anxiety with Anakin. It was time to return to Norway. We all had decided that we'd go on Soarin' together, because Melissa Mancester, didn't sound too wonderful. We remembered the songs, but they were not sung like we remembered, and were almost painful to the ear. I walked ahead of them to pick up the KP phone at Norway. Gave the return ticket to the cm and she said she did not have the ability to program in UK or france from her kiosk, that the cm in UK was wrong. She also said that the phones now time out after 15 minutes of inactivity. So we would not be able to ride soarin and return to our mission. Anakin was not happy about this. This did not fit his plan. But he wanted to be with everyone and with the promise of returning to KP after Soarin' he was ok.

A detour to the butterfly display, made him forget everything about Kim Possible!

Soarin's FP line was not long, but the wait time was long. Goofy timed us and said we were gone 33 minutes. Where we turned in the FP, we stood there for an excrutiatingly long time. I knew the distance from entering the line to getting to the ride was long. I did not bring the stroller because I thought he could walk that far. I did not calculate in all that standing time. Add in the milkshake that Anakin had and he was literally bouncing off the rails in the queue. We tried to entertain him by showing him pictures we had taken throughout the week.

This next picture was looking and talking about the squirrel picture that was on her camera. The squirrel was busy burrying an acorn. But he didn't like us watching him and taking his pic. Also noting the difference between a PA squirrel and a FL one. The tail is much less bushy in the FL one.

While bouncing off the rails, Anakin learned that not all chains are hooked onto the queue with a hook. He leaned on one that was closed through a magnet, and fell through. This was after countless times of explaining to him that he was touching everyone's germs. That while the metal may feel nice and cold to touch, it was best not to touch it all up. That while leaning on it may feel good, it is not always safe. The poles may not be secure or the chain could break. Well, he learned his lesson the hard way. I caught him, but it was enough to make him realize there was some truth to what I said.

 

[MyPeanut&Bug]

Well, he learned his lesson the hard way. I caught him, but it was enough to make him realize there was some truth to what I said.

lol, this made me smile. I hear myself saying things like, "See, there's a good reason I told you _________, I'm not as stupid as I look!" WAY too often.

 

[tinytreasures]

You're welcome! I hope it works out well for you. I'd like to buy one of them for Anakin, but they are so expensive and he can still squeeze into his stroller.

Can you check with your dr and get a scrip for one? It has taken us about 6 months but my kids wheel chairs are ordered and should be in soon. We went with Wheelchairs because they can push them by themselves too.

All 5 kids have these ear muffs we got them for the car races but Jason's wears his all the time at home

 

[lovethattink]

Even though he is mobile, both his pediatrician and his occupational therapist think that he should be able to get approved for either medical stroller or wheelchair with a 5 point harness because of his tendency to run when frightened and his endurance issues.

 

[tinytreasures]

Even though he is mobile, both his pediatrician and his occupational therapist think that he should be able to get approved for either medical stroller or wheelchair with a 5 point harness because of his tendency to run when frightened and his endurance issues.

Avy and Hayden both are getting Quickie 2's. Jason has a ottobock (sp) Lisa stroller. We went with the wheel chairs this time over the stroller so they could push themselves if they need too. Hayden did way better then I thought he would pushing.
We are taking all 3 with us plus Ella's stroller

 

[lovethattink]

Avy and Hayden both are getting Quickie 2's. Jason has a ottobock (sp) Lisa stroller. We went with the wheel chairs this time over the stroller so they could push themselves if they need too. Hayden did way better then I thought he would pushing.
We are taking all 3 with us plus Ella's stroller

I guess I need to catch up on your PRT. How many adults are going? Most of Disney is level so it should be no problem, but the monorail ramps can get a little tricky at the TTC with their steepness. It's hard to slow down going down the hill and difficult pushing up.

At PT they are working on Anakin's endurance level, as we are at home too. In January he had to stop every few minutes to catch his breath or sit down for a break. He is up to nearly 30 minutes of continuous activity now!! Kind of an oxymoron, since he has ADHD and is like the energizer bunny, but wears out quickly with physical activity. The interactive metronome worked him up to 1 hour of physical activity 3 days a week. Our goal is to go to Disney for a couple hours and not have to use the stroller at all. But he needs more CBT, and social stories so he remembers to stay with us.

 

[lovethattink]

lol, this made me smile. I hear myself saying things like, "See, there's a good reason I told you _________, I'm not as stupid as I look!" WAY too often.

There was yet another lesson to be learned on Friday night....

You know how we tell our children not to put their mouths on the railings, and not to touch everything because there are germs on it?

First of all, my son tells me that the railings are good because they are cold and also because of the pressure sensation he gets when leaning on it. He can't SEE these germs I am talking about.

We were in line at Test track following our ride on Soarin'. He was having a very difficult time leaving the railings alone. Even a cm had to ask him not to sit or hang on the railings.

We got into the preshow room, and he still couldn't leave the rail alone, and was trying to go under it. So I held his hands, and he leaned back against me.

We left the room and again, those railings were like strong magnets pulling both his hands and face to them. He was not the only child that these railings had power over. The younger kids near us, were following his lead, and that mom was none to happy. I got out the hand santizer or "hanizitzer" as Anakin calls it. And side tracked him for a few seconds with it.

Just as he was rubbing his hands together, we heard people in the next row squealing out in disgust. Someone ahead of them had left a hocker ON THE RAIL. Gross!! But now that Anakin could visibly see germs on the rail, he would not touch any of the railings. He walked in front of me and asked me to hold both of his hands. Hopefully he will remember this, but not go over the edge with this!!

After the ride, we tried out some cars. I had never noticed the crash dummy sitting on a seat between cars. Have you?

Also never noticed the red car in the store. Did you?

A cm was playing with a remote control car. They allowed Anakin to play too. And kept telling him it's only $32 to buy that orange car. And they had a red one too. It was very heard to get him out of the store!!