disney vet with new stroller problem- ASD tween (gulp)

[ireland_nicole]

Ok, so y'all mostly know me, heck, I am usually one of those answering questions (when I have time to get over here) but, I'm a little stuck and could use the input of those with tween ASD kids.

DD has always been small for her age, so she and her brother (with hypotonia issues) have always fit fine in a double, or she would have done well in the city series. We have a baby jogger ATS that goes to 75 lbs, but DD finally had a growth spurt (I suppose it had to happen sometime lol.) and just got up to 50 inches, so it's getting a wee bit snug for headroom. As far as weight, she's 57 lbs, so that part isn't the problem.

Our next trip is November, and for all intents and purposes, I'm taking her by myself (not quite sure what I'm thinking...) my mom will be going with (3 generation girls trip) but isn't overly helpful.

I'm really not sure what to do about the stroller situation. I could go with the liberty, which might be hard for me to get in the rental car by myself, but I could probably manage it. I'm more worried I wouldn't be able to see over it- I'm only 5'3.

Alternatively, as long as she doesn't get any taller, we could take our Baby Jogger, it doesn't bother her (she likes it right now) but if she gets ANY bigger, I don't think we'll reasonably be able to get her in- at least not with the sunshade (which to be honest, is her favorite part- she likes to "hide" when she gets overstimmed)

I am considering a maclaren major, but that doesn't have a sunshade and DD can have seizures if she gets overheated (probably not likely in Nov., but something to consider)- as far as the major, if we decide to go with that, I would probably look and see if I could find a used one, but barring that know there are some rental options in Orlando.

The third option is to try to go it without one (we do take lots of breaks and will be spending a lot of time sitting down and eating too this trip). If it gets to be a little too much, I could always rent a double from the park for the day, and she could curl up in that.

I'm probably overthinking this, and wouldn't be so worried if DH was coming, but this is the first time she's been kind of on the cusp size wize so it's never been an issue before, and hey, I overthink everything- why not this too?

TIA for any replies

 

[goingroundthebend]

I know in the uk with maclaren majors you can get sunshades for them .Am guessing you can out there .Though depending how tall your daughter is these can be abit short forelg room some children end up with their kness under their chins

this is the uk version of sunshades
http://http://www.shopwiki.co.uk/_Maclaren+Major+Elite+-+Sunshade?o=371143041&s=488753

 

[Napria]

Hi. I don't know you since I'm on here so rarely, but hopefully I'm not telling you something you already know.

I have a 14 year old autistic (classic autism), epileptic son. Due to his epilepsy, we were able to get our health insurance to pay for a transport chair (wheelchair) I'm not sure if your insurance will pay or not, but ours covered it 100% I had no clue that this was even possible till someone else mentioned they had one for their child (maybe here?) years ago. The transport chair folds up like a stroller, but it's definitely heavier. It also can have a sunshade on it, which is an additional accessory that insurance paid for because like your daughter, sun/heat can aggrivate his epilepsy. The insurance company sent someone from the wheelchair company to measure my son for his chair and the man made sure he was fitting DS for a chair that he could "grow into" It's rated to support 150 Lbs! We've had it for four years now and hope he'll be able to use it for a few years longer.

Hope this helps

 

[brat]

Have you looked at ebay for either a dual brake kids folding wheelchair or a medial stroller cheap. You might find the right size cheaper than renting.

We have bought shades for our kids wheelchairs from wheelchair maker/online retailer. I have also made the using flexable tent poles. In a pinch to make Ds's powerchair a better place to nap I took canopy off his outgrown Ikea chair.

 

[tinytreasures]

I agree with trying to talk to your dr about a chair. My kids had their eval done now we are trying to decide what kind to get our dd and our son. Looks like we well have 3 wheelchairs and a stroller this trip
I would get moving on it now because it may take 6 months or so to get approved

 

[ireland_nicole]

Thanks for all your suggestions; I'm still trying to figure it out- I really don't know that we'd qualify for insurance for it since we mostly need it at WDW- otherwise we don't go out into large crowds without at least a 2:1 ratio adult to her. Hmmm, I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask her neuro or psych though; I'll keep scouring ebay/craigslist- and would welcome other ideas...

 

[lawblond7]

I rented the liberty push chair 2 years ago - I now have a convaid cruiser - BUT while Clay was only 50 pounds at the time - Jake was 90+ and over 5 feets and was able to sit in it- in fact I was able to sit in it too. I am only 5'4" and had no problems seeing over it or pushing it and in fact it folds pretty well and is not that heavy.

You can see a picture of Clay in in in our PTR

 

[Chicogirl]

Here is what I have. My daughter loves it. And it moves great. It's not cheap, but I have been told that some insurance and medical will pay with proper documentation. hope it helps




Dreamer Design Axiom Mobility Access Stroller For Special Needs Children Size 3 Navy
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Dreamer Design Axiom Mobility Access Stroller For Special Needs Children Size 3 Navy

The Axiom 3 by Dreamer Design will take you where no other ability stroller can follow The interchangeable front wheels will allow you to set up your stroller to match your need - swiveling for the mall or fixed for the park now you can go without limits The Axiom 3 with a weight capacity of 200 lbs. is designed for comfort and convenience. With features like independently adjustable foot wells reclining seat with a five-point harness and an adjustable position sun canopy every trip is comfortable and fun. Features Height adjustable handle Large under seat basket Locking rear footbrake Hand lever activated front brake Add swivel wheels with included Axis Kit Adjustment foot well strapes Indoor swivel wheels Safety wrist strap All weather rain canopy Tire pump Specifications Assembled Dimensions 58 L x 27 W x 52 H Folded Dimensions with Wheels 45 L x 24 W x 28 H Folded Dimensions without Wheels 43 L x 24 W x 25 H Stroller Weight 39 lbs. Wheel Size 16 Seat Recline 30-degrees Seat Back Height 31 Seat Width Depth 18 15 Leg Length up to 21 Weight Capacity 200 lbs. Includes storage basket and all weather canopy. Light weight anodized aluminum frame. Easy compact fold. Bubble positionable sun canopy. Reclining seat with padded support boards.

 

[ireland_nicole]

So, I called the Pedi's office, and the nurses response was, you mean you don't have one yet? She was surprised that we hadn't gone through the insurance channels to get one until now. Guess it isn't completely unreasonable LOL. Anyway, spoke tothe insurance co and they said it should be covered w/ DD's dx's and the MD letter. We're probably going with the Maclaren major with the sunshade (should be covered because of DD's seizure disorder and photosensitivity from meds). It's the lightest, and will fit her as long as necessary (the endocrinologist thinks she'll top out hightwise between 4'6 and 4'8). Thanks again for everyone's help- now it's a waiting game with the insurance- fingers crossed.

 

[PatMcDuck]

I got a Convaid chair for my son off Ebay, I got really lucky. It was never used! (purchased for a older child who had to be institutionalized). It is the Scout, a way better one then I really NEED, but I think DS will have it for decades. He is 21 now, so it is the large one. (he has Downs and Autism)

You might want to look at Convaid models, or in any case, get one that will work for years to come. We used a McClaren major, and then a transport chair. We disliked the transport chair because he would sit hunched forward, he has scoliois too. With the Convaid he is tilted back like a child in a stroller, but he is able to flip back the footrests and get in and out of the chair. He just seems much more comfortable.

Down side, the Convaid weighs a ton and does not fold up into a small size. It folds up, but it is still pretty big.

PS only use it at Disney, the zoo, museum, etc.