Disney with ADHD toddler

[gabbysmom04]

Any advice for taking my DD 3 to WDW? We just found out that she has ADHD last week. I am planning on taking her for 4 night next month by myself. What worries me is that she can go from fine to out of control in 2 seconds!

 

[Schmeck]

Your pre-schooler may have just been diagnosed with ADHD, but she's still the same child - now you have a label for her behavior issues, that's all.

What has worked in the past in situations in the grocery store, shopping mall, etc?

Since you are going alone with her, you can tailor the entire trip to her needs, so it should be easy to change plans on the spot, as needed.

Hope you have a great trip with your daughter!

 

[gabbysmom04]

To be honest I have really no control. I guess I was hoping people could share what works for them with their kids. I am also a little worried about handling her in lines and while we are eating. I guess that I really need help for everything not just disney!

 

[laui]

my daughter has adhd as well. we began noticing the signs about six years ago, when she was preschool age.
being creative has been something that seems so wonderfully calming to my daughter. she becomes so focused and absorbed in what she's making.
if your daughter enjoys creating things, then maybe a small craft may work at the restaurant table? i'm not sure about waiting in lines though.... maybe stringing a line of big colourful beads onto a shoelace if she's old enough to enjoy that sort of thing?

just a thought

have a wonderful time!

 

[Amy5000]

Here are some suggestions...

If your DD does better in a stroller you can go to Guest Services and get a "Stroller As Wheelchair" or some similar accomodation so you can bring the stroller in line with you.

My DS (4.5) is highly distractable and has been known to wander off when you blink, so you may want to consider a harness. (fyi...I don't use one now, but when he was 3 I sure would have considered it).

I think bringing a bag of toys (playdough I find to be very helpful) might help. You might want to try posting on the disabilities boards. Many parents of ASD children have similar problems and might be able to post some suggestions.

Good luck.

 

[SueM in MN]

There are quite a few posts about bringing children with ADHD to WDW on the disABILITIES Board. Most of them are older children than your child, but still there is a lot of information that might be helpful.
Also, take a look at the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of the disABILITIES Board. There is information about Guest Assistance Cards (which would have info about using a stroller in lines).
At 3 yrs old, a child with ADHD is going to have a lot of the same issues that other 3 yr olds have - things like loud noise, darkness and waiting are difficult for many 3 yr olds, so much of the suggestions you have seen from parents of other preschoolers are also going to be useful for you. You would just be dealing with the same issues to a greater degree.

My suggestions would be to let her take the lead since you will be alone with her. When my youngest DD was little, sometimes she and I would do a park while dad and older sister did things she was not able to do. When we came to an intersection, I would let her decide whether we went left or right. Giving the child some control/choices/things to do helps to get them involved and more attentive to helping you rather than disruption. If she's tired or doesn't want to go on a particular attraction, trying to get her to do it will just end up causing you grief. Give clear choices and never give a choice or a consequence that you are not willing to do (like don't say "we're leaving" unless you plan to follow thru). Give warning before changing activities - for example, a lot of kids really like the Kidcot craft/play areas. If she does and you go there, give her some warning before you are leaving (like "you can finish xxxx and then we will go do xxxxxxx."

 

[disney_fan_fam]

To be honest I have really no control. I guess I was hoping people could share what works for them with their kids. I am also a little worried about handling her in lines and while we are eating. I guess that I really need help for everything not just disney!

Sounds like she's in control and she knows it. This is the age they really try to challenge you, your patience and limits. Definately time to step up and show her who's the boss, since you have some time before your trip. Follow through is important. Praise her when you catch her behaving, and being a 'good girl' or being patient.

I'm just wondering if they can accurately diagnose a 3 year old with adhd. Seems too young. Did you get a second or third opinion?

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

I'd definitely advise you to visit the disABILITIES board as someone else suggested to get some in depth answers. DS has ADHD and developmental issues as well, we took him to Disney for the first time at age 5 and it was like someone turned on a switch that nobody else had been able to find for him. He was the most well behaved, happy and wonderful child! Not all kids with ADHD have that reaction though. And as I said, DS also had other issues, but I would not automatically assume the worst-you may be pleasantly surprised by your son's reaction once your there.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

you may be pleasantly surprised by your son's reaction once your there.

Sorry...meant to say your DD! Ugh...it's been that crazy kind of day for me!

 

[tictoc]

As an adult with ADD and the mother of an 11 year old with ADHD let me start by saying--it really will be okay. I knew my son was "different" when he was very young and so yes I think you can diagnose as a toddler. My advice to you is to realize that you have to set boundaries. However, you also have to realize they really can not help their reaction when they get over stimulated. My advice is be very aware of your child when youa re around highly distractable situations. If there is a lot of noise, a lot of color, etc. It does not mean that you have to avoid those situations, just space them out and spend some time in quiet places with dimmer lighting in between. You also need to keep a steady voice. These things will keep her from melting down. SHE WILL HAVE A MELTDOWN however. And that is okay. It does not mean that you are a bad mom or that you have a bad child. It means that your child has an issue that you must learn to deal with. When the child melts down--remain calm. If she will allow it, hold her very close to you and whisper in her ear. That will usually bring my now 11 year old son down.

As for the card for disabilities, I went to WDW many times without getting that card. i thought that felt like cheating. I recently read some posts on the thread for disabilities here. I realized that trying to not cheat complete strangers I really cheated my son. I put him into situations that he did not need to be in. The truth is my son has a condition that he did not ask for. It is a condition that causes him some real heartache at times. He is on the lowest dose of Aderol, but it still causes him to feel down at times. He has more difficulty in school but is still the child in the class that his teacher describes as the most helpful and patient child in her class. For the times that you must wait I would suggest things to keep her hands busy and take a break in the childcare areas. These areas are cool and have dimmed lighting and usually a television which I do not recommend as a babysitter but in small doses will calm a child down.

Read some materail on diet and ADHD because there is definitely a link. Good luck you have a road ahead of you. just remember that all children have something that challenges them as do all parents. You will survive and your child will still be successful. I have had ADHD all of my life. I have three beautiful kids a great marriage and a job that I love and am very successful at. The key is learning when to react and when to let your daughter calm herself down. There are organizations for parents of ADHD children as well.

 

[poohbear229654]

Any advice for taking my DD 3 to WDW? We just found out that she has ADHD last week. I am planning on taking her for 4 night next month by myself. What worries me is that she can go from fine to out of control in 2 seconds!

my kids and I are also going next month.may 11th-16th.my youngest (5) has ADHD and my oldest (7) has ADD.my youngest gives me the hardest time ever but when we go to great adventure he is the perfect angel he walks with me rather than kicking ,screaming or running off as what he would do in a store if hes not in a shopping cart.so i am hoping he is just as good at disney.this trip is a surprise to them .they have no clue nor have they ever been there(this is also my first time).I am so ecited to see their faces when they find out.Hope you have a great trip!!!!!

 

[Jewels*CPA]

I have heard that doctor's will not diagnose a toddler w/ ADHD...have I heard wrong or do they diagnose ADHD at such a young age? If they do diagnose so young, what symptoms do they look for, since some of them might be close to normal toddler traits?

Just curious...I have an extra hyper 2 year old who it is hard to even carry on a conversation with because he will not focus on you (either that or he is just REALLY good at ignoring!)

 

[DizneeMommy]

Lots of patience, a firm but kind manner--the same thing I use with my ADHD DH!!! Seriously--he wanders off more than my kids--and at times has more meltdowns, too!! (He's a real sweetie--but life is definitely never boring!)

 

[Nanu57v]

I'm just wondering if they can accurately diagnose a 3 year old with adhd. Seems too young. Did you get a second or third opinion?

Around here they refuse to diagnose a child before age 5 for that reason.

To be honest I have really no control. I guess I was hoping people could share what works for them with their kids. I am also a little worried about handling her in lines and while we are eating. I guess that I really need help for everything not just disney!

I have a lot of resources on ADHD, and I'd like to research some ideas to help. Is she primarily inattentive, primarily hyperactive, or a combination? I usually study more on the inattentive side (in my masters for early childhood), but I'm sure I can find something for the hyperactive side if that's what she is. I'm guessing from your description that's what she is. Side note--did you see the Supernanny episode with the child with ADHD? Maybe you can look at the transcript? I thought she was brilliant! Also, ADHD is similar to autism. Its not autism, but some of the traits are the same. According to our local early intervention agency, some children who are initially diagnosed with autism "graduate" to a ADHD diagnosis. You might look at the Autism tips to see if anything can be tailored to you too. The important thing is to realize the triggers and avoid them.

For the restaurant thing...bring crayons! Not all the places have them. And some of the KidCot's have permanant markers!!! Also have her pick out a coloring book and some stickers to take on the trip. We also order DD's food to come out with the appetizer, so she doesn't have to be hungry and waiting. For the lines, if it was more than 5 minutes, we'd get a fast pass or try again later. These were just ideas we did with an 18-month-old, but I'm sure they'll work for you.

 

[Nanu57v]

I have heard that doctor's will not diagnose a toddler w/ ADHD...have I heard wrong or do they diagnose ADHD at such a young age? If they do diagnose so young, what symptoms do they look for, since some of them might be close to normal toddler traits?

Just curious...I have an extra hyper 2 year old who it is hard to even carry on a conversation with because he will not focus on you (either that or he is just REALLY good at ignoring!)

Jewels--ADHD is a description of a behaviour. A diagnosis won't do you any good at age 2. Once your DS is in Kindergarten, if it continues to be a problem, then a diagnosis might qualify him for services like a person to work with him one-on-one in the classroom. My 2-year-old is the same way. I'm thinking its more the ignoring thing. When she really needs to listen I direct her face toward mine so she has to look at me. When she's really defiant she turns her eyes.

 

[JESW]

What really helped for my kids at that age were those little bottles of bubbles. very easy to put in your backpack or whatever you carry into the parks and then take them out when she is getting antsy. Other kids around will also love the bubbles.

I think 3 is a tough age for most kids. We always called it - "two - with an attitude!"

Jill

 

[annegal]

I can not believe any Doctor diagnosed a 3 year old!!!! Unreal.

 

[poohbear229654]

I can not believe any Doctor diagnosed a 3 year old!!!! Unreal.

my son was diagnoisedat age 5 and and my oldest just recently got diagnoised but he had trits of it since he was 3.

 

[fan_of_small_world]

My DS is 8 and was diagnosed with mild ADHD last year. Although we have not had a need for meds, we knew from very early on that there was something a bit different, and I find that's true for most families who have a child diagnosed with this.

Anyway, one thing that was (and still is) great for both of our kids at restaurants is small packs of play-doh. They sell "party-packs" for people to use in goodie bags, and they're just the right size. Just bring a couple along with you and pull them out at restaurants when you need to.

Whenever we go on trips, I make up a small pack for each child with little activities to use at restaurants, the airport, etc. Gel pens (I was afraid that crayons would melt in the Florida heat), stickers, small pads of paper, mini coloring books, and play-doh are standards.

Also, an idea for line waiting...is your DD comfortable wearing headphones? Letting her listen to music while waiting in line might help a lot too. You can get an inexpensive MP3 player and load it up with her favirote kiddie songs. If she doesn't like the ear buds, you should be able to plug in regular headphones into it instead (DS does this with his iPod sometimes).

Finally, as far as discipline, you MUST find something that works for you and your daughter. 1,2,3 is what we've used from the beginning with both children, and it has worked very well for us. All kids need boundaries, and it makes life better for everyone. If you are not sure what to try, there are lots of counselors and therapists out there who can help you. Good luck!

 

[Schmeck]

What really helped for my kids at that age were those little bottles of bubbles. very easy to put in your backpack or whatever you carry into the parks and then take them out when she is getting antsy. Other kids around will also love the bubbles.

I think 3 is a tough age for most kids. We always called it - "two - with an attitude!"

Jill

My daughter is allergic to some bubble solutions, so please don't use bubbles in line. Bubbles can pop in your eyes and sting, cause stains on some nicer clothing, and may cause a small child to dart out of line to chase that bubble, while the parent cannot get out of line that quickly.