Do I need to tell characters that my son has autism?

[Nissi]

We are going to try to do some character meets this trip. I saw that my son really liked the characters at Sesame Place and even gave some hugs. I didn't say anything to anyone about him, but it was just one meet and greet. Would you say something to the handler or the character? My son doesn't communicate well and can sometimes come off as rude or uninterested sometimes when people try to engage him in conversation. He is 5.

Thanks!

 

[of2dbeach]

I did only because Michael is touchy feely and some thought he was going to hit them etc when in reality he was facinated with there costume or how something would feel and reach out to touch it. So yes I told them and they would either stand very still or take his hand and guide him where he was able to touch them. this also helped so He wouldnt accidently knock them off ballance because he is an adult now and 5'8. Diffrent when they are little but most still like to know. We told Goofy and he danced with Michael for a few mins but there wasent anyone around and that was very sweet and made great memories!

 

[clanmcculloch]

I think it depends on the child. Kids who are prone to getting scared when touched or approached should probably have the handler informed. Kids who enjoy character interaction regardless of how the characters approach them don't need for the handlers to be notified. Characters are really good at accepting all sorts of different types of communication and seem to really do well with LOTS of patience and letting the child guide the interaction. They've never acted as though my kids are behaving in any way rude even when standoffish. I'd swear they've been trained in drawing kids out of their shells in ways that are totally non-threatening and safe for kids who are painfully shy, kids with special needs and just about any type of kid. They're AMAZING!! My experience has been that they seem to really read body language well and know when a child needs to be spoken to gently and treated with kid gloves.

I couldn't believe it on our most recent trip that DD13 who wasn't allowing ANYBODY besides me to touch her actually let Tiana put her arm around her. The only time I was surprised by an interaction in all of the trips we've taken with DD13 was Snow White who just couldn't understand DD13 not wanting to be called a princess because she's not one and went back and forth a few times with DD13 over the definition of princess until I explained that DD13 is autistic and will be VERY adamant about the dictionary definition of princess. Mary Poppins, nanny extraordinaire, even drew DD13 out of an autistic meltdown which TOTALLY shocked me. How great is that?

 

[buffettgirl]

(snipped) Mary Poppins, nanny extraordinaire, even drew DD13 out of an autistic meltdown which TOTALLY shocked me. How great is that?

because she's Mary Poppins. Naturally.

 

[krisnme]

I vote for telling, that way you can avoid having to explain later when your child, pulls off mickeys glove, tries to step on his feet, screams at him, runs around the room in terror when Mickey tries to touch him.... Oh, sorry just having a post traumatic flashback seriously, it is easier to explain at the beginning than in the middle of a meltdown.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I would take it on a case-by-case basis, depending on how your son does with each character. Definitely explain to him how character meals work. You wait for the character to come to your table. You get an autograph, picture, etc., then the character visits someone else. Non-face characters won't try to engage him in conversation, so no worries there. I would stick close by him during visits to head off any inappropriate grabbing. If the face characters talk to him and he's not responding, I wouldn't necessarily say he's autistic. I would just tell them he's not a big talker.

When people are working with my son (a hair stylist, for example), I find it's easier to say specifically how he might react, rather than saying he has autism. I might say, "He's very sensitive and doesn't like the white tissue strip around his neck. And he's not big on talking so he might not say much to you." They're always fine with it and thank me for telling them.

I have a funny story about my son at a character meal. He has Asperger's and is very verbal, but he doesn't like strangers and has never had any desire to talk to or be touched by characters. Our younger son was really into characters, so we did a few meals with the understanding that the older one would sit away from where the characters approached, and that he wouldn't have to pose for pictures with them. He was 11 when we went to Crystal Palace. The table was in the middle of the floor so we couldn't really shield him from the characters walking by. When one approached, we would just say he's shy and the character would stay away from him and interact with our younger son. Tigger decided to walk up behind my older son and put his paws over his eyes, like he was playing a game of "guess who." He probably figured this big, older boy wouldn't be scared of him. I thought my son was going to scream, but he stayed very calm. He said, "Excuse me, but your big, furry costume is really freaking me out so could you take your hands off me?" Tigger jumped back in surprise! I just said, "He's not really into tigers." Tigger just shrugged and walked away. My son handled himself very well and I didn't feel the need to tell Tigger or his handler anything more.

 

[buckeev]

We are finally "getting the hang of it" when it comes to dealing with our son's Autisim at WDW, but anything can still happen. We did utilize the Guest Assistance Card last year and basically just pointed to the card when he approached the characters. Usually that was all it took...the handlers were very accommodating with our son. The parades and the characters are extremely important to the boy, and you know the phrase....if the boy ain't happy....

 

[ireland_nicole]

honestly, I think a lot of times they have it figured out pretty quickly lol. My DD is a bouncing, flapping ball of energy bounding for the characters when her turn comes- kind of hard to miss... I will say something if she's having an off moment or I think it might be a problem at all

 

[minkydog]

I couldn't believe it on our most recent trip that DD13 who wasn't allowing ANYBODY besides me to touch her actually let Tiana put her arm around her. The only time I was surprised by an interaction in all of the trips we've taken with DD13 was Snow White who just couldn't understand DD13 not wanting to be called a princess because she's not one and went back and forth a few times with DD13 over the definition of princess until I explained that DD13 is autistic and will be VERY adamant about the dictionary definition of princess. Mary Poppins, nanny extraordinaire, even drew DD13 out of an autistic meltdown which TOTALLY shocked me. How great is that?

Gotta love Disney! We had a similar experience with Cinderella when Christian was about 8yrs old. Christian has a rather "syndromy" look so people immediately understand that he has special needs. He is very sensory defensive and at that time he would not look at people or interact in any way. And he sure didn't like people touching him! We were waiting to go eat at the castle when Cinderella came out. She went around the room meeting all the children and taking pictures with them. She approached Christian last. Cinderella kneeled down on his level and talked with him softly, very casually. Christian couldn't bear to look at her, but she wasn't put off. Cinderella just quietly knelt beside him. And then...Christian reached out and slid his hand across her satiny glove. He put his hand in hers and allowed her to hold his hand for a minute or so. And then she left. As Cinderella departed the room Christian followed her every movement. To say we were all in tears is an understatement. Even people we didn't know were in tears. It was so obviously an important experience for Christian.

 

[Nissi]

Excellent ideas everyone - thank you so much. I feel more equipped to do this than before I posted! And of course, now I'm all misty eyed and stuff after minkydog's post...

 

[EvangelineG]

I love the stories in this thread!

One of my sons loathes being touched if he is even a tiny bit stressed. When we went to DL when he was 8yo we steered clear of any characters, except for one quick photo with Mickey. This time around, I figure I'll notify the handlers/characters on a need to know basis -if my son's behaviour appears rude, or if he is overwhelmed.

 

[tamarabannon]

We had the most amazing experience at Disney as well with our son, who has Aspergers. Some things over whelm him, as I'm sure you all know! Like previous poster said -- my little man is a hopping, flapping, making noises and faces when he's excited, usually not a lot of reason to tell people, they can see it

Our first character meet and greet (not costumed, but live character) was Alladin and Jasmine. My kids were dressed just like them. My daughter was eating up the "you're going to meet a real prince and princess!!!" and my son just got... quieter.

Aladdin popped his head out to wave at my son and say Look at you, you're me! that's amazing! Aladdin was so happy to see another Aladdin.

As our turn got nearer, my son retreated, and then he RAN. I was taking pics of DD, Grandpa ran after DS -- and guess who else? Aladdin. Got up and left, followed my son, spoke quietly to him, and brought him back in. Jasmine said well Aladdin, I'm sure glad you came back in, because HE (points to big Aladdin) would be unbearable if he lost you -- We'd have had to run all over looking for you!"

Slowly, DS relaxed. And we got THE most amazing pictures EVER! And the most incredible memories!! My son was terrified about meeting a REAL prince and princess -- he got scared and got "stage fright" I guess. But Aladdin and Jasmine took the time with him. As it was our first day -- this literally could have made or broken our 10 day vacation. Honestly, that's when I knew, for sure, Disney was the happiest place on earth.

I'm all teary eyed just remembering! I wish I knew how to post a pic!

 

[dunbarfamily]

Gotta love Disney! We had a similar experience with Cinderella when Christian was about 8yrs old. Christian has a rather "syndromy" look so people immediately understand that he has special needs. He is very sensory defensive and at that time he would not look at people or interact in any way. And he sure didn't like people touching him! We were waiting to go eat at the castle when Cinderella came out. She went around the room meeting all the children and taking pictures with them. She approached Christian last. Cinderella kneeled down on his level and talked with him softly, very casually. Christian couldn't bear to look at her, but she wasn't put off. Cinderella just quietly knelt beside him. And then...Christian reached out and slid his hand across her satiny glove. He put his hand in hers and allowed her to hold his hand for a minute or so. And then she left. As Cinderella departed the room Christian followed her every movement. To say we were all in tears is an understatement. Even people we didn't know were in tears. It was so obviously an important experience for Christian.

THIS is what magic is all about. I am so happy you had that wonderful experience, and the memories, oh the memories. How very precious, and what a marvelous gift you were given.

Thank you very much for sharing.

 

[Nissi]

Such awesome stories....Now I really can't wait!

 

[dclfun]

I love all the stories- I'm teary-eyed. I did want to mention that my neurotypical 4 year old grandson is afraid of the characters and has never liked them to get too close, so it's not just those on the autism spectrum that can have "issues". I guess the crying and burying his head in my leg is a good cue for them not to approach, but we have also let them know, during character meals esp. that he is shy and would rather watch them from afar.----Kathy

 

[SueM in MN]

Lots of great stories here!

As dclfun posted, even kids without special needs can have a hard time with characters. Some are very shy, some afraid and some over excited.
So characters are used to dealing with those kinds of behaviors each day. Most of them are very good at following the lead of the child

Kids with special needs may have the same kinds of behaviors, just to a higher degree.
The two questions I would ask myself would be:

1) Would knowing a little more about my child help the character to interact with my child?

2) Would the character knowing a little more about my child help my child to interact with the character?

 

[IUTBAM]

I vote for telling, that way you can avoid having to explain later when your child, pulls off mickeys glove, tries to step on his feet, screams at him, runs around the room in terror when Mickey tries to touch him.... Oh, sorry just having a post traumatic flashback seriously, it is easier to explain at the beginning than in the middle of a meltdown.

Or knocks Mickey's head completely off....yes....my son did this. Thankfully we had a private visit with Mickey (they held the others back) so no kids were traumatized. It was mortifying. But, that's life with Autism. I *always* tell the handler my child has Autism. ALWAYS.

 

[I Love Pluto]

Write a bruef summary (2 sentences) on an index card and give it to the character guide. He/she will know what to do. It will make things smoother for your child.

Have a great time!

 

[Dan1]

Write a bruef summary (2 sentences) on an index card and give it to the character guide. He/she will know what to do. It will make things smoother for your child.

Have a great time!

This is a great idea I think if the special needs is not obviously visible.

Here's my story (since we are swapping stories ).

My DD uses a wheel chair, and is very introverted.

Well, when we all went as a family to Magic Kingdom for the kids first time, our DDs were 6 and 7 (the perfect age I think because everything was real to them).

So we were in the part of the part back then (about 18 years ago) where the 7 Dwarfs hung out, along with the Whinnie The Pooh characters. After interacting with them, we were about to leave to move on to a ride or something and I was about to push our special DD's wheelchair.

Well, the Whinnie The Pooh character motions to me that he would push the wheelchair for a bit.

So, with me walking along the right side DD's wheelchair and DD's DM walking on the left of the chair I said something like "DD, if I am over here and Mom is over there .... who is pushing the chair?"

DD thought for a minute, looked to the right and then the left side of her chair, and then turned around so see the back of the wheelchair. It was one of those Kodak moments that you wish you had a camera.....any camera......to take a picture of the sheer joy on her face when she saw it was Pooh.

Sadly, the camera had been put away (Sniff, Sniff)

Dan

 

[I Love Pluto]

I loved your Winnie the Pooh story, Dan1. Thanks for making my smile a lot bigger today!!