? for those of you with sensory children...

[mrs. magoo]

My dd 4 is a very quirky kid. She can be sensory overloaded easily. She was not this bad 2 years ago when we visited and I am trying to plan now for December. She basically runs our vacations which I know is not fair to the other children, but this is how it is. She displays some aspects of mild Aspergers. We will not attend any fireworks displays, but she is becoming increasingly stressed in crowds. I would like any suggestions from people who have been there done that. Thanks

kathe

 

[Forevryoung]

Check the Disabilities board- they are wonderful and have tons of suggestions.

 

[headoflife]

My DS10 does have mild Asperger's syndrome, but does extremely well at WDW. I have however seen a number of posters suggest renting or bringing a stroller. The WDW ones are quite big, and can offer a bit of shelter and respite from the crowds. One from home, if you still use one, may also be a comfort as it is familiar. I second the recommendation to go to the DISabilities board, as they have lots of suggestions. Feel free to PM me if I can be any more help!

Muriel

 

[Sleuth]

My son has mild to moderate Autism. We were really nervous last year on our trip, but he was fine. We used a stroller at all times and he was able to process things much easier and had a great time.

I guess besides checking out the DisAbilities board (which is a great idea!) just remember to go with the flow and try not to plan too much in the day, and I'm sure your child will be just fine!

 

[Stacey2grls]

We just returned from Disney with our just turned 5 year old daughter. She has Sensory Integration difficulties and ADHD. I stressed out about this trip big time, as it was her first major trip and flight. I must say she surprised us all and did great! There are a few important tips for parenting children with issues on a trip. First, please go to the parks as early as you can, packed parks and long wait times are a recipe for disaster! Strollers are a must. Also an afternoon break is vital. With my daughter, telling her things in advance is very important. My daughter too is afraid of fireworks, but was dying to see Tink fly from the castle. So I told her she would get to see Tink fly, but afterwards she would have to stay for the fireworks. I know this sounds mean, but I held her the whole time and she was looking away. I know to a person who doesn't have a child with issues this may seem like no big deal, but to her it was huge to stay there during the fireworks and not get upset. One perk I have been told about Disney from my daughters teachers is that alot of times children with sensory issues get so bombarded with sensory input while there that they improve somewhat afterwards. This week is week 2 back, and guess what? My daughters teachers are raving about all her improvements! Lots of luck to you and your family. Have a great trip!

 

[MomOf2DisneyKids]

My ds5 has PDD-NOS with big sensory issues....I'm sure we won't be seeing any fireworks, not unless we can get some big-time earplugs to work... I think a stroller is a good idea, and I agree with getting there early and taking breaks when needed. Am I nervous about how this trip will go? Yep! But, it's Disney, and even if we don't get to do everything we plan, it will still be great! Have fun and good luck to you!

 

[mrs. magoo]

I never really thought about the stroller, but Beca spends all of our outings in the stroller. We definitely planned on bringing it, but I never saw it as a comfort object. She is having a very difficult time during the past couple of weeks so I have stressed out more this week about Disney. I will definitely check out the disabilities board. This is all new to us since she began therapy so I may take up the offers to ask questions.

Thanks again.

kathe

 

[mrs. magoo]

Thank you for all the information. I knew that there would be people out there who have dealt with this situation. I was planning to bring the stroller anyway, but I never really thought about it being a comfort object. She is always in our stroller and I never really put it together with some of her other issues. I guess when you think about it most 4 year almost 5 year olds would want out when she always wants in. This is all new to us since she began therapy so I may take some of you up on your offers about asking questions.

thanks

kathe

 

[G&J's Mom]

Hi,

My daughter has sensory integration dysfunction among other issues and is probably on the spectrum, although not diagnosed. She just turned 5 and we are taking a mother daughter trip in a soon. I am taking a light umbrella stroller because I know she will get tired, and she has no problem riding. If you have not checked the disablities board, please do. They have alot of valuable information.

I have gotten a Guest Assistance Card (GAC) a couple of times with her because waiting in line can be a nightmare. We only used it a couple of times where fastpass was not available, but is made for a much nicer experience. It does not let you cut in line, but it lets you wait in a much less confined area. I know our first trip, I was soooo worried about meltdowns and tantrums and just concerned about an overall miserable experience. But to my great surprise, she did really really well. She was a different child, really into the characters and had so much fun. She had a couple of tense moments, but all it all it was magical. Our last trip was even better, so I am really looking forward to this trip.

I understand about the fireworks. We did stay for them this time and my dd did very well. She asked me if we could go see Tink fly when we go back. I had to grin. I agree with Stacy, it does get better with experience. I also tell my dd about things in advance so she knows what to expect. It really makes a difference.

Have a magical trip. If you have any other questions I can help you with, let me know.

Denise

 

[MomOf2DisneyKids]

This is all new to us since she began therapy so I may take some of you up on your offers about asking questions.

thanks

kathe

Is she doing OT now? All of this CAN be very overwhelming at times....
I can't wait til our July trip and I'm hoping it will go smoothly...!

 

[mrs. magoo]

Yes, she began about a month ago. She is doing well during the session, but is having major meltdowns in the afternoon. She is also doing speech therapy for articulation and is having a hard time doing all the exercises so that is stressing her as well. Rebeca basically runs our lives. It can be very hard on her brothers and sister, but they also stick up for her tooth and nail when others make fun of her. My own family also does not see all the problems since they are not with her 24 hours a day. They didn't think that she needed services and I was being too soft with her. I wish that she had a diagnosis of something other than a preschooler with a disability, but we are muddling through.

Have a great time at Disney and I will be looking for your tips when you come back.

Thank you for asking.

kathe

 

[MomOf2DisneyKids]

I wish that she had a diagnosis of something other than a preschooler with a disability, but we are muddling through.

kathe

My son was just recently diagnosed with PDD-NOS, but all of last year, his classification was "preschooler w/a disability". He gets speech and OT also, and is starting K in the fall.

You said that she displays some signs of mild Aspergers..... that's exactly what we were expecting when we got our independent evaluation for our son. Was your daughter's eval through the school district or a private one? From my experience, I'm glad we went with the private one, since my ds is smart and very quirky (like you described), and I think the school might have not really picked up on the fact that his ADHD, sensory issues, social problems, etc were really all related and part of his spectrum disorder.
Hope you don't mind the questions and the input. Feel free to PM if you want!