Going to WDW 4/15 with Autistic DS (12) & thanks to Disers!

[lalapodip]

I just wanted to post and thank everyone for the advice over the years. Even when we don't have a trip planned, I come here to read about what you guys are going through yourselves or with your kids. It's nice to have a place where others can relate to what you're going through.

We leave for WDW on Sunday - it's been almost 3 years since DS has been to Disney, and he's 12 years old now. It's going to be his first airplane trip, so of course I am a bit nervous to see how he does. I have entertainment for him (his Thomas the Tank Big Book & his Gameboy with tons of games) but he can be very loud when he's excited. At least it's a short flight from CT!

I've been going over the Disney books with him, but I don't think he is comprehending that we are actually GOING to be IN the World. I can't wait to see his face when he sees Spaceship Earth - we're going to EPCOT on our first day - and it clicks that he's there, and not just watching it on TV or the computer. I have a feeling that this trip my DS will be more vocal as to which attractions he wants to go on, which for an autistic child, is great news - he's finding more and more functional language every day! Here's hoping for a Disney miracle & even more language to follow!

We'll again be using his stroller as a wheelchair, and it's good to know that we would have the option of renting one & leaving his stroller there, because he's really to the point of outgrowing his Maclaren Major. He willing sits in it, but the straps (which he likes for the comfort) barely fit. I was hoping to have a new larger one by the time of our trip, but insurance takes MUCH longer than I realized (and we are holding our breath that insurance WILL cover it). But, if need be, we might switch him to a wheelchair once we are in the parks.

Anyhow, I am not really looking for any advice but wanted to share my excitement about our upcoming trip. We're staying at CSR for the first time and I can't wait to see how DS likes the pool. Thanks for listening, and if anyone has any advice, I'm listening!

 

[Heluvsme]

Have a great time! You know, for us, Disney was always so magical...for our son's verbal progress! After every trip, he had so many more words, and for recall exercises afterwards it was awesome! We bought the souvenir books and used them as learning/recall tools when we got home.

I can't wait to hear how your trip goes!!

 

[irish dancer]

Enjoy your trip! I'll send some pixie dust your way

 

[SueM in MN]

Lots of pixie dust for a great trip.

 

[OKWMom]

I hope you have a wonderful time. Just FYI, I found my daughter liked the wheelchairs better than her stroller. I think she liked having the space beside her for some of her toys, etc., but she didn't put up a fuss about the chair like she would her stroller. Just a thought. YMMV.

 

[jcent424]

Have an awesome time!
My DS13 also has Autism and we are taking him in June. This will be his first airplane and WDW trip so I am also excited to see how he reacts. My DS sounds very similar to your DS... we are also hoping that the trip will encourage more language.

Have a Magical time!!

 

[lalapodip]

Thank you for all of your warm wishes! We will definitely keep our options open with the wheelchair possibility. I figure that I'm going to have to follow my son's lead through some of this. I will post after we return as well!