Have DS with sensory issues...

[ccmy3sons]

Hi all,
I am a newbie to these boards ( my Sil told me to check it out!!). We are booked for an October trip to WDW. My 3 yr old has sensory issues. he receives o/t and speech. So I am a little concerned about our up coming trip.. we are traveling as a Grand Gathering (9 of us, YAY).
he will be flying for the first time. we have not taken him to any type of amusement parks before. he is very hypersensitive to loud noises, even at home.
he gets frustrated waiting on line at the super market. he will through himself to the ground and hit himself. he will cover his eyes and scream out very loud noises repeatedly.. he does test on the austic spectrum, but has been diagnosed with sensory processing disorder.. it's always excitng in our would.. but I love it!!!!!
i have read about passes for children/adults with special needs, my husband thinks we should just see what happens..i want to be prepared and have the Dr. note with me. i am looking for any tips/advice on the traveling with my DS and things I should steer clear of ..TIA!!

 

[bookwormde]

Read the “stickies” at the top of the page they will give you the basic information. You do not need a doctor’s note, just explain the special needs as you have described them and guest services will get you a properly stamped GAC (yes get one and have it available). It is much better if you have to “bail out” of a line to not have to go all the way back to guest service with a disappointed child, instead you can go to a CM and they will be able to give you the best available accommodation to allow you and your child access to the attraction.

There are lots of good thread with ideas and experiences from families who travel with spectrum children, which will help with making WDW the magical place that it is for our children.

Also feel free to wander over to the disabilities community board as we have lots of active “spectrum parents” who exchange ideas and experience about non WDW issues.

Welcome and have a great time.

bookwormde

 

[MagicMomentsMom]

For first time fliers I would suggest By air with Shea--it's a video for kids to explain flying with the help of a little girl--we got it for my 4 1/2 year old daughter and it's helped alot with the anxiety and fear--plus I'm going to have a back pack full of sensory toys for her--plus I plan on brushing her during the flight if she becomes overloaded... That's the only tips I have now--I've learned alot from this board!

 

[brekin67]

 

[Minniemama350]

I have a great deal of experience in sensory both as a parent and a teacher. My DS went through intense sensory integration a few years ago. Basically, it was a few months of intensive therapy that involved pushing his tolerance limits (don't do this without a professionals help). On my part, I brushed him every 4 hours, did lots of sensory activities and fine motor activities and gave him a dose of sour flavored things, like sour skittels and lemonade, several time daily. It made a huge difference. He still gets confused in a loud counter service restaurant, but he is able to watch the fireworks and enjoy them and is now able to ride Space Mountain!! Oneof the reasons I wanted to do this for him was because I had noticed on the trip before that when we enjoyed things, he was having a sensory response (covering his ears, flapping, etc.) I wanted him to be able to have as much pleasure from Disney as we did. We also had him on our lap whenever we could if we thought he might get overstimulated. It provided deep pressure. Hopefully i'm not being repetative of others.I hope this helps or at least gives you a spark of an idea. Good luck!

 

[ccmy3sons]

Thank you all so much. You have really put my mind at ease. I will definitely be seeing a CM @ guest services. We do a lot of deep pressure daily with him. I do put him in my lap to sooth him. We are finding his pressure vest calms him too much and he becomes lethargic and drools..Brushing only works for a few minutes then he starts to drool, yummy!! Our O/T is teaching us some vestibular stimulating techniques to sooth him, since our other "tricks" are not working anymore. I just don't want to ruin everyone elses trip.
The stroller thing is a big deal. That is "base" for him.. when he is at "the point of no return" we have get him in his car seat or stroller ASAP!! And just like magic, he becomes the DS we know and love. His switch turns on and off very quickly, LOL!! Thank you all soo much again.. I will keep you posted. TTFN!

 

[ireland_nicole]

Also, be sure to have things to reduce stimuli for him; i.e., noise cancelling headphones, mp3 player, sunglasses, hat, fidgets, using the stroller as w/c, whatever works for him. Disney is a sensory overload for anyone, but especially for our kiddos. Also, have a plan, but be willing to alter it based on his needs. Allow for adeqate rest, and try not to have expectations going in, but to take a "wait and see" approach to many aspects so you can follow his lead.

 

[clanmcculloch]

The stroller thing is a big deal. That is "base" for him.. when he is at "the point of no return" we have get him in his car seat or stroller ASAP!! And just like magic, he becomes the DS we know and love. His switch turns on and off very quickly, LOL!!

Mention this to the CM at Guest Relations. There is an accomodation known as stroller as wheelchair which allows you to bring his stroller to areas where strollers aren't normally allowed but which are wheelchair accessible. He may have an easier time with long waits if he can stay in his wheelchair in lines. Even in alternative waiting areas (one accomodation for sensory issues), waits can still be long. Since you know his stroller has such a great affect on him, this would likely be a very helpful accomodation for your son.