Help, Autistic Spectrum small person at WDW

[sunset30]

Thanks for sharing about your family., it has really helped have people share their experiences, it seems so easy to get stuck thinking you are the only one, but there are loads of people working through this all ove rthe place.

Thanks so much!
Lx

 

[Blanche_Neige]

I don't know if anyone posted it before, but here the a link of the sound "siren" of the drill on a Disney cruise.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FBlG7DUetI

 

[Rekenna]

Hi! I was just thinking about DS2 who is also Autistic and has sensory issues and what I would pack for him. He has a great lap size weighted blanket his aunt made for him out of Buzz Lightyear material.

This lap pad really helps him calm down when he is overstimulated, and will fit nicely in his comfy stroller.

Just a thought...good luck!

 

[Bugsmom73]

Social story the heck out of things, even if he can't predict, he can probably read, include pictures. DS was hyperlexic(he could read) at 3. We always right it out. We do the same thing now. We watch his cues and finish when he is done, take a break and then come back.

Be flexibel.

 

[SueM in MN]

One caution for any medication - besides checking with the doctor, it's always better to test it out at home when you have more control of the situation and have familiar things to calm/comfort if the medication doesn't work the way you think it might. Sometimes medication has the opposite effect.

Also, some people have made books or PECS to help their child. You can find information links in post #3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread in the Communication Board/devices area

 

[kirstenb1]

Sue is exactly right. We tried every strategy and medicine at home 2 weeks before our trip. We'd read some kids really hop up on Benadryl, so wanted to try it out. Never needed this with our 12 yr old, so we needed to find something with Zoe to calm her down.

 

[sunset30]

Really don't want to have to rely on meds (not that I'm not sure they are great for some people some of the time)

He doesn't use them at home, and, whiole I am pretty sure he'll have some issues being at WDW that he may not have at home, I HOPE we can try and help him get through them.

Of course these may be famous last words!
Lx

 

[ratlenhum]

I have used Melatonin, a natural sleep aide, many many time for my kids. DS who is also autistic had also trouble falling asleep. Sometime we would wake up in the middle of the night for hrs. we gave it to him then too. This help a lot.

Give Melatonin and 5htp at bedtime. Many kids who just take Melatonin have night waking issues. It just helps you fall asleep. The 5htp helps you stay asleep. Basically, it's tryptophan, the stuff in turkey that makes you sleepy.

 

[disneyworldmom2]

I really like your motto about having fun on vacation. Stick with that!

I thought of a few other things that might help. I would definitely take a stroller, and I would suggest a stroller fan. Even though it won't be that hot in October, the sound of the fan is very soothing and helps block out some noise. Although they do have Mickey Mouse fans for sale, I would take your own, as they are sometimes sold out. (Also, I don't think they are quite as strong, therefore they don't block as much noise) Don't forget to take a screwdriver and extra batteries! Make sure you have a large enough plastic cover to cover it if it rains.

I swear by Melatonin, but would definitely suggest you try it at home first. (Just to warn you, it sometimes turns stool green, so don't be alarmed!)

I stock up on glow necklaces and braclets ahead of time. Having that extra little light source can be reassuring. I put them on the stroller at night, but also wear them myself during the day. That way, if we are at a show that gets dark, or on a ride that goes from light to dark, there is enough light so my son doesn't get scared, and he knows right where I am.) You might want to consider a small flashlight as well.

I have PECS for different meal options on a ring. When we get to a restaurant, I just take off the ones that are available and let him pick from those. I think the suggestion of making PECS for some of the different activities is a great idea too. Not only does he have an idea of what is coming, but he also has something to hold onto.

Another suggestion is pipecleaners. We take them on the plane, have them in the hotel, and will take them into the parks. They are soft, flexible and provide an outlet for fidgeting without getting messy. I stock up at the dollar store before we leave.

I hope this gives you some ideas. This is a great place for asking questions and getting many ideas!