Help needed

[Aladora]

You mean THIS ONE?

Well, look at that, superstar!

 

[rjvose17]

One of the BEST pieces of advice I ever got was this:

Whenever DS wants to buy something in DL, we take a photo of the item. Repeat with all items he wants. On our last morning we go through all the photos and he picks the item or items he really wants and he can get them on our last day in the park.

We have done this for the last three trips and it works like a dream! No more impulse buys and no more whining for every single thing he sees!

This is great! I might try this with my own kids!

 

[rjvose17]

These at really great!

I was planning in my free time (Ha!) to make a post for the disABILITIES FAQs thread about coping strategies for people with autism, cognitive disabilities or other conditions that may cause meltdowns or overstimulation.
Once I figure out how to get some free time, these will be a good start.

My DD does not have autism, but has some of the same traits.
One of my biggest hints would be to be aware of when you have come close to the point of hitting your limit and leave at that point. Even if you have not used all your Fastpasses or DAS Return Times.
Trying to get that one extra thing in may be what puts you over the limit.

If your child is non-verbal and you use a communication device, make sure there are ways to say things like 'I don't like....I don't want....Stop...all finished...I feel (with appropriate variety of feelings)'
Too often, people program only positive things, whole sentences and wants.
Here is DD's Magic Kingdom page from her communication device (iPad with Proloquo2Go app)

She was angry that the CMs required her backpack to off of her wheelchair for riding in the wheelchair boat at Small World. She was not capable of expressing her displeasure at the time - she just had a meltdown which lasted for half of the rider. After we we're find, she could talk about it.

Can she touch the ipad herself or does she control it with eye recognition software? Or maybe a head control device? We have what is called a Spring Board which looks very similar, but i've seen where a student isn't able to fully articulate with her fingers enough to touch the ipad, she has a toggle switch by her head that she can move the selector over the icon to choose her feeling or word then presses a large button with her arm/hand and it makes the device talk. Is this similar to what you use? I am sorry to hear about her frustration!

 

[rjvose17]

I am hearing lots of good things. One thing I noticed that was across the board was really knowing your child and their quirks or personality traits. I couldn't agree more. I will say it's really refreshing to see parents take a proactive roll in their child and his/hers road blocks and to read about all your strategies! So often parents use the child's disabilities as an excuse. Keep up the great work parents, what your doing is inspiring work!

 

[Danadanes]

My son is in 5th grade now and we are planning our next trip in June, first under the DAS. Our last trip was when he 4 years ago, at 6.

• Take advantage of the Agent P, Sorcerers of MK, Wilderness Explore games for busy times
• Go early, when park opens, and take a long afternoon break
• stay on site if you can, but have a car
• scope out some quiet areas of the parks (walkways, green areas)
• empower your kid with choices and involve them in the planning - no surprises
• give maps to them before you go
• For us, we avoided character meets, too much pressure and waiting.
• The monorail is an autistic boys dream! Great way to take a rest, just loop the epcot/mk line a few times for a great relaxation activity

 

[SueM in MN]

Can she touch the ipad herself or does she control it with eye recognition software? Or maybe a head control device? We have what is called a Spring Board which looks very similar, but i've seen where a student isn't able to fully articulate with her fingers enough to touch the ipad, she has a toggle switch by her head that she can move the selector over the icon to choose her feeling or word then presses a large button with her arm/hand and it makes the device talk. Is this similar to what you use? I am sorry to hear about her frustration!

My daughter currently uses an iPad as her communication device.
The software is a communication app called Proloquo2Go
That app has a lot of versatility, including being able to use scanning and switches (the large button you are describing).
My daughter does direct touch with a key guard. She also uses some of the individual settings in Proloquo2Go that help with it not interpreting accidental touches as a selection. Hers is set up for 8 rows and 8 columns, but the app can be set up with as few as 2 buttons or as many as 12 rows and 12 columns shoeing on the screen at once.

She has used a Dynavox device in the past and her last device before the iPad was a Vantage device, which made by the same company that makes Springboard. Vantage is the more powerful version of Springboard.
I love the iPad for the cost, the ease of programming the app and the ability to easily and quickly bring pictures into the app to use.