Hi there - Newbie here!

[caz1712]

Hi there everyone!

I thought I would just leave a little post to introduce myself after finding THEDIS! My Name is Carreen and myself, my husband (Paddy), my Mum (Nora) and my three boys Kieran (9), Aidan(6, nearlly 7) and Aaron (2) will be making our first trip across the Pond in November for our first Disney experience!

Kieran my eldest son has ADHD and my middle son Aidan has ASD and to be honest we were not sure about doing this trip at all as we didn't know how they would cope with such a full on type of holiday. But we have to give it a go, and after much research I have found that many families with children with ADHD and ASD make many trips to WDW and it is very successful.

As with everything in our lives as long as we plan for all eventuallities and prepare the children accordingly then hopefully it will be a fabulous holiday!

We sent away for the WDW planning DVD a few months back and received it very quickly. Aidan was desperate to watch it and for the last few months it has been watched daily! LOL. Within the first week or so of watching it daily he was then able to tell me which rides were at which parks. He is VERY excited about this holiday and we are on a "sleep" countdown at the minute. While we are sat at approx 164 days out just now its going to be a long few months so i'm going to set about making some sort of countdown calendar for him to cross off daily.

I also want to try to make some sort of guide for him. A plan of our itinerary that he will understand. He cannot read and can only write his own name so it needs to be mainly pictures. He uses boardmaker at school for his daily routine but we don't feel we need to use it at home as he copes well with the routine we have without the visual timetable.

Kieran's ADHD affects him in the way that he can be very aggressive towards others even though he doesnt' realise he is doing it. He takes medication and this helps keep him focused while at school but unfortunately it doens't stop the rude or bad behaviour. So we have alot of consquences in place for him which will be continued if needed while on holiday.

Anyway have waffled on enough now so just wanted to say hello and that I am loving this forum . Looking forward to reading all your tips and hints on making our holiday as enjoyable as possible

Thanks
Carreen
xxx

 

[dclfun]

Carreen- I just wanted to say "welcome" and I'm glad you decided to join this board. There are so many giving people here that will help you plan your trip and offer tips and suggestions you might not have thought of. Some people have made picture books and social stories for their nonverbal/ASD children visiting WDW and might be able to share. You can also probably find photos of the attractions your sons are wanting to see and print them out, placing them into a personal "book". The WDW website offers a chance to order customized maps although since I've never ordered one I'm not sure if they'd be helpful in your situation. Getting something personalized in advance though is always fun for anyone. I'm sure others will chime in. ---Kathy

 

[bookwormde]

We took our Aspergers DS8 in Feb 2007 and are heading back in August as DVC members. Just take it slow and listen to your children as to their level of anxiety and tiredness. We had a GAC but used it only once with the relatively small crowds, fast pass and relaxed touring schedule. We are making our first flight with our son also so that is a factor for us this year.

Whenever I see an ADHD diagnosis in a family with an ASD diagnosis it sets of red flag for me. With your description of your oldest son I would think that he needs the same type of EF, TOM and social skills training in the areas that he is having difficulties in as his brother.

There will certainly be issues but with the proper “approach” should be manageable. WDW is a magical place, especially for our visually based children. Relax, be prepared and have fun.

bookwormde

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. You might want to especially look at Post #6 which deals with the Guest Assistance Card and Post #3, which has links to many different reports and information; it is broken down by category.

And feel free to ask specific quesitons as the need comes up.

Or, if you want an easier route, click on the link in my signature.

 

[SueM in MN]

Welcome

you've already gotten some good advice and got pointed to the disABILITIES FAQs thread. I'm going to point you to some more specific places in that thread. In post #3, there are some links to information/hints about touring with ASD and ADD. There are also some things in the section about Communication Devices and PECs that would be helpful for you in making a schedule for your son (both sons actually might benefit).

As you come up with questions, please ask. You will likely find someone who can help you out or point you in the right direction.

 

[caz1712]

Thanks all soo much for the welcome. There is lots of useful information there and I am going to spend some time reading through it properly tonight.

Really appreciate it. Looking forward to using this board more

Thanks again
Carreen
xxx

 

[BETTYDISNEY]

Hi Careen:

Welcome aboard! You will find lots of caring and warm individuals on this site who will be more than willing to assist you and give you good advice.

Have a wonderful trip with your family!

Countdown hourglass!

Betty

 

[robyng]

Hi Carreen! Welcome! We traveled over Thanksgiving '07 with our son who has multiple disabilities (ADHD, ASD and is visually impaired). We had a GAC and with the crowds, it helped tremendously. We only used it when we absolutely had to. Most of the time we were able to use fast pass. Because of his visual impairment we have to sit within 10 feet of the front of a stage for shows, etc. Everyone was very accommodating and it was an amazing trip. The one bit of advice I can give you is to try not to do too much in one day. Know your kids' limits and don't push them. Bring along items you know will relieve anxiety, etc. (whether it is picture schedules, fidgets, etc). Our son draws to relax so we made sure that we always had plenty of paper and a pen. WDW does whatever is needed to ensure a wonderful time for your family. We experienced this and can't wait to return. Now we are planning our next trip for New Years '09. Enjoy your trip!

 

[ireland_nicole]

Hi Careen!

Welcome! Keep on the board and you'll get a lot of really useful info (I know I have). For my DS, I make a visual schedule for him w/ the rides we're doing (in order) and meals, bathroom breaks, etc. laminate the pictures and use a large binder clip so he can flip through it.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!

Nicole