Ideas for 12-year-old boy with autism, please!

[MandLBee]

I will be traveling with my big, beautiful family, four of whom have neurological issues (anxiety, sensory processing disorder, aspbergers, PDD-NOS/PTSD-fun, eh?). We do intend to use the disability access service to avoid anxiety or overstimulation, but I need some advice about strategies to keep my son happy. He is very easily made tired and can have a meltdown by just being in crowds, and he has a very difficult time with any changes of plan. I was thinking of getting him some way of recording all the hidden Mickeys he finds (our old digital camera or an old cell phone?) and making sure he does any scavenger hunt type activities (where are these?). I also think he will LOVE the idea of trading pins, but I'm not sure how to go about making that a priority? How do you get them? If he has a task to concentrate on, that can often help him shut out the near constant stimulation he experiences.
Also, we are doing 7 nights at Ft Wilderness, but only 3 days in the parks plus 1 day at Wizarding World. So, Wed, Fri, Sat, Mon will be park days with pool and goofing off days scheduled in between.
Any suggestions or experiences at all will be very much appreciated!!

 

[mamabunny]

Pin trading is so much fun for kids - and it's super easy to get started!

You can buy "starter packs" at WDW after you arrive from the shops, or you can find people who will sell pins on eBay, etc. Be warned that any pins not sold directly by Disney are usually worth what you paid for them... or less. Often the quality just isn't there compared to the pins you buy at the Parks. Cast Members are always very gracious about trading with kids, even if the kids are carrying the lesser-quality pins, so don't worry, I just wanted to give you a heads up - you will definitely notice a quality difference! Cast Members only carry Disney-approved pins on their lanyards, and some of them may have some really cool, rare or older pins!

Be sure to get him either a lanyard to put the pins on, or a small pin book to carry around. These are sold all over WDW as well. He will want to be able to easily show Cast Members which pins he is ready to trade with! Remind him to "hide" any pins out of sight that he doesn't want to trade to avoid disappointment.

Once you have a couple of pins, then the fun starts! Your son can trade one-for-one with any Cast Member who has them on their neck lanyard, or waist "flap". Also, every Resort shop will have a Pin Trading Board where he can trade one-for-one, and we have seen small pin board in Park Shops as well. Pin Traders at Disney Springs is a great place for him to go (if he won't get overwhelmed) and the Cast Members at any of the Pin shops can help him learn about the different series and guide him towards collecting pins that are most interesting to him. If he watches, he will see all kinds of Cast Members who have pins to trade - bus drivers, wait staff, maintenance folks, shop clerks, every where you go, he will find someone to trade with! He may even meet other Guests who want to trade!

The hidden Mickey scavenger hunt is another great idea; there are SO many that I'm not sure anyone can count them all anymore! Additionally, you could "assign" a different them every day for pictures (Monday is funny hat day, Tuesday is all things blue, etc) so that he can take pictures based around a theme as well. If your old cell phone can connect to WiFi, you can put the My Disney Experience app on there, and he can check for himself to see what's next on your schedule if that would help his anxiety.

Remember when you are in the Parks that you can utilize other strategies as well - things like sunglasses to help cut the glare from the sunshine and headphones to help block crowd noise are just two of the strategies that I have seen other Moms here employ. Remember that the "Search..." box up there in the upper right corner of this page (or any other page on the DIS boards) will let you search the entire forum - maybe try searching for "autism strategies" first; it works just like Google for the DISboards!

Ft Wilderness is so beautiful - I hope you all have a lovely time!

 

[gap2368]

I would get him trading pins when you get to Disney they have them for sell all over. some come with the layer and a few pins ( some have 2 of each pin one to keep one to trade.


when you go you can trade pins with any CM that had pins and it will be up to the person trading with he CM what pin they will want to trade with, so no need to worry about losing a faverat pin.
have you thought about getting him a book like this one http://www.barnesandnoble.com/p/hid...ces_00000000&2sid=Google_&sourceId=PLGoP24104

where he could look for the hidden Mikey

as fair as schedule go, I would let him know that a ride maybe down and that you may not be able to do something, or keep the schedule open like to day we will go to the MK and not tell him what rides you go on or just say we will trie to do XYZ rides.

I would use any tool you feel might help your son sunglasses, hoody, ear protectors, music a sensory toy, if he need more room a wheelchair with a small unbrellla

 

[MandLBee]

Thank you so much! All so helpful. This pin thing has taken on a life of its own! He loves the idea, wants a BB-8 lanyard and is very excited. Then all the other kids started begging to earn pins by doing chores. Winning!

 

[gap2368]

Thank you so much! All so helpful. This pin thing has taken on a life of its own! He loves the idea, wants a BB-8 lanyard and is very excited. Then all the other kids started begging to earn pins by doing chores. Winning!

If he really wants a BB8 pin you may want to down load the shop Disney app and look and see where you can find one, I know I have seen then so they have them at most of the parks there is a trading pin store ( kind of) at HS it is on the left hand side as you are going to TOT and RNR it is an out door keosk and EPCOT behind space ship earth.

here is a fun game that you can play at the MK and it is free https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/sorcerers/

also EPCOT has https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/epcot/agent-p-world-showcase-adventure/

 

[G719]

Scavenger hunt activities:
There's a great and FREE hidden mickey hunt at the wilderness lodge. Since you're at the Fort, it's an easy boat ride over to the lodge. Ask at the front desk and they'll give you a sheet of clues. Google on your phone is your friend if you get stuck. Return your sheet to the front desk for a surprise.

Another thing we enjoy is the sorcerers of the magic kingdom. You sign up at the fire station on main street. It's on the left as you are entering MK before you head down main street. There's a big sign out front. Each person can get a free pack of cards to play the game. You get a map and visit portals in different areas of the park and use your cards to battle villains. You will use your magic band to activate the game screen at each spot. It doesn't cost extra to play.

At Epcot there is agent p world showcase adventure. You use a phone to go around certain countries in epcot to complete missions. At AK, you can do the wilderness explorers. You get a little book and collect stickers around the park. Usually there is an educational activity at each spot you get a sticker.

 

[MandLBee]

Oh my goodness, THANK YOU! Y'all are so helpful. These types of activities are so exciting to him and keep him grounded. We will definitely do the Wilderness Lodge Mickey Hunt on our day off. And the others on our park days.

 

[Aladora]

At Epcot there is agent p world showcase adventure. You use a phone to go around certain countries in epcot to complete missions. At AK, you can do the wilderness explorers. You get a little book and collect stickers around the park. Usually there is an educational activity at each spot you get a sticker.

Agent P and the Wilderness Explorers are two of the reasons that we spent two days each at AK and EPCOT! DS loved them so much that we had to finish every activity!

I would look at sunglasses and headphones if he is light or noise sensitive. We let our sin bring his Nintendo DS to the parks so he can tune out the rest of the world when it becomes overwhelming. A few minutes to decompress and he is good to go.

 

[SMD]

There's a BB-8 lanyard on the Disney Store site that says it's a park item. If you're going to buy a starter pack, you could always order one from there and add the lanyard. There are also BB-8 lanyards from Hot Topic, WalMart and other sites that sell pop culture stuff. If you can find one locally you could always buy it as a backup so you'll have one if the first store you stop at is out.

 

[DisneyOma]

Have you thought about Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom? Or the Pirate one at MK (can't remember the name). They are good if you need a little break away from the queue crowds.

One warning about buying the fake Disney pins - not all CMs see a 12 year old boy as a child. They don't have to accept a non-Disney (rip-off) pin, but will if the child is little, and only wants to trade one pin, etc. The fact that people try to scam Disney by coming in with these fake pins is going to tighten the rules even more, IMO.

 

[MandLBee]

Have you thought about Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom? Or the Pirate one at MK (can't remember the name). They are good if you need a little break away from the queue crowds.

One warning about buying the fake Disney pins - not all CMs see a 12 year old boy as a child. They don't have to accept a non-Disney (rip-off) pin, but will if the child is little, and only wants to trade one pin, etc. The fact that people try to scam Disney by coming in with these fake pins is going to tighten the rules even more, IMO.

I Went ahead and bought a bunch of Disney Store ones while they had 25% off park items and I used a product credit from my Disney visa,wso we are set for pins now He is obviously neuroatypical, hoping the cms will be kind.

 

[DisneyOma]

I Went ahead and bought a bunch of Disney Store ones while they had 25% off park items and I used a product credit from my Disney visa,wso we are set for pins now He is obviously neuroatypical, hoping the cms will be kind.

Why wouldn't they be kind? Most of the CMs are college program ones, and they have had experience with special needs students in their own schools (at least they should have) and are fresh off training as well.

If the idea of him trading has you nervous, look for a CM that doesn't seem to have another 'job' to trade with - don't go for the ones at the register, merchandise counters, etc until he's had some practice with the trade. Look for the ones around World Showcase, or at the doors of the Emporium, etc. Then he won't feel rushed if someone lines up behind him.

 

[FortForever]

I Went ahead and bought a bunch of Disney Store ones while they had 25% off park items and I used a product credit from my Disney visa,wso we are set for pins now He is obviously neuroatypical, hoping the cms will be kind.

The will be very kind. CM's are the most accepting and understanding group of people I have ever encountered. Even if he had fake pins (although I would NEVER buy anywhere but Disney) I'm sure they would consider him a child. Just about every CM I've encountered has been able to pick up on even less obvious disabilities, even in adults. It makes for a pleasant time to not have to explain your situation to everyone you encounter.

Having raised a son with autism, I would like to respectfully suggest that you buy a back-up pin trading case. The lanyards may look cool on the website, but the reality of wearing one, especially with pins attached, is rather uncomfortable. My son could never tolerate anything like that. He had to have certain kinds of comfortable feeling clothing and nothing tight or heavy. I understand this is common among people with autism.

Additionally, there is always the possibility of losing a pin from a lanyard. If your son becomes focused on a lost pin, it could ruin your day or entire vacation. I would buy him the lanyard he wants, but would not expect him to enjoy wearing it. He may end up wanting to just carry it or keep it. I know how unpredictable life can be.

Wishing you a fantastic vacation!

 

[MandLBee]

The will be very kind. CM's are the most accepting and understanding group of people I have ever encountered. Even if he had fake pins (although I would NEVER buy anywhere but Disney) I'm sure they would consider him a child. Just about every CM I've encountered has been able to pick up on even less obvious disabilities, even in adults. It makes for a pleasant time to not have to explain your situation to everyone you encounter.

Having raised a son with autism, I would like to respectfully suggest that you buy a back-up pin trading case. The lanyards may look cool on the website, but the reality of wearing one, especially with pins attached, is rather uncomfortable. My son could never tolerate anything like that. He had to have certain kinds of comfortable feeling clothing and nothing tight or heavy. I understand this is common among people with autism.

Additionally, there is always the possibility of losing a pin from a lanyard. If your son becomes focused on a lost pin, it could ruin your day or entire vacation. I would buy him the lanyard he wants, but would not expect him to enjoy wearing it. He may end up wanting to just carry it or keep it. I know how unpredictable life can be.

Wishing you a fantastic vacation!

Great idea, thank you! So, he will be carrying a waist pack. Would the pins be safe pinned to that? I know he can handle wearing stuff around his waist, but anything around the neck gets deemed "itchy." My guess is he will use the lanyard as a storage once he gets home and puts it up on his wall.

 

[gap2368]

you can buy pin locks that way if he has some pins he dose not want to lose you can lock them on my lanyard or what ever,

but I can second the CM are the most nicest people you will ever meet, I have some miner cognitive disabilities and they seem to know even with me being at adult. This is one of the many reason why I love disney so much

 

[ErinInCT]

The will be very kind. CM's are the most accepting and understanding group of people I have ever encountered. Even if he had fake pins (although I would NEVER buy anywhere but Disney) I'm sure they would consider him a child. Just about every CM I've encountered has been able to pick up on even less obvious disabilities, even in adults. It makes for a pleasant time to not have to explain your situation to everyone you encounter.

Having raised a son with autism, I would like to respectfully suggest that you buy a back-up pin trading case. The lanyards may look cool on the website, but the reality of wearing one, especially with pins attached, is rather uncomfortable. My son could never tolerate anything like that. He had to have certain kinds of comfortable feeling clothing and nothing tight or heavy. I understand this is common among people with autism.

Additionally, there is always the possibility of losing a pin from a lanyard. If your son becomes focused on a lost pin, it could ruin your day or entire vacation. I would buy him the lanyard he wants, but would not expect him to enjoy wearing it. He may end up wanting to just carry it or keep it. I know how unpredictable life can be.

Wishing you a fantastic vacation!

Ohmigosh, the lanyards are tough even for typical kids!! We have a backpack and keep the lanyard in the backpack until they want to trade. They get super heavy even on a waist pack. And the pin backs do come off easily, but if they are in the back pack, or inside the waist pack, you can find them easily, just be careful you don't get poked.

My girls love the penny pressers (there are websites that show where they are located in all the parks). We take a pill bottle and stacks two quarters/one penny, two quarters/one penny, etc so they are handy. Another thing in the backpack (it gets heavier and heavier lol). I think the sorcerer game is a great idea as well.

 

[FortForever]

Great idea, thank you! So, he will be carrying a waist pack. Would the pins be safe pinned to that? I know he can handle wearing stuff around his waist, but anything around the neck gets deemed "itchy." My guess is he will use the lanyard as a storage once he gets home and puts it up on his wall.

The pin trading cases are on some kind of strap. I have not used one, so not sure if they are a belly bag or not. They would easily fit inside a backpack if any of you will be carrying one.

Pins are very safe in the case. It zips up completely and has "pages" in it to hold the pins. The pages are soft fabric. It's pretty much impossible to lost pins out of a case, like a lanyard. The problem that I have had with "locking pin backs" is that some of them still allow the point of the pin to stick out, so the can jab you. Also, if over tightened, they can bend and break the stem of the pin.

 

[mamabunny]

Yes! Pressed pennies - I forgot about those! There's even a few pressed quarter machines around WDW as well.

And if you can't find a pill bottle, one of those "M&M Minis" tubes will hold pennies and quarters stacked as @ErinInCT mentioned. You can buy pressed penny books in most WDW gift shops to hold your new collection!

 

[MandLBee]

Right, the pennies! I did also plan on doing that. Patterns, repetitions, plans, completion, projects!

 

[stitchlovestink]

Veteran pin trader collector here!! Have been doing this since they started it back in the late 90's. Have thousands of pins in my collection. It is addictive!!

One warning about buying the fake Disney pins - not all CMs see a 12 year old boy as a child. They don't have to accept a non-Disney (rip-off) pin, but will if the child is little, and only wants to trade one pin, etc. The fact that people try to scam Disney by coming in with these fake pins is going to tighten the rules even more, IMO.

Regardless of the age of the guest, CMs are not supposed to accept a non disney pin. That is a definite no no.

Why wouldn't they be kind? Most of the CMs are college program ones, and they have had experience with special needs students in their own schools (at least they should have) and are fresh off training as well.

Just an FYI, The majority of CMs are not College Program kids. WDW employs approximately 70,000 people. The college program accepts approximately 6,000 (including those who extend from a previous program) each recruiting season (twice a year). A CP can only work for Disney for one full year (and Disney makes sure it's slightly under a year) and a year is if they apply to extend and are accepted for extension. Most programs are 4 to 7 months, but there are exceptions like the summer alumni program which is much shorter. After the year, they have to separate from the company as a "CP". They can apply for a PT/FT position but they are no longer a CP.

The pin trading cases are on some kind of strap. I have not used one, so not sure if they are a belly bag or not. They would easily fit inside a backpack if any of you will be carrying one.

Pins are very safe in the case. It zips up completely and has "pages" in it to hold the pins. The pages are soft fabric. It's pretty much impossible to lost pins out of a case, like a lanyard. The problem that I have had with "locking pin backs" is that some of them still allow the point of the pin to stick out, so the can jab you. Also, if over tightened, they can bend and break the stem of the pin.

They have hip lanyards for purchase just like some CMs wear. But the pin bags aren't "wearable" as a hip/fanny pack. They haven't made those in years. The current small ones have a long shoulder strap. The bigger ones have a shoulder strap and handles.


99.9% of my interactions with CMs trading pins have been awesome!!! I had one who was a bit of a pistol as she didn't want to take my trade as she didn't think it was a Disney pin even though it had the Disney stamp on the back. It was a VERY OLD pin so the stamp was different than what they currently look like. Luckily, I had extra traders so I just gave her another but I did mention to her supervisor about my experience, not to get her in trouble but so she could receive some additional training on proper pin trading. She clearly did not understand that the back of all Disney pins do not look like they do now, and that doesn't mean they aren't acceptable for trading.
I have also seen (on multiple occasions) CMs turn down a trade for a non Disney pin even with children. If someone is successful making a trade with a CM for a nonDisney pin, then they have found a CM who isn't truly aware of the rules. They aren't even supposed to do it as a Magical Moment!