Info on loud/scary rides for ADHD/Sensory Issue Child

[SueM in MN]

Besides coming to the disABILITIES Board (specifically post # 3 of the disABILITEIS FAQs thread), I have 2 books to recommend.

One has already been mentioned - WDW For Kids By Kids
It's good because it lists things from a kid's point of view and has a scariness rating, plus what the kids thought was scary about it.

The second is Passporter's Open Mouse. It is a rather large book and can look overwhelming, but has a lot of information.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

We took our ADHD DS when he was 5 and before he was diagnosed. It was the worst vacation we have ever taken. By day 3, I was crying and begging my husband to go home. Looking back there are a few things that I would do differently to avoid over stimulation.

DS5 begged to go back to the resort and just swim every day. In Nov., we will work in more relaxation time for him. We will also go to the park as early as possible to avoid the crowds. He is medicated now so who knows how it will go this time.

 

[preschoolmom]

We took our ADHD DS when he was 5 and before he was diagnosed. It was the worst vacation we have ever taken. By day 3, I was crying and begging my husband to go home. Looking back there are a few things that I would do differently to avoid over stimulation.

DS5 begged to go back to the resort and just swim every day. In Nov., we will work in more relaxation time for him. We will also go to the park as early as possible to avoid the crowds. He is medicated now so who knows how it will go this time.

We had a similar experience on our first trip. Our son had just turned five - and really, really struggled.

On the flip side - now that we've gotten our first trip out of the way - we all know better what to expect and plan for. We, too, are planning a swim break every afternoon. We'll tour in the mornings, swim in the afternoons, and do whatever we feel like in the evenings. We're going to have fun and treat it as a vacation = not a death march

For the OP: My son covered his ears when he needed to - mainly I remember on Big Thunder Mountain. He has said many, many times that he will not go on Small World again - it is too loud. ??? That is the one ride he is refusing for our next trip. I am considering looking into headphones or ear plugs for him (not sure if he will wear them). He also NEEDS sunglasses. I hope you have a wonderful trip!

Oh, and we're big Unofficial Guide fans, here!