Introduction Thread

[linnell]

Hello! I've been lurking for a short while so I thought I'd introduce myself. My 3 yr old son was diagnosed with "mild" PDDNOS in November so we are new to this world. We also have a 14 month boy who so far is NT but being watched by early intervention.

We are considering a trip to WDW in October but my DH is worried about overstimilation and told me I should just go for the weekend with my friend again. So now I'm on a mission. While part of me LOVES the idea of another girls weekend (I went this past October and had a great time) I know that my son would love Disney. He watches Playhouse Disney and Mickey Mouse is his favorite show. He is not aware yet that Disney World is a place that exists. When I went in October, I told him I was going to Mickey's house and he didn't ask for more information. I know if we plan this I'll have to give him lots of warnings and strategies. Like I'm sure most of you know, he thrives on schedule and routine. I've found if we are having an irregular day as long as I talk to him about it and tell him what we are doing, he does ok. But one false move and MELTDOWN!

I ordered the planning DVD and I think we'll watch that when it gets closer (if I can convince DH that we should go) The kids will be 2 and 4 that is a lot to deal with on its own, add in PDDNOS and the thought is a;sldkfjads;lfja;sl to me ! Am I crazy? Should I just go for a girls weekend again and wait another year or two to take the boys.

I have a lot of planning to do!

 

[Brightsy]

YOu can do this thing with your Spectrum child! I've done several trips w/ my autistic boy, his first trip was for his 4th b-day.
Prepare him with that DVD... I showed my son the website and used that to help him prepare. Nowdays he enjoys hitting the website all on his own. (he's 8 now.)
If you know what kind of things can trigger meltdowns try and make a no-meltdown kit of sorts. Just be ready for them. Don't forget to get a GAC, it's really helpful.
My son wears sound-reducing earmuffs to help reduce stimulation. Figure out where some good quieter areas are and go there if your son shows signs of needing a break from all the broohaha.

Sara

 

[andee515]

Obviously there are a lot of difference in how all children will react to changes and lots of stimulation, but let me tell you about my little one.

He turned 3 in Nov and has moderate autism; in general, he adapts well to changes, definately tantrums alot ( I think mostly due to frustration with communication issues, he does not speak), and has mild issues with certian overstimulation environments.

We went in Oct 08 for 10 days, so just before he turned 2. We stayed at the Poly, did parks everyday, and put in long hard days... breakfast at the park @ 8am usually back to the room for bed between 7-10pm, tried to get a few afternoon naps in with moderate success. Chris really did well. He had his share of meltdowns, freaked out at a few loud noises( figment ride, fantasmic) and was grumpy by the last few days, but all pretty normal for a 2 yr old I'd say. He was in a stroller much of the time which I think helped.

He really loved all the charachters, we did tons of charachter meals, at least once a day. He liked most of the rides, as well, I was really proud of him.

This year we are going in March for 12 days and I'll let you know how it goes. I am actually a little more worried about this trip, because he hates having his hand held or being leashed and hasn't been in a stroller for a year. SO I am a little worried about that. I'm not sure if he is 40" yet, but if he is we will try to take him on everything if he seems to like it; he is definately a thrill seeker at home. We are going to try some earplugs this time for the really loud stuff. We will also get a GAC this time so that we can leave him in a stroller or he can stay outside a line with one of us, till the other gets to the front, he definately does not do well in lines.

Ill let you know how it goes and look forward to other suggestions.