Jedi Training and Autism

[Abbey1]

Hi! My 4-year-old son LOVES Star Wars, and I think he would really enjoy Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. He has high-functioning autism and does have a hard time in new social situations. I am wondering if anyone has any personal experience with their autistic child participating? Are there ever any accommodations made for children (having a parent nearby to ease anxiety etc.) Thanks for any info/opinions!

 

[Jacie]

My 12 year old has done it every year since she was barely 6 and did great. She (still) doesn't always get the moves right but has fun anyway. She did chicken out at Darth Maul once and they allowed her to run back out to me in the crowd with no problems. She was still allowed to go back out after he was gone and wave to the onlookers (and get a certificate.)
Just stay as close as you can (and with sign ups rather than crowd picking, it won't be nearly as crowded so you can probably stand near the front) and cheer your child on. My daughter lives for praise and is constantly checking over her shoulder for a smile or thumbs up

 

[Abbey1]

My 12 year old has done it every year since she was barely 6 and did great. She (still) doesn't always get the moves right but has fun anyway. She did chicken out at Darth Maul once and they allowed her to run back out to me in the crowd with no problems. She was still allowed to go back out after he was gone and wave to the onlookers (and get a certificate.)
Just stay as close as you can (and with sign ups rather than crowd picking, it won't be nearly as crowded so you can probably stand near the front) and cheer your child on. My daughter lives for praise and is constantly checking over her shoulder for a smile or thumbs up

That's great to hear!

 

[wilkeliza]

Hi! My 4-year-old son LOVES Star Wars, and I think he would really enjoy Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. He has high-functioning autism and does have a hard time in new social situations. I am wondering if anyone has any personal experience with their autistic child participating? Are there ever any accommodations made for children (having a parent nearby to ease anxiety etc.) Thanks for any info/opinions!

Disneyland is a little harder than Disney World (unless it has changed recently) because they pick the kids from the crowds. Since they pick you may want to talk to a CM before but there is no guarantee that your little one will be chosen to be a trainee. I would set him up for that just in case you guys get there and he isn't picked.

 

[RemainSeatedPlease]

I can't speak to personal experience with having an autistic child participate, but when I have watched the show I found them to be pretty accommodating to the children's needs. For example one time there was this adorable little boy, looked about 4, that would not speak. He looked terrified the entire time. The host asked him a question and when he didn't respond, the host made a joke about it that got everyone laughing and the boy looked a little less nervous. Later in the show when battling Vader, the boy freaked out and burst into tears upon walking up to him...again the host joked it off and the boy was returned to his mother in the crowd, with everyone clapping for him. My point is, surprises and unexpected reactions from the kids will happen, but they are pretty good about making it seem like it's just part of the show. No awkward feelings needed!

 

[SMD]

Disneyland is a little harder than Disney World (unless it has changed recently) because they pick the kids from the crowds. Since they pick you may want to talk to a CM before but there is no guarantee that your little one will be chosen to be a trainee. I would set him up for that just in case you guys get there and he isn't picked.

They started sign-ups with the new show. It's referenced in the second post.

 

[wilkeliza]

They started sign-ups with the new show. It's referenced in the second post.

That is great. I wonder if the sign ups are as crazy as they are at WDW where you basically have to run to guarantee a spot.

 

[RemainSeatedPlease]

That is great. I wonder if the sign ups are as crazy as they are at WDW where you basically have to run to guarantee a spot.

The sign-ups only started very recently (past couple of weeks I believe), so I think most are not aware of the change yet. Someone there on one of the first days indicated it was not rush to get a spot and that there were several available when they asked about it. I'm sure as more people learn of the change it will get more competitive, but I'll guess we'll have to wait and see just how competitive...

 

[RedRosie]

My son was very excited to do it, but when people started to arrive and the CMs were calling names (before signups) he said no way and had a panic attack. So we moved back a few rows and just watched. We had to watch shows a few times over the few days and then on the last day he was ready. He was wearing a SW shirt (they only child that had one) so they put him on the stage. I was worried that he was a little far away and what if he melted down again, but it was all good. We have great pics and he thinks it was all great.

 

[Bud Ice]

Sith Academy still has my vote.

 

[Abbey1]

Thanks for all the replies! I really think my son would LOVE the experience, so I think we will see how he's feeling while we are there and try to do it.

 

[scociny]

My now 10 year old did the Jedi Training twice. He also has high functioning autism. My son loved it!! We had to watch a few times before he wanted to do it so he knew what to expect.

 

[arcadiandj]

Sith Academy still has my vote.

This is SO HILARIOUS!

 

[nikkislaght]

My son was 10 at the time that he asked to do the Jedi training at Disneyland.. he sat there and waited and watched and the minute they started calling on kids.. he freaked out.we had to leave the area... on our last day as we were entering the park he asked if he could try and do it again.. I said sure .. and asked to do the first one of the day.. he worked up the courage and got picked and had a blast.. the first one of the day . was not busy at all.. and he was feeling the force.!! as stated above they have now changed to a sign up . so you dont have to wait and jump round like a crazy person to get chosen.. when signing up . mention that your son has ADS, they may let you be close in case he needs help.. but they wont let you be in the arena .. hope he has a fun time