Just wanted to say I admire you all

[JohnnySharp2]

But we do it, anyway. Becomes 'the new normal'. I can no longer think of any other way to do things.

I agree, to us the way we do things is perfectly normal.

 

[JennyG]

But we do it, anyway. Becomes 'the new normal'. I can no longer think of any other way to do things.

I have been so emotional reading through this thread. It was so sweet of the twins mom to send her appreciation! Like one of the other posters said, a sweet smile and hello does wonders!!

But then I got to this post and it made me smile because this is exactly the way I feel. Our way of life with Enzo is our normal. I will see other kids younger then him, walking/running/talking/ect.... and I will think, "what is wrong with that child?". They just look a little odd to me, but I still love to see what they are doing and always try to make them smile if they're having a rough time.

 

[mickey&minniealways]

It can be hard and we just do what we need to do. I have three children. Two of which are special needs. My younges DD15, mild to moderate MR, siezure disorder, ADD etc. Normal teenage hormones. My oldest DS23, low functioning adult, ADD, siezure disorder, OCD, basically a permanent 15 yr old. A so called "normal" DS21. He is the reason for almost every gray hair I have. When you come across a strung out parent just offer to sit and listen. sometimes that can make all the difference. Hold a door open. Help out by holding onto a stroller or wheelchair so it doesn't roll away while we rummage through our bag of neccesities, or pick up a dropped item for us when we have to many kids and not enough hands. Very often it is the little things that make the biggest difference.

 

[lunapnp]

To the OP...thank you for the kind comments. And just so you know, even as the parent of a special needs child, I STILL stress out over my ADR's just like everybody else! We all have our struggles and we all cope with the struggles in different ways. My family...we cope by going to Disney! Not really but it sure would be nice to go to Disney every time the real world is a little too stressful. Thank you again for your compassion and understanding...we need more people like you. I have no doubt that you will pass that compassion and understanding on to your children. That's the best gift any of our children (special needs or not) could ever receive.

While on this topic, I just wanted to give a little shout out to Disney. Even though going to Disney is tiring and a struggle with a child with special needs, fortunately Disney makes it so worth while. Disney is the most accessible place we have EVER vacationed. I'm having a hard time talking DD into vacationing anywhere else! She told me a couple of years ago, "Mom, I really like going to the beach, but Disney World is just so much easier for me!" I have trained her well!

 

[Bugsmom73]

Thanks for the support. I would imagine that being a mom to twins is not all that easy so you deserve a pat on the back as well. As for spreading some pixie dust while at the parks, you might be surprised how much a smile and a nice hello would mean.

This. Thank you so much for caring.

 

[The Original~Mad4mky]

I have been reading through the DisABILITIES threads --as I will be coming out to WDW in July with my DD with Down syndrome.

I wanted to read more about WDW's GAC policies--as we are used to going to Disneyland often (we live in California. We went to Tokyo Disneyland last spring). But, every park is run differently, so I wanted to know the ins and outs of the parks in Florida. We almost always try to vacation at Disney parks because of the wonderful assistance we receive when bringing these special kids/adults with us (even in Tokyo we were treated wonderfully).

Anyway--as I was reading, I came upon this thread. It's wonderful to read--from other moms--how they can appreciate the hard work and time we put into our children with special needs (even when they have become adults!!).
We mothers of children (and adults) with special needs are strong, but being appreciated (not pitied) for our wonderful patience, tolerance and big hearts--gives us a big boost. There are many days that we need that big boost or praise.

Thanks to the dear ladies who give us these kudos.

 

[Mikeyto_96]

I am not a special needs parent but a special needs son, I have Spina Bifida and am pernamently in a wheelchair. I grew up with and still have wonderful parents who gave me everything they possibly could with the little money they had. Of my many fond memories as a child the ones I cherish the most are going to Disney World. My parents saved and even borrowed money from family to make sure my sister and I had the experience of visiting "the happiest place on earth" twice during my childhood. I can't speak for what they or other special needs parents would like but I can speak for the special needs person(s) themselves. Give us a smile or say "hello", I promise if I am there I will say "hello" and/or smile back. Don't look at us like we don't belong. We are in Disney World for the same reason you and your children are, to have fun, be with family/friends, meet new friends and most of all experience the dreams and fantasies that Disney does make come true. We all have our own realities to get away from and those of us on Disboards disABLED or able-bodied have one very important common link, we all share a great love for all things Disney.

To anyone who might read this thread that has a special needs person or is one and you've never been to WDW or haven't since this special person entered your life because you are worried about it being too difficult. Please, read the many threads in this forum and give Disney a chance. I am almost 32, my parents are in their 50's. To this day Disney is a huge part of my family and always will be.

 

[SueM in MN]