Looking for some advise on touring with a child with ADHD combined with other issues.

[suevee]

Hi all,

At the end of February I am taking my daughter and two grandchildren to WDW. I am currently in PT for my legs and anticipate using a wheelchair part of the time. But the big issue is my 8 year old grandson. He has ADHD combined with sensory issues and a low spectrum autism. We have letters from his doctors and therapists regarding his issues. I am concerned with making this the best vacation possible so I need to have a game plan on dealing with his issues.....

It has been awhile since I have been to WDW. Can anyone guide me on the best way to plan our trip. I have heard about a DAC card that helps with lines but I do not know what this is or if he is eligible. Does anyone have any information?

Thank you

 

[Aladora]

If you have not yet done so, I would recommend reading through the first few posts in this thread: WDW Disability Access Service

 

[aaarcher86]

Hi all, At the end of February I am taking my daughter and two grandchildren to WDW. I am currently in PT for my legs and anticipate using a wheelchair part of the time. But the big issue is my 8 year old grandson. He has ADHD combined with sensory issues and a low spectrum autism. We have letters from his doctors and therapists regarding his issues. I am concerned with making this the best vacation possible so I need to have a game plan on dealing with his issues..... It has been awhile since I have been to WDW. Can anyone guide me on the best way to plan our trip. I have heard about a DAC card that helps with lines but I do not know what this is or if he is eligible. Does anyone have any information? Thank you

You do not need, nor will Disney accept doctors notes. You'll need to explain his NEEDS, not diagnosis, to a cast member at guest relations.

The DAS is for people that have difficulty waiting in a standard line environment. The DAS allows the party to wait their time outside the line. If you go up to Space Mountain at 12p and there is a 1 hour wait, you'll be issued a return time 50 minutes later (standby time minus 10 minutes). You'd an return and head into the FP line anytime after 12:50p. You'll still need to utilize FP+ and can only have one DAS return time at a time.

There is a sticky at the top of this board that has a wealth if detailed information about the DAS you should review.

 

[suevee]

Thank you...it is the standing in line that may be a problem. We have no problem waiting outside for the ride. I just do not want meltdowns.

 

[lanejudy]

As others have pointed out, the sticky thread near the top of this forum has full details about DAS in the first post (no need to read the whole long thread).

You mention you'll be using a wheelchair. I wanted to suggest maybe an ECV would help your party. It sounds like only 1 other adult, plus the 2 kids, so unless you are used to self-propelling a wheelchair for distances you'd need to be pushed. An ECV would free-up the other adult to help the children if necessary.

If your grandson has sensory issues, being prepared is more than half the battle. I'd suggest Peltor Jr earmuffs to block out the sounds. Some fidget toys or electronic games to help keep him busy/occupied. Frequent breaks and even downtime away from the parks helps avoid over-stimulation. My family finds that keeping to a fairly usual "schedule" helps -- getting up at usual time, meals/snacks at usual time, usual bedtime most nights.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[suevee]

Thanks....I have read the sticky I am just OCD about being prepared. Afraid I will miss something....I am planning an ECV and we do have earmuffs for fireworks and a fidget bag. We love fidgets they really help him in school.....standing/sitting still is a major problem for him....

 

[Maggie'sMom]

we do have earmuffs for fireworks

You may find that the earmuffs are helpful in more situations than just fireworks. The parks are noisy, high-sensory environments at all times. That can agitate someone who is sensitive to noise. My DD will pop her earmuffs on at random times when she starts feeling uncomfortable.

 

[StirlingSilver83]

Your grandson sounds exactly like my son. We got the DAS for our vacation last year and it helped immensely. We only had 1 or 2 meltdowns our whole trip. That's a lot better than 1 or 2 meltdowns a day lol. We are going again in April so I am hoping to be able to get the pass again. It just made our trip a lot less stressful.

 

[babyberger]

We live in Florida and have been going to Disney for years with my ASD son and ADHD/Anxiety daughter. I have put together a list of things that works for us. Hopefully some of these can help your grandson as well.

http://aspergersallergiesadhd.blogspot.com/2014/04/my-guide-to-walt-disney-world-with.html

 

[barkley]

my son has the same diagnosis. when we've gone to Disney (land and world) ear protection is with us at all times (we use the type of ear protectors hunters wear b/c they block out loud sounds but you can hear someone talking to you). we also take a pair of sunglasses that have a strap that goes around the head (like you wear when water skiing) because some of the rides/shows have flashing lights that bother ds. i'de suggest you research the different show experiences, b/c ds detested some due to the sensory issues (like soarin-he hated the smells, with others the air jets-bugs life?-had him begging to leave). stuff to do while waiting is ideal (ds takes his Nintendo ds with him all over the parks and has a butt pack to put it in when on the actual rides).

we just have to not over plan our days, and play it by ear b/c sometimes he's just fine and raring to go, other times he recognizes he's being overstimulated and either needs to take a break to kick back in the room or take a dip in the pool.

 

[stormer]

We downloaded a Hidden Mickey app that my son loves. It helps keep his mind off the line. He looks at what HM we are near and plans out what ones to look for next. We also use the DAS card and follow his lead. If we sense he has had too much we take a break. The list babyberger posted above is great.