looking for tips on doing Disney with an Autistic child

[tripletvan]

We are going home in April and being joined by my brother and his family. Joining us will be my nephew who will be nine and is Autistic. Does anyone have any tips on what might help make his vacation more enjoyable?Thanks!:

confused:

 

[s&k'smom]

Hi, just popped on the boards and saw your post. Welcome. My best advice would be to look at past posts on this board and you will get lots of information. For me and our DS we will avoid certain rides that may be to overstimulating. We also plan to take it very easy, afternoon breaks, leave the parks if we half to to avoid a meltdown. We are also going to bring alot of his favorite foods and things that would help calm him if he freaks. From past posts you will find lots and lots of families bring their autistic children and have a great time. Also get a GAC card. Funny I don't know what the full spelling is because I'm so used to the abbreviation. Have fun and ask us lots of questions. And definately study these boards. I'm sure you nephew will enjoy himself immensely.

 

[teri]

We have been many, many times with our son, who is autistic. Click on the disABILITIES FAQ link in my signature and read the sections with tips for traveling with sensitive children, pacing, and the GAC. Do you have any specific questions?

 

[tripletvan]

Thanks to those who have replied to my post so far. I especially like the disAbilities from Terri. We would just like to see him find joy in a place where millions of others sometimes take for granted.

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[SueM in MN]

Welcome and glad that you found some good info already. Keep watching because a lot of people who post here have children with autism spectrum.
The GAC that was referred to stands for G uest Assistant Card. We get used to the abbreviations and sometimes forget that it's new info to other people. teri has a good link to FAQs about the GAC.

 

[Andy too]

We just got back from a trip with our 7-year-old autistic son. Although every autistic child is different, the important things for us were:

1) Having some favorite food or candy with us at all times
2) Getting the GAC (though we didn't use it much, when we did is was a life saver)
3) fastpass
4) fastpass
5) fastpass (I could go on and on - this was great)
6) taking the break when we needed to (learned after a major meltdown the first day)
7) accepting that we weren't going to be able to do as much as we could without DS, and enjoying what we could do
8) having a plan for leaving a show if necessary

He had a great time and so did we! Have a blast!

 

[teri]

Another thing I would add is that the Fairy Godmothers Child Care Service has people who have experience with autistic kids and they do a wonderful job. We have also had good luck at the kids clubs at the resorts for our son, who is very language impaired but used to being in integrated environments with average kids. The parents should definitely have a chance to have a respite break during their trip, not be on duty 100% of the time.