My DS is a sensory avoider...tips for at WDW?

[mousescrapper]

Hi,

My son is 8 and has recently been diagnosed with ADHD and Aspergers. It's been a long coming diagnosis, and it has helped greatly with figuring out many of the missing puzzle pieces. As Aspergers in on the autistic spectrum and he and I as well as the rest of our family are learning together each day what he needs, what helps and what does not, planning a WDW trip creates a whole new scenario.

NO, this is not our or DS's first time to the World he went back when he was 6. Many of the things that challenge him today did not 2 years ago and I realize things may flux on and off there and before we go next June. But my DH and I so desperately want his and his sisters to have another magical time.

We thought back on what he enjoyed, loved, hated and tolerated on our last trip and have given alot of thought in how to accommodate him for this trip. Like using the GAC card, staying closer to the MK and Epcot to avoid taking the buses everywhere, planning, mid-day, morning and evening breaks. Strategizing our tour plan around him, and so on.

I know you don't know him and I can barely guesstimate what rides may not be a good fit, but I still appeal to you for help, ideas, thoughts, the ”I've been there done that”, victories, and failures too.

One thing I know for sure about our DS, he loves Disney and can't wait to go. He has his top 5 list (Buzz, Pizza Planet, Pirates, hidden Mickey's and finding ‘treasure’.) He has the Passporter guide book to all things secret... BUT! He is a classic sensory avoider, he hates loud noises, strange noises, crowds, lacks sense of personal space his or others, fears and can't deal with let down or being left out.

So how do we conquer, tolerate or strategize these boundaries to his fun?

Questions:

He loves Stitch. But I think the Stitch attraction will be too much for him, dark, confined space, etc. Thoughts?

He loves the Honey I shrunk the Kids movie set, and is now really interested in the show, Honey I shrunk the Audience. Not sure is the best choice. What to do?

There are several other rides attractions that he's interested in the concept, or the thing it is about, i.e. Star Tours (star wars), Mission Space (space, planets), Dinosaur (dinosaurs), etc. But I worry these attractions will put him in stim-overload. I don't want to deny my son the possible fun or great moment for him, but then don't want him to have a potential ruining day moment either.

BTW with the whole let down thing, he already has in his mind these things he wants to do and what if we decide a no-go OR when were there if something doesn't work out, how do I handle it. I know the whole redirect thing and try something esle, but sometimes he gets 'stuck' on one thing and there is nothing else you can do about it.

It's really hard to judge. Truly hoping someone out there has a child similar to mine and can send some feedback my way.

Thank you

 

[Cheshire Figment]

One thing you might do is get him a pair of Shooter Ear Protectors at a sporting goods store or large discount store. These are designed so they pass conversational volumes but cut down on sharp noises. Once he sees how they work and gets comfortable with them you will find that he will put them on or off as needed and not wear them all the time.

 

[wdwdancerwannabe]

I'm very well versed in sensory integration disorder.....

The first ride that came to my mind was the "BUG" attraction under the Tree of Life....sorry, can't think of the name at this very second.

There are quite a few "sensory" moments in this one.

When you mentioned Stitch, the main thing that he may be effected by is that it's loud...(and dark...you're right).

philharmagic & Stitch sprays water in your face.....

have a magical time!!

 

[mousescrapper]

One thing you might do is get him a pair of Shooter Ear Protectors at a sporting goods store or large discount store. These are designed so they pass conversational volumes but cut down on sharp noises. Once he sees how they work and gets comfortable with them you will find that he will put them on or off as needed and not wear them all the time.

Have a set of earphones, use alot. They'll be on a packing list...

 

[mousescrapper]

I'm very well versed in sensory integration disorder.....

The first ride that came to my mind was the "BUG" attraction under the Tree of Life....sorry, can't think of the name at this very second.

There are quite a few "sensory" moments in this one.

When you mentioned Stitch, the main thing that he may be effected by is that it's loud...(and dark...you're right).

philharmagic & Stitch sprays water in your face.....

have a magical time!!

Think we're going to skip the "BUG" one too!

Just a thought to you or anyone, know how you can use the baby swap for little kids, to young, small, or scared to go on rides/attractions....can use it for this? Most things DS will not want to go on, are probably things only one or two of our party would want to do anyway, we'll split up on those occasions, but speaking of Philharmagic, everyone wants to do it, but DS is a little nervous, doesn't like the stuff popping at his face (seen it before, took off glasses, but still nervous) he says he wants to try again, but what if last minute were in line for that or something else, and he changes his mind last minute. If I explain his special needs to a CM could he wait with an adult (or possibly byself if he was OK??) and then we could "DS swap"?

Thanks!

mousescrapper

 

[brergnat]

If he loves Stitch, there is a Lilo and Stitch character breakfast at 'Ohana at the Polynesian. He may like that.

If he is into pirates and treasure, have you considered the Pirate Cruise for kids? It's something that might be good for his social skill building. I haven't done it (my kids are too young), but ask around for some more info. Basically, it's a "cruise" on the Seven Seas Lagoon for kids up to age 10 (I think) with Cast Members and kids only, no parents! They leave from the Grand Floridian marina and sail around the lagoon and then find some hidden treasure onshore! It's a small group of kids and it should be a fun activity for him sort of away from the crowds and noise of the parks. I believe I've read of at least one family who let their autistic son do this cruise, with great results!

As for the Mission Space, I'd stay away from the RIDE with him (WAY too much sensory stimulation coming at you, even in the Green team side). But take him to the exit area with the space themed video games and exhibits. He'd probably LOVE that area.

I'd be careful about the Dinosaur ride as well. That ride overloads ME and I'm a typical person. Would he be interested in the boneyard fossil digging area?

About being let down, I know that is a hard one to work around. My son is high functioning autistic, but he's only 3. But, I do know that he gets VERY upset if I say we're going to do something, and then we can't or don't do it. Like, everytime we go to Disneyland, if I make the mistake of asking him what he wants to ride, he'll always say "the train". If we don't do that FIRST, we can't do anything else until we do that. If the train is closed, forget it. SO, I have learned not to ask him what he wants to do, just plan the things I know he likes. Your son is older, so it might be harder, but perhaps you can not mention EXACTLY what you are going to do, and try not to talk about the attractions you don't feel comfortable taking him on. If your daughter is willing to skip them too, you needn't even walk by them. Your son most likely doesn't know exactly where in the park the rides all are, so you can sort of avoid them. If your daughter DOES want to do some things you'd rather your son not try, perhaps the family can split up at some point in the day for enough time for your daughter to experience some rides with one parent. Does your son understand what sensory overload means? I'm sure he doesn't like the feeling it creates, so if you can try to explain that "this ride will make you feel (however he feels when he's overloaded)...are you sure you want to do it?" If he goes into a ride with the understanding that it may leave him feeling not so great, then the NEXT time he wants to ride something questionable, you can have that ride to reference. If he truly avoids sensory input, he'll catch on quickly that some rides are off limits to him.

 

[1stluvispooh]

My DD is also on the spectrum and we went last fall when she was 6. First I must say you might be surprised at what he can handle at WDW vs at home. Second things you might want to take with you is if you can find a small LED flash light. My DH came home with one a couple of weeks before our trip and I brought it along just encase the rides where too dark. I only used it once. I turned it on when she got anxious when the ride was dark and pointed it toward the floor so it didn't disrupt the ride for others in anyway. Also is you son particularly attached to you or your husband (mine is a mommas girl) So I made sure that if a ride was in question I went with her because she always wants her mom if things start to overwhelm her. Although I think that was only once. Then she wanted to ride the rides with her brother Also if he has a comfort item or fidget bring it with you. DD had to tour the parks carrying her small Mickey! Hope this helps

 

[mousescrapper]

If he loves Stitch, there is a Lilo and Stitch character breakfast at 'Ohana at the Polynesian. He may like that.

Planning on it! Didn't even think that could be the diversion thing against going on Stitch...
If he is into pirates and treasure, have you considered the Pirate Cruise for kids? It's something that might be good for his social skill building. I haven't done it (my kids are too young), but ask around for some more info. Basically, it's a "cruise" on the Seven Seas Lagoon for kids up to age 10 (I think) with Cast Members and kids only, no parents! They leave from the Grand Floridian marina and sail around the lagoon and then find some hidden treasure onshore! It's a small group of kids and it should be a fun activity for him sort of away from the crowds and noise of the parks. I believe I've read of at least one family who let their autistic son do this cruise, with great results!


Yes, Yes, I'm going to make a ADR for that as well, he's old enough to understand his role when mom and dad are not around and listen to who's in charge. We'll proably mention Aspergers ASD to the CM's when he's dropped off, but as long as every child has equal opportunities in finding treasure and come home with the smae amount a loot, it should not be a problem...now hoping the weather corporates! In o5 tried to do one and then canceled it due to rain, we may schedule two as to avoid that potential downfall.

As for the Mission Space, I'd stay away from the RIDE with him (WAY too much sensory stimulation coming at you, even in the Green team side). But take him to the exit area with the space themed video games and exhibits. He'd probably LOVE that area. Yes I read about this exit area, seriously the only one interested in doing it is DH.

I'd be careful about the Dinosaur ride as well. That ride overloads ME and I'm a typical person. I don't like it either, DH thinks he'll be fine with him... I beg to differ, we have some good debating on this one. Would he be interested in the boneyard fossil digging area? Yes, he loves it. I think going on the Energy Adventure in Epcot would be a much wiser choice...

About being let down, I know that is a hard one to work around. My son is high functioning autistic, but he's only 3. But, I do know that he gets VERY upset if I say we're going to do something, and then we can't or don't do it. Like, everytime we go to Disneyland, if I make the mistake of asking him what he wants to ride, he'll always say "the train". If we don't do that FIRST, we can't do anything else until we do that. If the train is closed, forget it. SO, I have learned not to ask him what he wants to do, just plan the things I know he likes. Your son is older, so it might be harder, but perhaps you can not mention EXACTLY what you are going to do, and try not to talk about the attractions you don't feel comfortable taking him on. If your daughter is willing to skip them too, you needn't even walk by them. Your son most likely doesn't know exactly where in the park the rides all are, so you can sort of avoid them. If your daughter DOES want to do some things you'd rather your son not try, perhaps the family can split up at some point in the day for enough time for your daughter to experience some rides with one parent. Does your son understand what sensory overload means? I'm sure he doesn't like the feeling it creates, so if you can try to explain that "this ride will make you feel (however he feels when he's overloaded)...are you sure you want to do it?" If he goes into a ride with the understanding that it may leave him feeling not so great, then the NEXT time he wants to ride something questionable, you can have that ride to reference. If he truly avoids sensory input, he'll catch on quickly that some rides are off limits to him.

Our DD is very generous in helping her twin brother and the rides she really wants to go on i.e TMR, SplashM and SpaceM he has no interest in, well except maybe splash, he wants to see the Brer Rabbit characters, as does DH and he's slightly nervous to go too, he does not like roller coasters or anything even remotely like them. So I think DS maybe OK on this one.

But thank you for your tips, we have and will continue to try and talk about what his ASD and ADHD means and when he gets upset how that feels, but even not being upset, just talking about it makes heim extremely agiatated and we just can't go there. Even harder when it's something like Disney we're trying to talk about. I hope to explain it the best I can, that we'll do our best to do A, B, C, D, etc in the most concrete, business like way (he repsonds well to that), but sometimes these things may happen....we'll see.

My DD is also on the spectrum and we went last fall when she was 6. First I must say you might be surprised at what he can handle at WDW vs at home. Second things you might want to take with you is if you can find a small LED flash light. My DH came home with one a couple of weeks before our trip and I brought it along just encase the rides where too dark. I only used it once. I turned it on when she got anxious when the ride was dark and pointed it toward the floor so it didn't disrupt the ride for others in anyway. Also is you son particularly attached to you or your husband (mine is a mommas girl) So I made sure that if a ride was in question I went with her because she always wants her mom if things start to overwhelm her. Although I think that was only once. Then she wanted to ride the rides with her brother Also if he has a comfort item or fidget bring it with you. DD had to tour the parks carrying her small Mickey! Hope this helps

That is so true about home verses away...sometimes he's completely a different boy in bad and good ways (not meaning he's 'bad') even now at school, his new teacher has yet to truly see the indications of ADHD and/or Aspergers....but it's there. I'm glad you said that! We did the whole little flashlight thing back in 05, really only needed it in Philharmagic. So it will be on the packing list too. He varies from me to DH based on what is going on, but that is a great tip to keep in mind. Yes, I think we'll bring his chewy stick, as well as Shamrock his little puppy dog with a Shamrock on it's ear, he loves that dog!

Thank you 1stluvispooh and brergnat for taking the time to post and reply to my OP, I truly appreciate and thank you for all your honest comments and ideas, it really keeps me smiling and knowing he can have another great Disney time!

 

[mousescrapper]

sorry double post