need advice about autistic nephew and WDW

[anonymousegirl]

I am taking my sister's family to WDW next July and have never traveled with my nephew who is autistic. He is currently being tested for ADHD as well. He gets very agitated in crowds and likes to run off suddenly.

I normally travel by myself so all of this will be very new to me. I was thinking of getting a stroller as a wheelchair GAC as this will keep him somewhat coccooned from the crowds pressing around him, and give him much needed shade and help keep him from running.

Is there anything else I should ask for when getting the GAC?

 

[bookwormde]

If the cocooning alone( with a stroller as a wheel chair) is not sufficient then getting a GAC may provide additional waiting area alternatives.

A lot to what makes things go smoothly is just being “aware of the child’s needs and limitations, and not “pushing it”.

Lot of good threads below with lots of experience and ideas if you have time to read through some of them.

Hope they have a good clinical group for the ADHD testing since 99% of clinicians are not qualified to do this for ASD children.

Have fun, and just “roll with it”

bookwormde

 

[SueM in MN]

if you have not looked at the disABILITIES FAQs thread, I'd suggest looking at post # 6 of that thread, which includes information about Guest Assistance Cards (GAC). You will find information there about using a stroller as a wheelchair.

One thing that will probably help you even more than a GAC would be using a touring plan or service like Tour Guide Mike. The GAC will only help you in attractions, but using a touring plan will help you to be in the park/places in the park that are least crowded. That will be very helpful when trying to get from place to place, getting food, bathrooms, etc.

Post #3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread has links to some past thread that might be helpful, including some about autism.
For planning thinks he might like, it also would be helpful to know if he if he is a sensory seeker (who might like things like roller coasters) or a sensory avoider (who might prefer more quiet attractions).

 

[LMC]

You will probably want to get some type of identification for him just in case he takes off. I use the kiosk at pet stores and get the large military shaped dog tag and put my name and all the cell phone #'s that will fit on it. That way if they can't reach my cell they can reach DH or my sister (who may or may not be with me but she will track me down!!!!) I use a lanyard for them but it is a break away lanyard for safety. I keep them tucked into the kids shirts but just in case they ever get hung on something on a ride, these lanyards will come apart easily and not hurt my kids.

 

[anonymousegirl]

Thanks for the advice. I do use Touring plans, TGM, and sometimes RideMax. My usual summertime plan is to make RD, then go back to the villa for 3-5 hours downtime (swim, rest, lunch) and then go back in the evenings. With 3 adults and a responsible teenager we should be able to accommodate my nephew's needs without sacrificing his sibs' desires.

 

[bookwormde]

Have fun, Kidani Is great; I would suggest a “near the pool request” for your room. Be sure and find the “back way” to the pool through the parking garage and in by the pool bar.

Also be aware that the buses are very crowded (maybe it will be better by 2010) at park opening and closing so if you are using them at these times it may be an issue.

Have a magical time

bookwormde