Nephew with Autism

[LisaAgocs]

Hi all... I've been browsing for a while, but this is my first post. I'm going to be traveling to WDW in March with my 16yo Nephew who has autism. He has a mental age of around 4, though he's generally well-behaved. He does, however, have a tendency to have "potty accidents" when he gets overly excited or upset. These are very infrequent, but I am concerned the trip might be a bit overwhelming for him and want to have some form of backup plan for him. Anyone have experience with something like this and can offer advice?

Thanks!

 

[shoegirl1020]

If you nephew uses a picture schedule at home I would make one to bring to disney. Also prepare him as much as possible by showing him photos of the attractions and what the hotel, pool, plane, look like.

Use him as a guide. If you see him starting to get overwhelmed then slow down. Have a seat (there are plenty of places to sit).

I would recomend having him wear an adult "pull-up" just in case. My ds8 is 100 pounds and wears the xl in Huggies Pull-ups.

Finally, if at all possible go during the slower periods of time and don't feel rushed. We've been twice with ds8 and have never finished one park completely

 

[Rolltideguy77]

I work with Autistic children daily and I would suggest not overloading them. Let's face it, Disney is an incredible place but it is overwhelming even for us so imagine his perspective. Its loud, fast paced and requires patience. So my advice would just to relax, take it slow, use a pic schedule with him. Find pics of the rides, sights, etc and just give him a heads up on whats coming his way so he can prepare himself. I agree with perhaps the using the pull-up if you think the potty situation could turn bad. Make sure you know where the restrooms are as well, keep a map handy. If you carry a bag with you keep some wet cloths in a zip lock bag or a pack of baby wipes just in case. Enjoy your trip and I know he will!

 

[OneLittleSpark]

If you think it might help, you can send off for a free holiday planning DVD from Disney, so he can get an idea of the place before you go. It obviously can't show you everything in detail, but it does give you a good starting block to work from, just so it isn't quite so much of a shock to the system.

Just a tip, if you do plan to get it, send off for it soon, as we ordered ours about a month in advance and it arrived the day after we got home

 

[Rolltideguy77]

Also if you do decide to use a pic schedule I like ti use these rings you get at a local craft store. They are a ring that opens up and then secures back together. Cut your pics into squares (laminating them is great if you have access to that) and then use a hole punch to punch a hole in the upper corner then just secure them on the ring. Saves you the trouble of digging for them when they are right there on that handy ring. Another idea is perhaps using your computer or pasting together a daily booklet for him of where you are going first, rides,eating, bathroom breaks if you can schedule such. I am normally not a fan of pic schedules in everyday life (I think they are a crutch of sorts for Autistic kids, life doesnt run on picture perfect schdule). However for such a trip as this I think it would benefit him. Again have a great time!

 

[OneLittleSpark]

This may be an obvious note, I don't know, but make sure you don't plan too much into each day; Disney is a tiring and overwhelming place, no matter who you are.

Also, you might well benefit from getting a GAC (see the FAQ, 5th thread from the top, for more info) to use as and when you feel it'll help.

Quick question, is he mobile, or does he use a chair?