Nervous about bringing ADHD kids to Disney

[crazykids]

My DS age 4 1/2 is diagnosed with mild PDD & ADHD. He's very easily excited, hyper, impulsive, easily distracted, & doesn't really follow rules all that well. He's actually been getting a lot worse lately & it's to the point where I'm pretty sure when I go to his dr.'s appt. next week, I'm almost certain they're going to put him on meds. I've tried everything, including changing his diet & nothing seems to work. He does well in his classroom, but his behavior is terrible everywhere else - they're even close to throwing him off the school bus! My DD age 2 (almost 3) is also experiencing ADHD behaviors, not as bad as DS, but she can be a handful as well. In addition to all of this I also have a 13 month DD.

My kids loves anything Disney & love going on rides (not the baby!) - the faster, the better! In the past, we have taken them to six flaggs for a day trip or to the boardwalk at the Jersey Shore. They're a handful, but they tend to enjoy themselves. This will be our first time taking them on a long vacation. My DS's doctor gave me a note to bring so we can get the disability pass, since there is no way he can tolerate waiting in lines. My biggest concern is his behavior problems & that he'll get away from me & become lost. Disney is my favorite place to vacation & I've always dreamed of the day when I can bring my children here. Lately. DH & I have been getting really nervous about how they are going to act while there & DH is even having doubts about even going at all. We've spent the extra $$ to stay at the Poly for convenience & we are also planning on staying for 9 nights so we have plenty of time to do things. Also, we planned to go in September when the crowds will be light.

Am I being too nervous?? Anyone else in a similar situation?

 

[SueM in MN]

If you haven't already checked it out, look at the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of this board. It has a section about GACs (Guest Assistance Cards) - what your doctor apparently called a disability pass.

The boards are going down for maintenance in a few minutes, but there are quite a few threads about ADHD.

 

[whgrn]

Hi CrazyKids, greetings from another Jersey Girl!

My DS, now 10, also has ADHD, and a pretty severe case at that! 5 years ago we went to WDW--his 1st time. He was not on meds at that time. He WAS overstimulated, and we did have some issues, but it was really OK. As far as running off, I was NOT the only mom in the World to have a little one on a leash! In fact, I bought it (in desperation) at AK!! He had kept roaming, and when I saw it at the gift shop, I grabbed it and used it from then on. It was a godsend! Several moms stopped me and asked where I'd found it! Yes, I got some looks, but not one person said anything negative to me!

We also tried EVERYTHING prior to meds with him. All the nutritional stuff, reflexology, allergy testing, massage, you name it. I was adamant that I did not want to medicate him. After one week of Kindergarten, I finally gave in. The change was instantaneous. DS is now in 4th grade, getting mostly As, has learned quite a bit of self control, and is a happy, well adjusted kid. Yes, we still have meltdowns. Yes, transitions are still hard at times. But I've never regretted it for a minute. He takes Adderall and Strattera. (We had to add the Strattera, because we couldn 't give him a high enough dose of Adderall to get the results we needed without him getting a tic) His doses have increased over the years, obviously, as he has grown, but he has done great!

Talk to his doctor, see what he recommends. You might be pleasantly surprised. Meanwhile, enjoy your trip, and do get the GAC--it will help him to not have to wait in lines where he will "lose it".

Have fun!!

 

[crazykids]

Thank you so much for your comments - makes me feel a whole lot better! I was toying w/ the idea of a leash ( I have the kind where it goes around both my wrist & his), I'm just always embarrased to use it. Maybe that will be the route we will go, I'm also bringing an umbrella stoller for him in case he gets tired from all of the walking.

 

[mstutler31]

Okay,
Every kid is different, But here is my story,
We adopted 4 boys back in '98 they are now 16, 15, 14, 13 all 4 have Fetal Alcohol Syndrome + 2 have ADHD +Bi Polar+ODD+ Sleeping disorders+ RAD(reactive Attachment Disorder) We finally got brave and took them last Feb. Yes they were overstimulated but we stuck to our bedtimes, food schedules, morning routines and everything! Mentally they are all slow about 5 years behind, They love Disney! In fact we had such a good time we went back in Dec. for Christmas only had a few issues, We did break down and get the Guest Assistance Card,(w/ a DR. note) People would look at us and say things "like where is your wheel chair" ,like we were cheating or something!and after awhile I thought to myself " Look you don't live in my world on a day to day basis get over it" then I didn't worry about anymore> Plus we never saw those people again, So go buy a harness, take your time,Relax!! Have a great time your kids will remember it forever!!

 

[whgrn]

Thank you so much for your comments - makes me feel a whole lot better! I was toying w/ the idea of a leash ( I have the kind where it goes around both my wrist & his), I'm just always embarrased to use it. Maybe that will be the route we will go, I'm also bringing an umbrella stoller for him in case he gets tired from all of the walking.

Oh yes, DEFINITELY get the stroller! My kids were 5 and 6 and they could never have made it though the whole park on foot, especially day after day!

The wrist to wrist leash is what I had. Don't be embarassed! You are keeping your child safe! Besides, better to be embarassed now than distraught if he runs off and gets lost!

 

[Forevryoung]

While the leash and the stroller are great, I would also start coaching your children what you want them to do if they get lost. DRILL it into their heads (especially your older one who doesn't follow rules). Make sure that they know your name (first and last) and cell phone number. Every morning when they get dressed, take a picture before you step out the door with your digital camera. That way, when someone asks what they are wearing, you can skip back to that picture and remember. You will be too flustered otherwise.

I would bring the leash but I would use the stroller more- only because you have much more control over the situation Besides, when your son gets overstimulated, you can put him in the stroller and tell him to just sit and relax. He doesn't have to walk and look where he is going at the same time.

Bring gameboys or electronic toys or whatever to play while waiting in line or in restaurants (you will eventually have to wait for food, even if you are only doing counter service).

For all you know, you might be dealing with a whole new child in time for your trip- meds have amazing potential

 

[naominpaul]

This thread is a little old but I enjoyed reading it and thought I'd give my 2 cents worth. Our oldest DS is 10, has ADHD and has traveled to WDW 6 times! He was not medicated until 3rd grade so 5 of those visits were made with hopes and prayers that we would not make the local news (for losing him or him doing something outrageous). When he was 2 1/2 we did lose him at AK. He had just had his face painted like a tiger, DH had the other DS (1 yo) on his shoulders, we had him by the hand and let go for a second and that was it, he was gone!!!! We had never been so scared before. Obviously we found him with the help of wonderful CMs. He is much more responsible now but still not a line waiter. Now we have the female version of him in our DD. She is the most charming wonderful child, BUT I believe the book written about strong willed children had her in mind!!! We made the trip last year with her at 2 and will go again this year....all I can say is I'm really glad they sell beer at 3 of the 4 parks (LOL). I don't think we will ask for the GAC, but it has crossed our mind. Glad to know there are others out there who understand!

 

[SueM in MN]

2 things to add.
1) You will see lots of people with the child leashes, so don't be worried that your child will be the only one.

2) If having him in a stroller in lines would help you to control him, you can request a GAC that would allow you to do that.