Non-verbal child and character M&Gs

[Angel Ariel]

My daughter, age 4, has Childhood Apraxia of Speech and is still pretty much non-verbal...she has some approximations, but is not intelligible to the general public. She does not yet have an AAC device (her preschool is in the process of getting her an iPad w/Proloquo2Go that she can take back and forth from school), and she does not fully understand the PECS cards/system. Our trip is also in a little over a week, and her SLP agrees that that isn't enough time for her to learn how to use something like that (we've been working on it for a while, and it's slow going).

Last night we used a simple PECS card for Trick or Treat, and that worked out very well - we handed one to each person who answered the door. It was very reinforcing for her, and it helped the adults understand that they couldn't ask her to say trick or treat. Leading up to Halloween, I saw quite a few suggestions in various FB groups of using cards like these:

(inserting Apraxia in place of Autism, etc)

Anyway, it led me to think that maybe I could design a card like the one pictured that we could show characters when we go up for meet and greets (handing it directly to the face characters, and maybe handing to the handler for the fur characters?) We have a character breakfast at the Plaza...not sure how that would work there since there aren't usually handlers nearby (at least there weren't last year) - would the fur characters be able to read them?

I'm having trouble coming up with wording for Disney though...I don't necessarily want it to be awareness driven (like the "for more information" part)..I want it to be something to help initiate interaction with the character (beyond just a hi, picture, autograph and leave as much as possible) while also telling the character she won't be able to talk back.

If anyone has any suggestions or examples, they would be greatly appreciated!

 

[lanejudy]

I honestly wouldn't worry about it. The "fur" characters don't speak anyway and manage to communicate with kids of all ages. You are welcome to quietly approach the handler to explain if you feel it's necessary. You can also communicate for her -- something like "Sally is so excited to see you! She wants you to know you are her favorite princess and hopes you like her princess dress." The characters will cue off that. My DD was never particularly verbal with characters until the past couple of years, and even then she's so excited that she tends to forget to speak. Hugs and smiles are a universal language.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Nevada Jen]

You will be just fine with nothing. Unlike the general public, Disney characters are very familiar with handling kids who don't speak. My DD is 18 (but looks about 7) and we have been to the parks many, many times with her (including on a wish trip) and we have honestly never had a problem or an issue. I usually talk to my child but direct the comments to the character and they always pick up the issue and behave appropriately. "Look V! It's Donald Duck! He's your favorite! I bet he will give you a high five!"

 

[Angel Ariel]

I honestly wouldn't worry about it. The "fur" characters don't speak anyway and manage to communicate with kids of all ages. You are welcome to quietly approach the handler to explain if you feel it's necessary. You can also communicate for her -- something like "Sally is so excited to see you! She wants you to know you are her favorite princess and hopes you like her princess dress." The characters will cue off that. My DD was never particularly verbal with characters until the past couple of years, and even then she's so excited that she tends to forget to speak. Hugs and smiles are a universal language.

Enjoy your vacation!

That's what we did last year...and it did work well, don't get me wrong! Me talking for her is pretty much daily life in all settings But DD really seemed to enjoy being the one to initiate the contact last night, and initiation is a big thing that she's working on overall, so I thought this could be a fun and simple way for her to start initiating with the characters (as she is comfortable, of course). I certainly don't plan to use the vacation to "work" on things in a not fun way for her...we ALL need this vacation! But I thought if she's motivated by something like this, as she was last night, then maybe it would be additionally reinforcing at Disney

 

[Angel Ariel]

You will be just fine with nothing. Unlike the general public, Disney characters are very familiar with handling kids who don't speak. My DD is 18 (but looks about 7) and we have been to the parks many, many times with her (including on a wish trip) and we have honestly never had a problem or an issue. I usually talk to my child but direct the comments to the character and they always pick up the issue and behave appropriately. "Look V! It's Donald Duck! He's your favorite! I bet he will give you a high five!"

I do know the characters will be great with her! They were all wonderful with her last year I'm not at all worried about that.

DD is starting to show interest in initiating communication, which is a BIG step for her, so I'm wanting to reinforce that. Overall she's wanting more and more independence, and I want to encourage that (safely, of course) as much as I can. When I saw how reinforcing it was for her to be able to initiate contact during trick or treating last night, it was just awesome. While I'm definitely not interested in making her work hard or anything on vacation, if this is something that she's interested in AND will help her, I'm all for giving it a shot. If it doesn't end up being useful, I can always communicate for her as I usually do, but I want her to have the option if she chooses.

 

[Camshell]

I have personal experience with selective mutism, so if it were me I would have her come up with some things she would like to say to specific characters (short and simple) and write them in big words on some cards. Then when she meets she could give the card to the character and see if they start a conversation with her. This would be like a bridge (similar to the card you are using) to conversation. The only difference is I'm not sure I would go into what her particular condition is. I don't think that level of detail is necessary.

Alternatively you could have her carry a specific toy and "show" the character. That can also stimulate a conversation too.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

I wouldn't give cards to the directly to fur characters. I think it might be hard for them to read a card through their mask. They will interact with her anyway without words. When my daughter was 2 she was too afraid to talk to any character and they all interacted with her just fine. For face characters, keep it short. 1 or 2 sentences. They can glance at it, get the gist, and quickly adapt. They are pros at changing their approach for each person so it will be no problem.

 

[Angel Ariel]

I have personal experience with selective mutism, so if it were me I would have her come up with some things she would like to say to specific characters (short and simple) and write them in big words on some cards.

She can't really communicate even to me what she'd like to say. I have an idea of her favorite characters/books/toys just from reactions she gives, but she can't really communicate what she wants to say at all. The few approximations she has are things like "ah do" (I do), "ah doh wan oo" (I don't want to), "oh" (open), etc. We're still in the very very beginning stages of any communication.

Then when she meets she could give the card to the character and see if they start a conversation with her. This would be like a bridge (similar to the card you are using) to conversation. The only difference is I'm not sure I would go into what her particular condition is. I don't think that level of detail is necessary.

I do agree that the condition isn't necessary...the trick or treat cards like the one posted (different than the one she used, but another suggestion) are intended to raise awareness in your specific neighborhood, since these are people the child would likely have more contact with. I'm not looking to raise awareness with this at all, so yeah I'll definitely leave off the condition.

Alternatively you could have her carry a specific toy and "show" the character. That can also stimulate a conversation too.

I am thinking I'll do that if we get to meet Rapunzel. DD sleeps with a stuffed Flynn Rider..she absolutely loves him. He's one of the "must haves" to go to sleep..I thought I'd bring him in with us on the day we hope to meet her. I'll have to take a look at the room in the backpack, but we might be able to do that with a few other (smaller) things...thanks!

 

[Camshell]

I just wanted to say, it's okay if you want to use Disney to work on her speech. Motivation is really key for non-verbal kids, and what a great opportunity if she is really motivated to want to talk with the characters. I'm soon to be going into 2-3 months of "communication challenges" with my child so he can increase his comfort level with speaking. He's just doing pre-prep now. We are using motivation as a key factor in getting some results. I think it might be worth reframing your thoughts that this is a wonderful motivational therapeutic opportunity to get her speaking more. Nothing wrong with that.

 

[Bearshouse]

DS is Non-verbal. He has a sound for yes and sound for no. But his first forms of communication was looking up for yes and down no. He still uses that when he cant get control of his breath. Per my signature we have been to WDW several times. Each and everyone of them has been special and each and every one of the characters have been amazing. This last trip Aurora came right up to him and goes " there you are prince charming, how have you been?" While the wheel chair is a main key we have noticed that all the characters are just plain amazing. Give each character a bit to run with and they will even fur characters.

On our recent visit we happen to be sitting on the opposite side of the street of a young man who was deaf during the festival of fantasy parade. I only noticed because when Rapunzel came on her float he was signing to her and waving. Without skipping a beat she smiled at him in her amazing smile and signed right back.

 

[ez]

It is my impression that the castmembers who are characters must be trained in dealing with kids with special situations and needs. My son can talk but talks about mostly nonsense although its very important to him. He has a preplanned speech of nonsensical things he will talk to the characters about!! I am always very impressed with how the characters act like they are very interested and excited in what he is saying thru their pantomime. I'm guessing they are fine with anyone who is non verbal.

 

[wilkeliza]

It is my impression that the castmembers who are characters must be trained in dealing with kids with special situations and needs. My son can talk but talks about mostly nonsense although its very important to him. He has a preplanned speech of nonsensical things he will talk to the characters about!! I am always very impressed with how the characters act like they are very interested and excited in what he is saying thru their pantomime. I'm guessing they are fine with anyone who is non verbal.

All CMs go through the training but entertainment reinforces it over and over again.

 

[opusone]

Yes, as everyone and you have pointed out, the characters are truly amazing at Disney, so you know your daughter is in great hands for the meet and greets; however, if she is showing interest in initiating communication, I think you definitely follow her lead and empower her. Maybe just a simple card stating "I am non-verbal, but I am really excited to meet you" would be perfect for her to give the non-fur characters. Your daughter will get the positive affirmation from initiating communication, and it allows the characters to more quickly adapt to your child's needs.

Also, I agree with others that the non-verbal characters will naturally be a good fit without the card.

 

[aejammers]

Instead of having to fuss with the cards, could she pick a non-verbal action to initiate the encounter? Something like waving Hello, holding her arms out for a hug, or holding her hand up for a high-five? That is certainly initiating contact and would be an obvious clue to the character that she is non-verbal.

Have a great trip!

 

[bopper]

Most little kids just look at the characters and don't say anything. Parents would say "Hi Mickey! This is Chris! " and Mickey doesn't talk anyway. Then the parent could say "Thanks, Mickey!"
The general script is that you would walk up, take a picture with the character, then maybe get an autograph (parents can ask if the character can't see) and then wave good bye!

 

[Angel Ariel]

Most little kids just look at the characters and don't say anything. Parents would say "Hi Mickey! This is Chris! " and Mickey doesn't talk anyway. Then the parent could say "Thanks, Mickey!"
The general script is that you would walk up, take a picture with the character, then maybe get an autograph (parents can ask if the character can't see) and then wave good bye!

As I said, we were there last year and did just this. DD is starting to show interest in starting communication, which is a very big deal for her. I see Disney as a very motivating opportunity to reinforce that for her and hopefully encourage her to continue initiating communication. The last 2 months have really been a breakthrough for her in terms of her interest in communicating, as opposed to her just being happy to let us do it all for her. We want to encourage that I have no doubts about the characters themselves and their ability to interact with her non verbally...we know they are amazing!

 

[Angel Ariel]

Instead of having to fuss with the cards, could she pick a non-verbal action to initiate the encounter? Something like waving Hello, holding her arms out for a hug, or holding her hand up for a high-five? That is certainly initiating contact and would be an obvious clue to the character that she is non-verbal.

Have a great trip!

We will definitely try this...she has gross motor delays along with her speech delays, so these kinds of things are hit and miss for her in terms of whether she can at any given moment. They generally require a verbal or physical prompt from DH or myself, if they happen at all. We will definitely keep it as an option though

 

[Nevada Jen]

From your description of her, you could probably get her to say or sign thank you before the trip. Its an easy sign and word appoximation and it seems like it fits a lot of situations. It is also prompted by the age appropriate parent response of "What do you say honey?" I have found that to be one of the best early interaction phrases to work on. Also because normal people usually then respond "Your Welcome." and then typically one waves goodbye after that as it is often the end of the encounter. It sets a normal conversation pattern that meets her limitations. And you can practice it a lot before the trip!

 

[Angel Ariel]

We are still working on thank you quite a lot, and we will definitely continue to do so at Disney. Signing is difficult (and very inconsistent) for her because of the motor planning problems. We do prompt her for it, but she requires physical assistance to do the sign. Definitely still a goal, and we will practice at Disney too, but we want something that she can be a bit more independent with as well.

This is what I ended up coming up with. It'll be a 4x6 size or so, and the font is 16+ so it should be large and easy to read for the face characters. We won't give it to fur characters (or handlers). We'll still be doing a lot of communicating for her in the ensuing interaction (regardless of what's on the card or whether we use the card at all), obviously, but her SLP suggested that putting her favorites on there would give the face characters something they could ask about if they wanted to.



We also really like the suggestion @Camshell made about bringing a toy. We can't bring in one for every character obviously, but we might bring a couple of small ones with us.

 

[Dbk8784]

Hi. I am also a mom of a child with speech apraxia. We went in July and I was amazed with what my son came away from Disney with. His desire to communicate really came out while at Disney. He was so excited to see the characters and when they would try to talk with him I would just let them know he can't talk but is very excited to meet them. Which you could tell because he was bouncing all over the place until he got his hug. Disney is such a motivation for communication I hope you see amazing progress while your there. I know I was in tears many times everytime he tried to put words together. We left that trip with him saying monorail.