On site childcare for son with Autism

[nwdisgal]

Has anyone ever utilized the Onsite Childcare (i.e Neverland, or Simba's Cubhouse) for childcare for a child with autistic spectrum or related disorders? How does Disney handle this? My DS has High Functioning Autism and I would like to leave him at Neverland or Simba's Cubhouse for a couple hours while my DH and I go out to dinner at one of the resorts. He is 6 and has an older sister (10) that will be with him. My son is in a mainstreamed classroom and attended daycare when he was younger, so he's used to being in groups with other children. He is pretty good with things as long as I prepare him ahead of time. I would appreciate any suggestions that you have.

 

[teri]

We have done it several times at the Poly, Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk, Vero Beach and Grand Californian. They are quite used to it, although you might want to call them and talk to them in advance. I have seen kids in there with Down's Syndrome, autism. Our son is medium-functioning autistic, he has done well at 4 of the kids' clubs we have tried. They will not do any nursing duties, diaper changes, medications. Our only problem was once when a CM tried to give our son milk to drink - he is lactose intolerant, it was an honest mistake. His big sister was there, and she stopped them.

They give you a pager and numbers to call.

My caveat about the kids' clubs is that there is a time-limit on your evening. If you really want to make a night of it and not have to run back to pick up the kids before the center closes, drag sleepy kids back to the room, etc., you might want to consider getting a sitter instead. We have had excellent experiences with Fairy Godmothers Child Care Service in Orlando, their number is (407) 969-9847 and toll free 877-611-4314. We were thrilled with the sitter they sent, wish we had her here. The WDW resorts also have a child care service, and you can find their numbers in the information guide that you get when you check in.

 

[s&k'smom]

Thanks Teri, we are at WL in October and we were wondering if we should do that? My DS may enjoy some time away from mom and dad!

 

[teri]

Actually, my son insists on it, he considers it to be an essential part of the trip to WDW. He even *refused* to do an E-ticket night at Magic Kingdom last Thanksgiving weekend, in favor of going to a kids club. We are going to do a short trip to Disneyland next month, just the 2 of us (no husband or daughter this time) and he was a bit taken aback when I told him that there would be no kids' club since we are staying offsite.

 

[nwdisgal]

Teri - thanks so much for the all the information. That is so helpful. I will give them a call ahead of time and let them know what my son's needs are. Also, thanks for the suggestions on in house sitters.

Pam

 

[FFerret]

We're hoping to go for the first time in December, and my son'll be four then. He was diagnosed with PDD-NOS in March--not sure if he's high-functioning or mid yet; doesn't speak very well at all and really isn't sure how to play with others.

Since he's still not potty trained I guess we're going to get a Fairy Godmother for our night-out, but from what I've heard here on the boards she'll do a great job!

 

[SueM in MN]

I know that teri has been pleased with Fairy Godmothers and other people have posted good experiences also.
And teri, that's pretty cute that your son considers kid's club to be an essential part of his WDW trip. I hope he finds something else essential by the time he's too old for the kid's clubs.

 

[klwally]

My son is also 6 HFA with a 9 yo sister. He's mainstreamed with an aide as well, kindergarten went great, and he's excited for 1st grade next year.

I've never done the child care at WDW - (9 trips with Mitchel in all) and have always wondered how it would work. Luckily my parents usually go with us, so I have a built in sitter, but sometimes it would be fun to do an E-ticket with the four adults. Maybe I'll take the plunge and try one of these services next time. Thanks for the info.

Nice also to see so many autistic kids who are able to enjoy the World too!

 

[SueM in MN]

Welcome, klwally. Glad to see another new person has found us.
If you decided to take the plunge, let us know how it worked out and what sorts of things you would have liked to know before you did it. The more people who post their experiences, the more help we can give.

 

[klwally]

Sure will! I know my aunt used a baby sitting service once, and loved it - she said the girl was great - came very prepared. But she also has two NT kids.

All I can say for now is Gramma works good :lol:

 

[lovethatcruise]

My 9 yo son is PDD-NOS and we have done all kinds of disney stuff for the past 4 years. Like yours, he is "mainstreamed" but I'd have to say he has his "quirks." As long as child care environment is unstructured and he can "do his own thing" everything has always gone well. I always explain his "issues" to the person in charge and introduce him to the caregivers. They have always been very understanding and I have never been paged to come get him.

On cruise this year he was separated from his 6 yo sister for first time in childcare and older group too "structured" for him. Although he tolerated the first evening with no inappropriate behaviors, the staff knew his "issues" and thought he would enjoy himself more with the younger group. I was thankful that they allowed me to move him and he spent every evening in the club while we had dinner.

Back to the parks, we travel at off-peak times to minimize wait times. We do get a GAC but don't use it unless things get too overstimulating for him. Meltdowns in the middle of a 60 minute line aren't a pretty sight. Good Luck and have lots of fun!