Opinions Please

[s&k'smom]

Hey guys, I'm already in planning mode for Oct. 2004 trip. And I would like an opinion. I may have partially mentioned this in a past post. DS is mildly autistic and quite strong. We want to take him to WDW but having him walk to much especially if he is wired because of his SI issues it can be hard to get him around the parks. Last year he fit in a stroller but next year he'll be to big. I was thinking of getting a wheelchair, just in case. If he decides he's not going to move thats it. They'll be no moving him. It's not because he's a brat but as many of us can relate, he'll really get overwhelmed at times and his SI issues can get in the way. I just want the wheelchair in case. Did that make sense? I just don't want to offend anyone. Any opinions would be appreciated. Gotta run and go home (this means once agan Dissing at the office!!)

 

[SueM in MN]

I think what you are thinking of makes very good sense.
if he is in a "I'm not budging" mode, you do need some way to move him!
I don't have enough time to really give a good thought-out response right now, but there are some things you might want to consider about a wheelchair - like how big is he and would he be comfortable riding in one (or would it be another thing that would irritate him?).
I'll write more when I am home.

 

[Sue & Co.]

I think it's a great idea becuase I know from a friends child that otherwise if he doesn't want to move you'll be stuck for ages. A suggestion though as he is only just out of strollers the standard disney wheelchairs would almost certainly be too big and uncomfortable for him and could cause more issues. Perhaps you could consider one of the offsite companies that have a much wider range so that you can get one that is just right. If you took him with you to go and get it (rather than have it delivered) he might feel more comfortable with it as he had tried it first. I know Sue and others have links to all the companies and I'm sure that they will post them for you.

With regard to what other people may think, they do not know your circumstances and most of them have absolutely no idea of how it is for you so do not let them bother you. Do what is right for you and your family.

Sue

 

[Nanajo1]

I just want to chime in with a "do what's best for your family" vote. Please don't let what you think other folks might be thinking interfere with YOUR trip. Any uncalled for comments or stares should just be ignored or met with the sweetest little grin. How do you handle this situation at home? I was justing thinking if you could keep things as familar as possible it might help.
Have fun planning and PD for a great trip.

 

[s&k'smom]

Thanks you guys, I feel much better. Actually he is quite thin (on his way to be six foot) so I may get away with a double stroller. But he usually grows about 2 inches every summer so we are keeping our options open. I knew I came to the right place.

 

[SueM in MN]

Safari Steve used to post that the WDW largest size strollers would fit up to a small 12 year old, so you might be able to do a stroller without problem.

Another problem with a wheelchair (besides size) is that since the wheels are where the rider can reach them, the rider can also drive the wheelchair or prevent it from being driven - by putting their hands on the wheels. DD has driven her own wheelchair since she was about 4, but we also have experience with her PREVENTING it from being moved if she was in an "I'm not budging" mood. So you might want to look at some other alternatives - Special Needs Strollers and Companion Wheelchairs.

I believe that both of these places rent those:
Care Medical:
http://www.caremedicalequipment.com/
Phone (407) 856-2273 • Toll Free U.S and Canada (800) 741-2282

Walker Mobility:
1-888-726-6837
www.walkermobility.com

I've also been told that
http://www.all-about-kids.com/main.htm
rents Special Needs Strollers.

The stollers come in 2 general kinds - a large size umbrella type stroller and a large jogging stroller. Both hold people up to 100 or 125 pounds.
Companion Chairs are sort of like light weight wheelchairs that have small wheels in the back instead of a set of large ones.

If you have "not budging" moments in your life outside of WDW, you might want to look into getting one of these for your DS. A Physical Therapist can help you figure out what would work best and insurance will often pay for them.
Here's a link to
the stroller page at Adaptive Mall.com which has examples of lots of kinds of strollers.
You can find companion chairs by doing a google.com search with "Companion +wheelchair".

 

[s&k'smom]

I totally forgot about the bigger strollers. That's such a good idea. He is actually really, really skinny so those strollers should work out just fine. Thanks again you guys.

 

[Poohnatic]

You may also want to consider that with the park strollers, you have a covering on three sides that cut out the external stimuli, whereas you won't have that feature with a wheelchair.

When my son gets overloaded by what's around him in WDW, he retreats into the stroller and puts the ball cap (that he only seems to wear at WDW) down over his eyes. We even added a towel to our backpacks to drape over the stroller when he needs it.

I'm sure you'll find what works for him, but if he can still fit in those park strollers, he'll have his safety net.

Suzanne

 

[s&k'smom]

Thank you Poohnatic, thats great advise. We usually bring his blankie for him and that works well as he's had it since day one (you can just imagine the shape it's in). We also found that spending time at the pool every day and working off all that energy was key.