Preschooler with Selective Mutism and WDW

[mommymajer]

My daughter will be 4 in Feb. We are going to Disney World in December for the first time. For those of you unfamiliar, it is similar to Social Anxiety Disorder. Has anyone with a SM child gone and what do you recommend?

Thanks!

 

[SueM in MN]

I'd suggest looking in the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of this board (there is also a link in my signature). Post #6 has information about Guest Assistance Cards, which may be helpful to you.

You may also want to check out some of the links in post #3 of that thread, especially the ones about autism. I realize that your child's condition is not autism, but some of the suggestions in those threads for decreasing stimulation might be helpful also for someone with social anxiety.

I would imagine that meeting the characters might be stressful for her. Some kids like to watch other children interact for a while before they get close to the characters. You might also want to look into character meals because you have more control over the interaction. You can see which character is coming and watch them approach. Also, you could position your child at the back of a table or in a position where the characters won't come up behind her.

A touring plan that helps you know which park is less busy and when will also be helpful. A lot of people have used Tour Guide Mike ( www.tourguidemike.com ) with good results. Knowing where it's not busy will help avoid waits in line, but alse means the park in general will be more quiet.

 

[mechurchlady]

Also do not for get the GAC "Stroller as a Wheelchair". It would allow you to take your daughter through any line or anywhere that wheelchairs are allowed to go even if the signs say "no strollers allowed".

Kids seem to like to hide in their stroller. They have their little space and people cannot bump or touch them. I saw recently on this board a picture of a boy with the canopy all the way down and busy with his busy stuff. It is a safe haven for kids with sensory issues.

if she is on a special diet or an extremely picky eater then contact the food people and their number in in the FAQs.

Sign language and PECs are wonderful ways for her to communicate. She may not talk but she can point to those things she needs. It is important to get her to communicate early on even if it is with the PECs or sign language. That can be found in the autism threads. Some parents make a book and take a chapter with them so the kid can point to what they want like Dumbo or Buzz Lightyear.

Miracles to happen at WDW. Know your kid's limitations but let her lead you. She may shy away from characters but at the end of the trip will be willing to stand near one. Very very microscopic steps but they are steps forward. Try to do Extra Magical Hour as that will get you into the park early. The crowds will not be as bad and you can take your time to get to a ride and be there even if the ride is not part of EMH. When EMH is over you will be ready to pounce and be first on a ride she loves.

Good luck and hugs
Laurie

 

[bookwormde]

It is definitely worth digging through some of the Aseprgers/Autism threads since many of the ideas and accommodations would likely be appropriate for your daughter.

WDW is a magical place for children with “differences” so with a little preparation do not be surprised if she is much more “in her element” than you might expect.

Sounds like the mutism is anxiety induced so managing anxiety is probably the key.

bookwormde

 

[Nascia]

Our DS was diagnosed with Selective Mutism a few years ago. Through intensive behavioral therapy he has progressed extremely well. He's involved in karate and baseball and interacts well with children and adults provided that the spotlight is not on him. If he feels he's getting too much attention he shut downs (only happens a few times a week now, compared to numerous times a day when first diagnosed). He is doing so well that his diagnosis was changed from selective mutism to social anxiety as he no longer met the criteria for sm.

As far as WDW goes we have gone twice a year for the past 3 or 4 years now. We started going when he was two or three. I suggest taking a stroller and getting the GAC, we couldn't have made it through those first couple of trips without it. The first trip he sat in the stroller at all times with the exception of riding rides. He did not talk to anyone and avoided all eye contact with cms. It made him feel safe and gave him his own personal space. The stamps we had on the GAC were the stroller as a wheelchair and alternative waiting area ones as he would have had a panic attack and subsequant meltdown if he had to be surrounded by all the other people waiting in line. For him he would rather sit in the stroller on the sidelines than be in the middle of that many people.

When we did (and still do) character meals he always sat in the inner most seat, furthest away from the aisle. Most of characters got it and left him alone, some did not. With those we gave a quick "no" shake of the head and they understood and would joke with him from the aisle. He still didn't respond, but they we're not in his space so he didn't completely shutdown. We also did a lot of prep work before the trip, watching the planning dvd, shows on the travel channel, etc so he knew what he could expect. We also watched movies with the characters so he knew who they were and that they'd be there. Basically we expected some road blocks during the first couple of trips. He did extremely well while we were there and for a weeks following our return home.

Hope that helps. If you have any other questions feel free to pm me.

 

[mommymajer]

Thank you to all of you. I think we are pretty prepared. I have researched WDW a lot already, even though we are going in December. We are planners anyway. My daughter does well talking in public as long as she doesn't have to talk to someone other than me or my husband. The stroller idea maybe good and the alternate waiting area sounds great! How do I find out about that? It is still too soon to show her videos and talk about our trip, but will definitely do that. Any tips on DVD's or websites that can help with that?

Thanks again!

 

[Nascia]

You can get the Guest Assistance Card with the stamps to use the stroller and alternate waiting areas at the Guest Relations Centers in any of the four parks. We have used YouTube to find full length ride videos. Just search for each attraction. Good Luck!