Question regarding dd with autism

[Mom2aPoohFan]

Hi all,
Newbie here. I've been lurking for a week or so, and totally enjoying all the helpful info here.

We have recently booked a land/sea package for July. We are absolutely thrilled about it. Anyway, my older dd will have just turned 5 when we go. She has autism/developmental delays. Her motor skills are about on a 36 month level, but her speech is about an 18 month level and her cognitive skills are somewhere in between. It seems like I read somewhere that if you let them know ahead of time, an extra CM can be arranged for the Oceaneer's club to accompany a special needs child. Not sure if this is true, since it seems like it would be a big expense for DCL.

Anyone with experience with this. I'll also post on the disAbilities board. It may not even matter since we're only going on a three day cruise, and I'm sure we'll be busy with lots of other activities.

TIA!
Angie

 

[JanDave]

Welcome Angie: I have a goddaughter who has Down Syndrome. In 2003, she was 6 and cruised with us on the Wonder. She had delayed speech and her motor skills were not those of a 6 year old. When we registered her for the club, the Down Syndrome was not an issue, however, there was not a CM assigned to her. I don't think they have the staff for that. We stayed in the club with her when she wanted to go, which would only be for 30 minutes or so at a time. She didn't participate with the kids, but played on the slide, the octopus, etc. She will be in the kids club this June when we cruise on the Wonder and we don't know if she'll want us to stay with her or want to join in with the others.

Hope this answers your questions. Feel free to email me at janziegler@aol.com.

Jan

 

[6griswolds]

Hi there. Our cruise is next year in August. I also have a child with developmental delays. At the time of cruising she will be almost 5. I am worried about leaving her in the clubs. She will have a 7 yr. old sister with her. Her speech is also at the moment at an 18 month level. She is also still in diapers. (I really hope this changes soon) I was curious if she will even be allowed in the club if for some reason she is still in the diapers. Or if she would have extra attention because of her delays. Guess I'm no help for you. I just had my own concerns too....

 

[challada]

As a professional who works w/developmentally delayed preschoolers, I am so glad to hear about these wonderful opportunities you are creating for your children. No matter what the delays may be, such an enriching experience will do wonders for you child!

That said, I went and read the DCL website...I don't think they will allow a diapered child in the kids club. Severely delayed kids can be arranged to get additional help thru the Nursery Reef program, but you will be charged hourly (like babysitting) for the services. If you have concerns, I would contact DCL directly to discuss the situation before you go and get their input. Disney company is very proactive in their work with children w/disabilities so I would imagine that they have plans in place.

Again, as someone who works w/kids like yours daily...thank you for all you do for your kids!

 

[Medleytrio]

Hi all,
Newbie here. I've been lurking for a week or so, and totally enjoying all the helpful info here.
Anyone with experience with this. I'll also post on the disAbilities board. It may not even matter since we're only going on a three day cruise, and I'm sure we'll be busy with lots of other activities.
TIA!
Angie

Angie--I have a 6 yo autistic grandson whom we took to Disney World last January. As you are aware, autistic children do not deal with change easily and when you vacation there is nothing but unfamilar surroundings and change. However, Disney will do everything they can to accomodate you--, as you know an autistic child cannot wait in a long line. He did not particuairly enjoy his vacation, as he kept wanting to leave "Sunny Florida" he wanted to go home. (that is what is familar to him) HIs trip on the plane was fine, uneventful and he enjoyed being at the resort, swimming, playing ect., but the crowds were not his cup of tea. I did not take him on a Disney cruise YET, he will be going in another year or two, but I did take the other 2 grandkids and they loved it and from what I can tell by our week on the ship, it would be a vacation that I think he would enjoy. I did not see where I would have any fear for him. The kids are well supervised, and on the days when the ship is in port, the pool area really cleared out which would make it nice for him. The only reason I am waiting to take him a little later is he has a 2 year old brother that would go and I prefer to take him when he is at least 4. If I can help you any other way, send me your e-mail address and I would be happy to visit with you. My daughter-in-law is alittle more leary than I am with him, I try to give him the same opportunities as the girls, this year I have introduced him to skating, which he does OK, he basically goes around the rink on the center line, but he is skating and he started soccor practice last week. He did not want to go with me to soccor, but once he was there and tried it he really did enjoy it. These are such amazing kids aren't they. Anyway I am getting off the subject--I think Disney will be wonderful for you, contact me and I have will share with you.