Sensory overload at Disney - can it improve with age?

[UnderneathAMagicMoon]

The earlier the diagnosis, the better. If you can take him to a developmental pediatrician for a full evaluation, the doctor may be able to write it up in a way that demands treatment for the sensory/behavior issues now. Don’t be surprised if they recommend speech therapy which can be used for a myriad of things. My son got speech and OT services in pre-school through our school district but added more sessions with our health insurance. If you try to get services and they are denied, appeal. That goes for both the school and the insurance. The institutions designed to help us will often provide what they think the least they can get away with is.

Thank you! I wish things had gone more smoothly but at a minimum I’d like to get him evaluated by an OT or SLP (developmental pediatrician would be great but the wait lists are often many months long in this area.)

 

[UnderneathAMagicMoon]

I have a close friend whose daughter has problems with sensory issues. She asked me if I thought WDW would be okay for her sensory-wise. I just told her about the constant stimulation by noise, people, sights, etc. I said it was a sensory overload for us sometimes as adults. We had to go to the resort and get some down time. Her daughter can't stand someone talking to her and doesn't want to be noticed or bothered.
She can't take loud noises or crowds. So, sadly, her Mom decided that she definitely could not go to a place like disney with her. It is different for everyone of course, but in this case I think the decision was correct. She would have been miserable and so would her Mom.

Yeah, I haven’t ruled out the idea that this just isn’t for us. Since my son is so young I’m still hoping that with a few years of development and maturity he might be better able to process new experiences.