Sensory processing disorder tips for kids?

[Iloveyoumost]

We are going to WDW in November for my oldest DD's 5th birthday. She has sensory processing disorder and has a hard time in large crowds or places with lots of noise. I'm trying to come up with tips and ideas to help keep the days smooth. She actually loves fireworks and parades so I know those things will be fine, I'm more worried about waiting for them, being in lines, busy restaurants, crowded main street at night, etc. When she is having a hard time she will sometimes act out or just go blank if it is really too much and we will cover her ears and very tightly hold her to bring her down. She seeks joint input constantly as well and wears earmuffs at school right now. My DH and I are not wanting to use a DAS (I think that's the right name?) because we really don't feel like she "needs" it. I'd like to find other solutions first, but I'm really nervous this is going to be a nightmare. Does anyone have some tips to help make our trip relaxing and hopefully easy? Sorry this got so long! ETA: also I'm not sure if I posted this in the right place, I'm very sorry if I didn't.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

We are going to WDW in November for my oldest DD's 5th birthday. She has sensory processing disorder and has a hard time in large crowds or places with lots of noise. I'm trying to come up with tips and ideas to help keep the days smooth. She actually loves fireworks and parades so I know those things will be fine, I'm more worried about waiting for them, being in lines, busy restaurants, crowded main street at night, etc. When she is having a hard time she will sometimes act out or just go blank if it is really too much and we will cover her ears and very tightly hold her to bring her down. She seeks joint input constantly as well and wears earmuffs at school right now. My DH and I are not wanting to use a DAS (I think that's the right name?) because we really don't feel like she "needs" it. I'd like to find other solutions first, but I'm really nervous this is going to be a nightmare. Does anyone have some tips to help make our trip relaxing and hopefully easy? Sorry this got so long! ETA: also I'm not sure if I posted this in the right place, I'm very sorry if I didn't.

We use the noise reducing earmuffs in the parks and they really help DD. Lately we've also used an mp3 player with earbuds to help her cope. We are at rope drop each morning and tour until around 1 or 2pm, then take a swim break at the hotel. The swimming really calms DD.

For restaurants, book the earliest possible ADRs for that meal to reduce wait times and crowds in the restaurants, eg a 5:00 dinner ADR.

 

[bookwormde]

Having reasonable expectations and making adjustments when her anxiety rises, will help a lot.

There are always places to sneak away that are quieter.

Also as long as our kids are not overly tired, the enjoyment of being at WDW often makes them more tolerant and resilient.

 

[InMemory]

I too was afraid my son would be overwhelmed and terrified the whole time but he loved it. We were shocked at how much he loved it. We did pack foam ear plugs and put those in before shows and many rides and he handled them well. We also took breaks and to a degree let him guide. If he had his ears covered or would start to get overwhelmed we'd put in the earplugs and he'd be fine. If he started to shut down we'd just take a break. Just remember its fun for no one when someone needs a break and doesn't get it.

 

[Gracie09]

Use a stroller and pull the shade all the way down (using a light blanket if you need to) to create a darker quieter space. I did this for dd2 during our last trip. She doesn't have a processing disorder but she can easily get overwhelmed by the sounds and sights at Disney.

 

[sleepingbean]

May have been said, but a stroller (renting the Disney strollers may be good option as they are large and easy to push) gives privacy and some sensory input from the wheels over ground. Weight vests and or other weight clothing or bean bag type items to be rotated in and out of use (and stored in stroller). Noise canceling headphones or just headphones with sensory input geared music. Earplugs. Safe chewies and fidgets (tied to string attached to bag so they don't get lost). Ie; those little bags with water, stress balls, slinkies made of plastic, etc. Writing options. We got a special book of attractions and put pictures of most of the characters in the book, and included stickers that could be added. My kids loved studying these books of attractions and collecting autographs and writing or adding stickers to the book. Good for down times.
I would think that talking to an occupational therapist before leaving would be good, for specific suggestions that would be targeted to your child. I was really worried about this on our first trip, but it hasn't been a problem. So long as we allow for down time when needed and snacks and such, our kiddos have done great. I hope you have a fantastic time!

 

[Hoodie]

Stroller with a pull down worked well for my DS. Managing expectations as well. There were times we just walked around with him "tucked away" until he could come out again.

DAS could help with the lines. We also felt our DS didn't "need" it and only picked it up for the last couple of days. Knowing what I do now, I would have gotten it first. It wasn't so much the waiting in lines (he's not too far off from any other 5 year old in that regard) but for avoiding the interactive lines like TSM and Winnie the Pooh. From an adult point of view, and most kids, those lines are wonderful. For someone with sensory issues they are way too much. Something we didn't even consider until we tried them.
Remember, just because you have it, doesn't mean you have to use it for every ride. We only used it a couple of times, just to avoid the line areas that were too overwhelming.

 

[Iloveyoumost]

May have been said, but a stroller (renting the Disney strollers may be good option as they are large and easy to push) gives privacy and some sensory input from the wheels over ground. Weight vests and or other weight clothing or bean bag type items to be rotated in and out of use (and stored in stroller). Noise canceling headphones or just headphones with sensory input geared music. Earplugs. Safe chewies and fidgets (tied to string attached to bag so they don't get lost). Ie; those little bags with water, stress balls, slinkies made of plastic, etc. Writing options. We got a special book of attractions and put pictures of most of the characters in the book, and included stickers that could be added. My kids loved studying these books of attractions and collecting autographs and writing or adding stickers to the book. Good for down times. I would think that talking to an occupational therapist before leaving would be good, for specific suggestions that would be targeted to your child. I was really worried about this on our first trip, but it hasn't been a problem. So long as we allow for down time when needed and snacks and such, our kiddos have done great. I hope you have a fantastic time!

Thanks we have borrowed a weighted vest, but I think she would be really hot with it on. November there is like our summer here. The bean bags would be a good idea though, thank you.

I've mentioned the trip to her OT who told us to take breaks as needed and handle it like a busy shopping mall.

 

[Iloveyoumost]

Stroller with a pull down worked well for my DS. Managing expectations as well. There were times we just walked around with him "tucked away" until he could come out again. DAS could help with the lines. We also felt our DS didn't "need" it and only picked it up for the last couple of days. Knowing what I do now, I would have gotten it first. It wasn't so much the waiting in lines (he's not too far off from any other 5 year old in that regard) but for avoiding the interactive lines like TSM and Winnie the Pooh. From an adult point of view, and most kids, those lines are wonderful. For someone with sensory issues they are way too much. Something we didn't even consider until we tried them. Remember, just because you have it, doesn't mean you have to use it for every ride. We only used it a couple of times, just to avoid the line areas that were too overwhelming.

I didn't even think about the interactive lines.
I figure we will see how it's going and if it's just too much we will look into the DAS.

 

[becd]

May have been said, but a stroller (renting the Disney strollers may be good option as they are large and easy to push) gives privacy and some sensory input from the wheels over ground. Weight vests and or other weight clothing or bean bag type items to be rotated in and out of use (and stored in stroller). Noise canceling headphones or just headphones with sensory input geared music. Earplugs. Safe chewies and fidgets (tied to string attached to bag so they don't get lost). Ie; those little bags with water, stress balls, slinkies made of plastic, etc. Writing options. We got a special book of attractions and put pictures of most of the characters in the book, and included stickers that could be added. My kids loved studying these books of attractions and collecting autographs and writing or adding stickers to the book. Good for down times.
I would think that talking to an occupational therapist before leaving would be good, for specific suggestions that would be targeted to your child. I was really worried about this on our first trip, but it hasn't been a problem. So long as we allow for down time when needed and snacks and such, our kiddos have done great. I hope you have a fantastic time!

We do all of this and have been doing so since our first trip. The weighted vest can be a pain to lug around but when you need it it is a Godsend. I actually ship mine to the hotel ahead of time so it does not count against me when they weigh my bags - yes I am a self-confessed overpacker

I agree with those who say to go ahead and get the DAS. Much like the weighted vest, you do not have to use it but if you find you need it, it will be invaluable to you.

 

[mikaza]

Stroller with a pull down worked well for my DS. Managing expectations as well. There were times we just walked around with him "tucked away" until he could come out again.

DAS could help with the lines. We also felt our DS didn't "need" it and only picked it up for the last couple of days. Knowing what I do now, I would have gotten it first. It wasn't so much the waiting in lines (he's not too far off from any other 5 year old in that regard) but for avoiding the interactive lines like TSM and Winnie the Pooh. From an adult point of view, and most kids, those lines are wonderful. For someone with sensory issues they are way too much. Something we didn't even consider until we tried them.
Remember, just because you have it, doesn't mean you have to use it for every ride. We only used it a couple of times, just to avoid the line areas that were too overwhelming.

This is great advice--thank you. I've been on the fence about whether to get it or not, but I think this has convinced me that we should get it in case we do need it. My DS is a sensory seeker, so I've been thinking that the interactive lines might be great for him--but you never know when he is going to reach that point where it crosses the line from awesome stimulation to too much!

 

[DisGirl819]

My DD is ASD and has sensory issues as well. She is six but will climb in the stroller and pull the shade all the way down over herself when she is overstimulated. We have learned to NOT enter a line that she doesn't' want to go in, because she won't do well. We also do not do anything that is longer than a 20 minute wait. We've never used the DAS or GAC, but we also leave the park when she's done. If she's done, then its time for a break. In fact, last trip, we left MK after two hours and two rides and as soon as we got to the hotel, she was calm and quiet. We went to Epcot that evening. She likes Epcot better than MK because it isn't as overstimulating, its more spread out and she stays more calm there.

 

[kohlby]

My eldest with SPD actually did better in the parks than at home, but he's a seeker with most things. My youngest with SPD can handle it, but we need to make sure to remind ourselves to take his sensitivities into consideration. He doesn't lots of rides. We have to be careful about what we put him on and he's fearful of most. At least that was the situation the last trip, I'm hoping this one is better. If there's anything with one drop of water, it's out. I'm looking into getting noise cancelling headphones for our next trip. (So opinions about which ones are welcome!)

Having a stroller is a biggie for him handling it. He needs a safe place to hang out. He's 5 and quite able to walk a lot physically but he needs the stroller emotionally. We have two other kids so we learned to just go along and figure it out as we go with the youngest.

We have not had huge problems in lines. However, we have had to hold him the entire time in line before. The security of being held really helps him. (So much so, that I had to use the sling when we went when he was 2.5, since he refused the stroller then - and refused to walk. It's huge progress that we only need to carry him in the lines now).

We have not used a GAC. We go in the off-season so we can deal with lines pretty well. However, we have run into problems when they wouldn't let us use rider-swap since he made the height minimum. I hadn't thought to argue his SPD then and just accepted it. When I emailed Disney about it recently, they said to give them a call to discuss it. We don't need special treatment for the most part. But it would be VERY helpful if they would allow us to use rider swap even when he's tall enough to do a ride. Since tall enough and able to handle it are two totally different things!

 

[chipsgirl]

The stroller and earmuffs were an absolute must for my son. We also bought him a blanket in Epcot that he could use to make a little tent for himself in his stroller. The GAC was the big thing though that made the trip extra special for him. We would not have been able to do much at all without it.

 

[wendow]

My ds is 5yo and also has sensory processing disorder (& mildly ASD). We've never used a GAC or DAS. Not that i wouldn't if I felt we needed it but we've been able to manage him well so far.

Like others mentioned, we use the stroller with the pull down hood. We rented from Apple and the hood came so far down, it was almost like he was covered. It was great. When he would get overwhelmed, he would crawl in and pull down the hood. He even did it during some of the parades. Some days he is ok with them and some days he isn't. Just depends on how much he has been stimulated up to that point.

We also leave when he is showing signs of being agitated. Go back to the room. Swim or rest. Then head back to the park. We know when our ds tends to have rough times (as I am sure you do for your dd) so we try to plan around those times. If there is something planned for that time and he isn't up for it, we just have myself or dh take our other children. It's usually the meet & greets. Sad that he isn't in all those pictures but it's really ok.

Like someone else mentioned, for some reason which I simply cannot explain, my ds does much, much better at WDW than he does at home. He melts down there way less than he does at home even with increased stimuli. It makes him much easier to manage

Hope you have a wonderful visit!

 

[wendow]

Since tall enough and able to handle it are two totally different things!

I agree. Really wish Disney had a provision for this (maybe the DAS would be good here...I really have no clue). My ds is the same. There are plenty of rides he is tall enough for but he cannot handle them due to SPD, for example, the loudness of BTMRR.

 

[mamaloya]

There are many quiet spots around WDW. I found little alleys and niches between rides. When my son would get overwhelmed, we would find one of those spots, I would sit him in my lap and put a blanket over both of us. I would hold him and rock until he calmed. Sometimes I would hum but sometimes that was too much.

Also, the baby care centers have quiet areas where you can go and sit in the dim and quiet and rock. They also have TV areas where they can sit and watch a Disney movie until they are ready.