Seven year old with Autism/ADHD.. stroller?

[DisneyLover75]

We're headed back to WDW in June, and I'm struggling with whether to put my son in a stroller or not because he runs away.. and still has no danger awareness, even though he's seven now. He's got ADHD and Autism, so it's really a shame to put him in a stroller when he'd happily walk, but he's SO strong, and if he sees something he likes, he'll break away from my grip and bolt. I'd have to have my hand on him at all times.

If I had a hand on him at all times and I needed to carry a tray or pay for something, I'd need to let go of him for a second, and he'd be off to the races. I hate the thought of shelling out a hundred bucks for a stroller when he's perfectly capable of walking, but the idea of him running away again may just kill me. And with my son, he'd probably run right into the lake. He loves water. That's my fear. That's what I think of when people say "five minutes is all it takes..."

I haven't tried those backpacks with the string attached because they seem too flimsy to hold him. I think one of two scenarios would happen: Either he would break the "leash/backpack" (he's unbelievably strong. He's a little tank. Not a skinny mini guy at all) or he would pull so hard he'd knock me over with him. This is not an exaggeration. He's pulled me down twice now, out in public, and neither was as crowded as Disney is.

I worry that not only will *I* fall, but he may cause someone else to trip over him as well. Sometimes if I try to make him go a direction in which he doesn't want to, he'll just throw himself on the ground and start kicking. Someone could trip then too. So I'm kind of in despair as to what to do here.

He's nonverbal, so if he was approached by a CM when/if he was lost, he wouldn't be able to tell him his name, my name, or any myriad of other vital information to help reunite him with me. As if all that wasn't enough, he's also very aggressive. He takes medication to try to control some of those impulses, but mostly he's still pretty aggressive. I despair of him sometimes. I watch him constantly, and apologize whenever he does bite/pinch/scratch/kick/hit anyone, but it's so hard on a day to day basis. I get defensive sometimes, how can one not?

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions... I'd be grateful for any and all help.

Any thoughts?

 

[DannysMom]

If you think a stroller, likely a special needs stroller, will make you vacation more enjoyable, then do it. You might look into renting a special needs stroller, I know that orlandostrollerentals.com rents one, the Liberty Special Needs Pushchair, rated up to 100 lbs : https://www.orlandostrollersrentals.com/Default.aspx

Be sure to read the FAQ, so you know all about how the GAC works & if it could help you & stop in at Guest Services to get a "stroller as wheelchair" tag. Have an awesome trip.

 

[DisneyLover75]

If you think a stroller, likely a special needs stroller, will make you vacation more enjoyable, then do it. You might look into renting a special needs stroller, I know that orlandostrollerentals.com rents one, the Liberty Special Needs Pushchair, rated up to 100 lbs : https://www.orlandostrollersrentals.com/Default.aspx

Be sure to read the FAQ, so you know all about how the GAC works & if it could help you & stop in at Guest Services to get a "stroller as wheelchair" tag. Have an awesome trip.

Thanks so much for the suggestion! I will definitely look into that!

 

[krisnme]

Sounds really familiar! my DS was not agressive at that age, but would panic or get distracted and run just like yours. I would definetly go with the stroller or wheelchair. I had to find one with a harness or else he would let himself out. Also found that when he did not have to walk in the heat all day he was in a much better mood and had fewer melt downs. Also, don't forget to put sunscreen on those little knees and top of his thighs if he is sitting in a stroller all day, learned that the hard way! have a great trip, we are going in June or July.

 

[DisneyLover75]

Thanks!

I was thinking the same thing, about the harness. I rented the Disney strollers in March, and there were a couple times when he let himself out and bolted. I screamed "NO!" so loud (I'm sure I scared the people around me, but it was just an automatic reaction,) that he stopped in his tracks and got back into the stroller. Haha! Sometimes that works, sometimes not. I think there was terror in my voice, and he knew it.

I can't run after him. I can chase him to the best of my ability, but that's not saying much. He's fast, and I'm asthmatic. So those two do not good bedfellows make. Not to mention, I'm "Pooh Sized" and quite out of shape, despite my best efforts to the contrary.

At any rate, the point being that if he ran, I'd be no match for his speed.

Krisnme, what stroller/push chair do/did you use?

 

[krisnme]

Thanks!

Krisnme, what stroller/push chair do/did you use?

At that age we just bought a large (jeep?) stroller and had a jogging stroller too. he was small for his age. After that he used a convaid wheelchair/stroller. I loved this becouse it folds like an umbrella stroller and is made of mesh so it kept him really cool, had to add a clip on umbrella (the ones you clip to a lawn chair) to keep him cool. BTW at that age his cp had not been diagnosed but insurance paid for the chair with his autism diagnosis because the Dr. said he needed it for safety reasons, and as a coping mechanism for the sensory overload (he would "cocoon" with ear phones and a blanket) You should really see if your insurance might pay for one.
he is 19 now and has a regular manual w/c and has mostly outgrown the panic run. He has been to WDW about 20-30 times since the age of 8 weeks and it is his favorite place in the world! don't forget the GAC and earplugs if your DS is sensative to noise. have a great time.

 

[krisnme]

Thanks!

Krisnme, what stroller/push chair do/did you use?

At that age we just bought a large (jeep?) stroller and had a jogging stroller too. he was small for his age. After that he used a convaid wheelchair/stroller. I loved this becouse it folds like an umbrella stroller and is made of mesh so it kept him really cool, had to add a clip on umbrella (the ones you clip to a lawn chair) to keep him cool. BTW at that age his cp had not been diagnosed but insurance paid for the chair with his autism diagnosis because the Dr. said he needed it for safety reasons, and as a coping mechanism for the sensory overload (he would "cocoon" with ear phones and a blanket) You should really see if your insurance might pay for one.
he is 19 now and has a regular manual w/c and has mostly outgrown the panic run. He has been to WDW about 20-30 times since the age of 8 weeks and it is his favorite place in the world! don't forget the GAC and earplugs if your DS is sensative to noise. have a great time.

 

[Wiloughby1]

FWIW, my niece was 8 on her last trip and rode in a stroller for a good bit of time. She bipolar/oppositional-defiant, a few other diagnoses, and my sister-in-law has serious problems managing her behavior. She OFTEN darts out into traffic.

She used a WDW rental double and behaved better than in other circumstances. It's amazing what environment can do!

There are plenty of kids, with and without extenuating circumstances in strollers at that age. If it's financially feasible for you, do it.

 

[Reddy]

I have a non-verbal austic that runs away too (mine is 13)
when we went this past August - I took a dog leash (the longest one I could find - I think it is training one) sent the part you hold thur his shorts (like a belt) then the part that is suppose to attach to the dog I wrapped around me. We did tie a knot since it was alittle long but that gave my husband something to hold when we were in really big crowds (like fireworks, parades leaving)

I also (both of my boys got this) got T-shirt iron on paper then printed out "labels" that said their first name, non-verbal austic (oldest had siezures added on that line) then last line was my cell number. I iron that on the back of their shirts for the week - this let the CMs (or anyone who got close enough to us) who, what is wrong, & how to get me
Several people will disagree with having childs name on them where anyone can read (I think reading non-veral austic - they will find someone else to take with less trouble)

I love the leash - it kept us from worrying & only had one person (3 year old child) comment but then my boys are pretty well noted that something is wrong

We did have several people comment on the info on shirts - basicly wanted permission to tell someone else about it then wanted to know if we have tried diets, vitumn(sp?) anything else out there that they have heard of. Did have a CM ask if I was the mom then let me know that stuff will be dropping from the ceiling (playhouse Disney), there is a bench, a companion bathroom is outside the door & we can come back in & let any of them know if I need anything at all.

 

[DisneyLover75]

Thank you for the replies. I will look into whether the insurance will pay for a stroller/wheelchair for him.

I would prefer the convenience of the disney rental, but he can get out of those.

 

[dntd]

Up until at age of 6 we used a stroller/bike trailer, my son's has settled abit so we no longer need one. My DD uses a convaid wheelchair/stroller, I think they are great because it's not babyish, adjustable and a real work horse.They also come in dif colors allowing for the hild to really personalize it.

 

[DisneyLover75]

Thank you! I'm really curious about this convaid stroller! I've never heard of them! I'm going to check them out now!

I really appreciate all the replies!

Now for the million dollar question.. is it fairly easy to fold and take on and off the buses?

 

[dntd]

Mine DD's is easy to fold, will take abuse as it's solid but not too heavy that lifting it is hard. It does come with a great restraint sytem and doesn't tip easy.
http://www.convaid.com/lightweight-upright-wheelchairs.html . There are other styles but this has worked best for us and will continue to work for a long while yet.

 

[toy]

My daughter is 10 and very strong. Thank goodness she isn't much of a runner but she will occasionally wander off to look at something. She is verbal with us but not with strangers. You have to get him an ID bracelet. I bought one for my daughter from http://www.mypreciouskid.com/child-id-bracelet.html

She does not complain about it bothering her. She has a camo one. I also bought dog tag ID's for all three of my children. When we go to Disney or any other busy place where we can get separated, I attach them to their belt loops. I put my cell phone number on there in case we are out of town.

 

[DisneyLover75]

I have a non-verbal austic that runs away too (mine is 13)
when we went this past August - I took a dog leash (the longest one I could find - I think it is training one) sent the part you hold thur his shorts (like a belt) then the part that is suppose to attach to the dog I wrapped around me. We did tie a knot since it was alittle long but that gave my husband something to hold when we were in really big crowds (like fireworks, parades leaving)

I also (both of my boys got this) got T-shirt iron on paper then printed out "labels" that said their first name, non-verbal austic (oldest had siezures added on that line) then last line was my cell number. I iron that on the back of their shirts for the week - this let the CMs (or anyone who got close enough to us) who, what is wrong, & how to get me
Several people will disagree with having childs name on them where anyone can read (I think reading non-veral austic - they will find someone else to take with less trouble)

I love the leash - it kept us from worrying & only had one person (3 year old child) comment but then my boys are pretty well noted that something is wrong

We did have several people comment on the info on shirts - basicly wanted permission to tell someone else about it then wanted to know if we have tried diets, vitumn(sp?) anything else out there that they have heard of. Did have a CM ask if I was the mom then let me know that stuff will be dropping from the ceiling (playhouse Disney), there is a bench, a companion bathroom is outside the door & we can come back in & let any of them know if I need anything at all.

Wow, I give you credit! Great idea about indicating the diagnosis and the non-verbal fact, so people are aware.

The leash idea is a great one, as is having an iron-on info for a t-shirt!

The only downfall would be that he could pull me down if he pulls away from me or suddenly throws himself to the ground. He does that pretty regularly. If he doesn't want to go where I'm taking him, he just throws himself down and sits/lies on the ground. Sometimes I'm prepared for it and I can keep my balance, but a few times I have fallen to the ground with him.

I'm worried because I don't want to end up getting injured on vacation, or worse, having him trip a passerby because he's laying in the middle of a walkway.

I would definitely like to try having him walk some of the time, just to spend some of his seemingly endless supply of energy (the very same energy that causes him not to sleep at night.. sigh..) but I don't know if I should do it very often. His aggression is usually a problem too.. I worry if he is walking, that he might pinch someone. What a drama, hey?

It's always something. I do love all the ideas I'm getting, and I truly appreciate all who've shared their situations and have offered help.

Best of everything!

 

[Scuttle]

We just got back from WDW, and I rented one of the Liberty Push Chair for my DD(7). It was big, but pushed like a dream, and it was PERFECT for her needs. She LOVED the huge sun hood, and would often "close" herself off to the public to get away from all the stimuli. (On a side note, I found that if you moved the handle of the stroller down, it was a lot more comfortable for me too!)

If you do rent one, they bring it to your hotel and leave it with bell services, and when it's time to return it, you just take it back to bell services. It was SO easy!! (I did pay the insurance on it, but it was definitely worth it as the cost to replace was a LOT more than that fee!)

The chair does fold, but it is a little heavier than the "baby" strollers, and I wasn't able to find a way to lock it closed to make it easier to maneuver on the bus. But even with that issue, it wasn't a big deal for the convenience it provided. We will definitely be renting one for our next trip, without any hesitation.

Feel free to PM me if you have any other specific questions!

 

[DisneyLover75]

We just got back from WDW, and I rented one of the Liberty Push Chair for my DD(7). It was big, but pushed like a dream, and it was PERFECT for her needs. She LOVED the huge sun hood, and would often "close" herself off to the public to get away from all the stimuli. (On a side note, I found that if you moved the handle of the stroller down, it was a lot more comfortable for me too!)

If you do rent one, they bring it to your hotel and leave it with bell services, and when it's time to return it, you just take it back to bell services. It was SO easy!! (I did pay the insurance on it, but it was definitely worth it as the cost to replace was a LOT more than that fee!)

The chair does fold, but it is a little heavier than the "baby" strollers, and I wasn't able to find a way to lock it closed to make it easier to maneuver on the bus. But even with that issue, it wasn't a big deal for the convenience it provided. We will definitely be renting one for our next trip, without any hesitation.

Feel free to PM me if you have any other specific questions!

This is great to know! I had strongly considered this option, but I was thinking if I didn't have to spend a hundred bucks, that'd be ideal. I am still considering this though, because it would mean I wouldn't have to find room for it at home again later.

However if that convaid one is covered by insurance, it'd be ideal as far as not having to put forth any money. That's really tight for me. (single mom, not that it's here nor there..)

Argh! What to do, what to do!

I wish Disney had special needs strollers to rent. I know they'd be expensive, but I'd be slightly more inclined to rent those, just so I could leave them/pick them up in the park instead of hauling on the bus!

 

[C&G'sMama]

We just got back from WDW, and I rented one of the Liberty Push Chair for my DD(7). It was big, but pushed like a dream, and it was PERFECT for her needs. She LOVED the huge sun hood, and would often "close" herself off to the public to get away from all the stimuli. (On a side note, I found that if you moved the handle of the stroller down, it was a lot more comfortable for me too!)

If you do rent one, they bring it to your hotel and leave it with bell services, and when it's time to return it, you just take it back to bell services. It was SO easy!! (I did pay the insurance on it, but it was definitely worth it as the cost to replace was a LOT more than that fee!)

The chair does fold, but it is a little heavier than the "baby" strollers, and I wasn't able to find a way to lock it closed to make it easier to maneuver on the bus. But even with that issue, it wasn't a big deal for the convenience it provided. We will definitely be renting one for our next trip, without any hesitation.

Feel free to PM me if you have any other specific questions!

To OP Ditto to the above. We've Used OSR three times now getting the above chair. Here is a picture from December of 2009 (our most recent trip) with DS at almost 7. He's about 85 lbs here. He's verbal (very) and while he's not a runner he's very wiggly. This kept him from knocking into other people while in line for rides and while waiting for shows. And like the DD of the above poster he liked getting in and "hiding" when he needed to. The stroller was his safe space where he could just be.

This next picture gives a better view of the stroller and is from April 2009.
What neither shows are the straps that come with the stroller that would go around your child.

When we go in May he'll be 8 and he now weighs about 110 lbs so while we thought about going without anything, we've decided will rent a wheelchair for him.

Good luck!

 

[DisneyLover75]

Thanks for the pictures!! You've got a great looking guy there!

 

[dntd]

That stroller is quite large. My DD's chair even comes in a teen/adultsize. My DD is 6 and hasn't needed her seat adjusted though it can grow bigger with her.

The angle is a bit weird as it makes the stroll look shallow.