special needs childcare

[pgjam]

Hi:
I know this issue has been discussed but I have tried searching the site & came up empty. DH & I are going down in January w/ our autistic 16 year old son. We would like some time alone so I am looking for teen age care. I heard about fairy godmothers. Has anyone used care for special needs teen-agers?
thank pgjam

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would suggest investing in a call to Fairy Godmothers at (407) 969-9847 and toll free 877-611-4314 and explain the situation to them. My understanding is that all of their people are very well trained, and if there are special needs they will send a sitter who is best qualified to handle the specific situation. I have never had need for them, but have only heard good things about them on this and other boards for years.

 

[Selket]

Kids Nite Out (http://www.kidsniteout.com/svcs_sitter.aspx) is the official sitting service for the WDW hotels. Doesn't mean you can't use someone else but they have an affiliation with WDW. For the Children With Diabetes conferences the KNO people run the daycare for the little ones - but they do not do the medical care (that is handled by nurses and doctors). The KNO staff are great though.

KNO also does in-room sitting and I know they will try to accomodate special needs (I've talked to them about it but haven't used them - one of my sons is a type 1 diabetic). On their website they say they watch kids up to 12 years old. I suggest giving them a call - if they don't go past age 12 they might have a recommendation for you. And try Fairy Godmothers too.