Special needs helper

[dadr]

We are thinking of a week vacation with kids 3, 6 and 9 and the MIL. Our 6 yo has ASD. We did a Disney vacation 2 yrs ago with much success.

This time we'd like to take our eldest for a day at Universal's Harry Potter attractions. We figured the other two would not care much for it, and we also thought it would be a nice time to spend with the eldest since our son with ASD has occupied so much of our energy lately.

My MIL would not be able to handle the two younger ones for a day, especially since our 6 yo is more impulsive and can be physically difficult if he "bolts" or decides to lay on the ground. I was thinking a second pair of hands/eyes would definitely be needed.

I saw the Kids Nite Out sitting service, and that they can provide parental "helpers" even all day, going to the parks or other attractions, etc.

Does anyone have experience with using this service with special needs kids?

 

[Mum23]

I wouldn't expect them to have any special training for special needs. I'm sure there are services that do offer that you could contact but I imagine that would be very expensive.

If you MIL could is capable of dealing with your child with ASD then perhaps the Disney helper would be "in charge" of the other child??

 

[Gracie09]

I would call and talk to them. They do have some sitters that have specialized training through their primary job ie - special education teachers or aides or nursing students.

 

[SueM in MN]

I would call and talk to them. They do have some sitters that have specialized training through their primary job ie - special education teachers or aides or nursing students.

Agree
Their website specifically says they can provide caregivers for kids with special needs and to call to discuss.
http://kidsniteout.com/sitter_services.html

No one has posted recently about using them for children with special needs, but people have used them in the past and were able to get caregivers who were experienced in dealing with special needs.

 

[lanejudy]

There are several posters who have utilized Kids Nite Out for evening babysitter services. I've read several positive reviews about them. However, I don't recall any reviews of using them as a "mother's helper" type of daytime assistance. But it is listed on their website and presumably they can offer the same quality daytime as they do in the evening. I'm not sure if you were thinking of having the kids and MIL hang around the resort or go to a park -- you would be responsible for park admission if the sitter doesn't have an AP, and swimming pool/water activities may not be allowed. But I suggest calling to ask about their "Helper" program and get specifics.

Enjoy your vacation!