Story About Kid With Autism at WDW Updated Post #18

[KirstenB]

Thanks Cheshire!! It's amazing what will draw a child out of him/her self. There is definitely a magical blend of stimulus and interaction at WDW. Over and over again, you hear parents say their children made huge developmental leaps during vacation.

 

[rwrocksme]

I've read this story before, but it just gets better every time I hear it. Lots of people love Disney World, but when you're going through the kinds of challanges we do every day, it's more than a vacation. It's a lifesaver.

 

[darthtatty]

what a great story, thanks for sharing

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Cheshire- Thank you for posting the update! My first CP in 2004 was in Fantasyland, and I often picked up shifts there during my 05 and 06 CPs. I remember Ben very well, he and his family were my absolute favorite guests. I can remember thinking how wonderful it was that the parents were so involved with their son. My first experience teaching special ed was in a small preschool classroom in Virginia, and unfortunately, many of children came from families that were neglectful and even abusive.

This article brought tears to my eyes. I am currently earning my masters in Sp. Ed. and work with many preschoolers with autism- I know how huge a breakthrough seemingly everyday things can be, and I'm glad that Disney could play a useful role in this young man's life!

 

[Otootles]

What a great story. We are taking my 5 yr old DS with autism to WDW for the 1st time in Feb 09. I am sooooooo looking forward to his reactions and interactions(his mom is cautiously optimistic). This story has got me pumped. Great to hear other dad's stories and their love for their children. THANKS SO MUCH for your encouraging words

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Otootles, just remember that everybody reacts differently. Ben has been coming to Disney for a long time, the changes were gradual. I have seen many autistic children come to the parks, and not everyone had a "miracle" moment. I hope your son does, but please, don't expect Disney to work wonders. I don't want your vacation to be ruined by unmet expectations and a broken heart. Your family and your son will love Disney, they are very accommodating and I hope that no matter what happens your trip is magical.

 

[Otootles]

I'm sorry Eeyores. I'm not coming to WDW expecting a miracle. I'm just pumped and excited about my family and I having a wonderful vacation. I was encouraged by the story and the dad's love for his son, just like my love for my boys. I enjoy reading about dads sharing their emotions. Makes me glad to know that I'm not the only "softy" out there.

 

[keywestbride]

What an amazing story! Thank you so much for sharing it.

 

[DisneyMim]

What a beautiful story!! Makes you believe in pixie dust!! Thanks for sharing the magic.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I'm sorry Eeyores. I'm not coming to WDW expecting a miracle. I'm just pumped and excited about my family and I having a wonderful vacation. I was encouraged by the story and the dad's love for his son, just like my love for my boys. I enjoy reading about dads sharing their emotions. Makes me glad to know that I'm not the only "softy" out there.

No need to apologize, I just worry about people getting their hearts broken. Have fun on your tipr and let us know how it's goes!

 

[maroo]

wow. What a great story. And what an awesome gesture for Disney World to do so much for that family. It sounds like Ben is making a lot of progress.

I want to move to Orlando!!

 

[sdarwkcabemanmy]

What a wonderful story.

It is these types of stories that make you realize that Disney CM's really do try and go out of their way to make a magical moment for the guests!

They do go above and beyond sometimes and it is then you realize how truly special those CMs are.

When we went to WDW back in July with DS, I knew the YOMD was going on, but I didn't expect much. Just typical WDW.

On our second day there, we were at DHS and found out there was going to be a Lightning/Mater meet-n-greet. Since Lightning is DS's absolute favorite character (next to Mickey of course!) we knew we HAD to go see him. Unfortunately, due to weather concerns (lightning in the general vicinity) the meet-n-greet was cancelled at the time we'd showed up for it. However, we had been chatting with one of the CMs handling the whole thing, a lovely young lady named Rhea. She saw how disappointed we were that it had been cancelled and went to talk to her supervisor. She came back a few minutes later and told us to return at X time for the next meet-n-greet, which was scheduled for some time later in the afternoon.
We didn't know exactly what was going to happen, but we came back when she told us to. She gave DS a little lightwand thing and, with DH's help, let him 'lead' Lightning/Mater into the greeting area. When she cued the cars to start up, you could see DS's eyes get HUGE and he was so excited. I heard him yell "RACECAR! RAAAAAAACECAAAAAAR!" and got tears in my eyes.
The next day, we ran into Rhea AGAIN and this time she was working the Sorceror Mickey greet inside the Magic of Disney Animation.

Rhea..I hope you're reading this. Or somebody can pass it along to you. You made our vacation very special, you and your fellow CMs. We are eternally grateful.

 

[wvdislover]

These are the reasons we keep coming back to Disney!