Stroller as wheelchair, but he can walk

[kathleendsm]

We will have our third trip to the World as a family at Thanksgiving! And this time, I have a dilemma. Our son, who is 3 years old, has a very rare chromosome abnormality (actually, he is the only one in the world with what he has). Thank goodness his health is good, but he has various physical and cognitive developmental delays.

Our first trip to WDW, when he was just over 2, he was unable to walk or stand. We used the stroller as a wheelchair and that was great, or we were able to use the baby carrier (Beco that can be on the front or back). Last time, this spring break right as he was turn 3, he was able to walk a bit, but we used the stroller as a wheelchair. He surprised us with his strength, so sometimes we would forgo the stroller. That was sometimes great, but his lack of language and anxiety led to my arms being riddled with scratches and pinches if I was holding him in line.

He is a super sweet and loving kid, but he scratches, pinches or pulls hair if he gets too anxious or frustrated, usually with me as his target. Once scratch marks on my arms led a pediatrician to ask if I felt safe at home (yes, except I am scared of my toddler ). I think it will ease as he gets more verbal, but am wondering how to handle our upcoming trip. I want to use stroller as a wheelchair so we could put him in there, but don't know if it is really ok if the CMs then see him walk out of it. Plus he has never been a fan of the stroller, and if we put him in I am concerned about tantrums!

Any suggestions? Obviously fast pass to shorten our wait times, but would it be bad to get the stroller as a wheelchair tag and use it sometimes if he were calm enough to sit in the stroller (or we could entertain him in there with a book or something to look at) even though he can walk?

 

[livndisney]

We will have our third trip to the World as a family at Thanksgiving! And this time, I have a dilemma. Our son, who is 3 years old, has a very rare chromosome abnormality (actually, he is the only one in the world with what he has). Thank goodness his health is good, but he has various physical and cognitive developmental delays.

Our first trip to WDW, when he was just over 2, he was unable to walk or stand. We used the stroller as a wheelchair and that was great, or we were able to use the baby carrier (Beco that can be on the front or back). Last time, this spring break right as he was turn 3, he was able to walk a bit, but we used the stroller as a wheelchair. He surprised us with his strength, so sometimes we would forgo the stroller. That was sometimes great, but his lack of language and anxiety led to my arms being riddled with scratches and pinches if I was holding him in line.

He is a super sweet and loving kid, but he scratches, pinches or pulls hair if he gets too anxious or frustrated, usually with me as his target. Once scratch marks on my arms led a pediatrician to ask if I felt safe at home (yes, except I am scared of my toddler ). I think it will ease as he gets more verbal, but am wondering how to handle our upcoming trip. I want to use stroller as a wheelchair so we could put him in there, but don't know if it is really ok if the CMs then see him walk out of it. Plus he has never been a fan of the stroller, and if we put him in I am concerned about tantrums!

Any suggestions? Obviously fast pass to shorten our wait times, but would it be bad to get the stroller as a wheelchair tag and use it sometimes if he were calm enough to sit in the stroller (or we could entertain him in there with a book or something to look at) even though he can walk?

You can use the stroller for his "safe" place. The tag is not just used for children who can't walk. If he can handle the line without the stroller-go for it. If he needs it, use it.

 

[crashbb]

Many people using ECVs and wheelchairs can walk, at least a little bit. So, there is no problem with using "stroller as a wheelchair" even if you son can walk. I'd definitely get the sticker.

 

[1girln3boys]

We used stroller as a wheelchair and my son would walk some. We kept it in line with us so if the wait was to long he could use it if he needed to.

 

[dclfun]

Definitely bring it and use it! As Livndisney mentioned, use it as his safe space. There are quite a few parents who use strollers in this way to provide a comfort zone and space where others can't get too close and to cut down on stimulation, esp. for children on the autism spectrum where this becomes so important. This way if he has something to look at or do ( books, simple video game) or to listen to (think headphones) it might help to cut down on the anxiety of waiting too. No one will think anything about seeing your child get up and walk and he will conserve his energy and stamina. If your son prefers to get up and walk for awhile, then that's fine too. If it were me I'd still bring it in a long queue line as a back-up plan. I'm glad to hear he's doing better too- seems like he's come a long way in a short time!---Kathy

 

[peemagg]

What about instead of a stroller getting a pediatric wheelchair? Would he be more apt to sit in it instead of the stroller?

 

[kathleendsm]

Thanks all! Dclfun, yes, he has made some amazing progress in the past 8 months or so. We were shocked at how strong he was when we were in WDW in March, he could walk all the way from BWV to Epcot, a good distance for any little guy, but especially one with low muscle tone. His PT said it was the best thing for him. And he is so happy there, I mean, we all are, but he is just joyful to be there. It is so awesome. He got a Duffy bear when we were there last time and it is totally his comfort object (we call it "Mickey Baba" since he calls all bears Baba, and DS dresses him up and puts diapers on him).

I am glad to know it is ok to use the stroller as a wheelchair even if he can walk. We felt guilty last time, but it really was helpful. We did the new Haunted Mansion queue with him in his stroller the first day they previewed it, and it worked out well! Now I just need to remember to cut his nails before we go.

 

[SueM in MN]

My guess, from reading this board and others, would be that the majority of children using strollers as wheelchairs are able to walk.
As was already posted, many people use a stroller as a safe haven for a child with autism or sensory difficulties.

And, anyone you see in the parks with a rental ECV is able to walk, just maybe not the distances involved in a WDW trip.

So, go and have fun.

 

[KPeveler]

We will have our third trip to the World as a family at Thanksgiving! And this time, I have a dilemma. Our son, who is 3 years old, has a very rare chromosome abnormality (actually, he is the only one in the world with what he has). Thank goodness his health is good, but he has various physical and cognitive developmental delays.

Our first trip to WDW, when he was just over 2, he was unable to walk or stand. We used the stroller as a wheelchair and that was great, or we were able to use the baby carrier (Beco that can be on the front or back). Last time, this spring break right as he was turn 3, he was able to walk a bit, but we used the stroller as a wheelchair. He surprised us with his strength, so sometimes we would forgo the stroller. That was sometimes great, but his lack of language and anxiety led to my arms being riddled with scratches and pinches if I was holding him in line.

He is a super sweet and loving kid, but he scratches, pinches or pulls hair if he gets too anxious or frustrated, usually with me as his target. Once scratch marks on my arms led a pediatrician to ask if I felt safe at home (yes, except I am scared of my toddler ). I think it will ease as he gets more verbal, but am wondering how to handle our upcoming trip. I want to use stroller as a wheelchair so we could put him in there, but don't know if it is really ok if the CMs then see him walk out of it. Plus he has never been a fan of the stroller, and if we put him in I am concerned about tantrums!

Any suggestions? Obviously fast pass to shorten our wait times, but would it be bad to get the stroller as a wheelchair tag and use it sometimes if he were calm enough to sit in the stroller (or we could entertain him in there with a book or something to look at) even though he can walk?

Definitely get the tag! It sounds like he requires a stroller for both you AND him to enjoy the parks!

I can walk a little but I require a wheelchair to enjoy the parks. there are other times I require the wheelchair just to give me some "space." I use the wheelchair at work because I could not move my heavy school books around without using my lap.

There are many reasons you may require a stroller as a wheelchair for your child. A lot of parents of autistic children use stroller as wheelchair to create a safe space for their child. Do whatever you need to be able to enjoy the park!

 

[mackay_j]

I wouldn't even spend any longer thinking over this- its what's best so just do it- no one will even notice- I am an adult with a wheelchair I do not need to use it most of the time- but in a normal day I do not walk more than round a shop and straight back to my car. There is no way I will be able to do a whole day round a park even with sticks - I DON'T CARE what others think if they see me walk for a while then get in the chair- nor should you. If anyone challenges me I will tell them why but I don't think anyone will. Take the chair and enjoy your stay more.

This seems to be a US thing, it appears that the system of just requesting tags cards was set up to make everything easier, however, as an outsider I have seen so many similar debates about gdc etc that the system seems in the end to have created a problem. I was Dland paris last year and the system seemed simple - you walked in with your disabled badge/other docs and where then given the card. Noone in the park then questions why someone is in their chair/stroller or not- noone thinks about it as its hard (not impossible) to have anyone abuse the system. You cannot just get it because you do not want to either want walk about (need cards/ docs to hire chairs) or wait in lines. As a result the users of these things don't feel guilty as those in the sates do.

 

[seashoreCM]

Suggested sign for a wheelchair (or similar vehicle) used part time:

"I can walk --- only to first base."

... but his lack of language and anxiety led to my arms being riddled with scratches and pinches if I was holding him in line.

He is a super sweet and loving kid, but he scratches, pinches or pulls hair if he gets too anxious or frustrated, usually with me as his target. Once scratch marks on my arms led a pediatrician to ask if I felt safe at home (yes, except I am scared of my toddler ?...

Do you think he has enough understanding and do you think you have enough time (including in the theme park) to spend to:

Whenever he scratches you or pinches you etc. you say a few words of disapproval quietly and put him down and walk a few feet away and wait out a short time interval. After a few or several or even many repeats of this would he stop scratching and pinching you?

 

[SueM in MN]

Suggested sign for a wheelchair (or similar vehicle) used part time:

"I can walk --- only to first base."

Do you think he has enough understanding and do you think you have enough time (including in the theme park) to spend to:

Whenever he scratches you or pinches you etc. you say a few words of disapproval quietly and put him down and walk a few feet away and wait out a short time interval. After a few or several or even many repeats of this would he stop scratching and pinching you?

For children with developmental delays ( and even for kids who are too young to speak), it is not a behavioral issue.
It is a communication issue. He is getting frustrated, tired or wants to communicate something. Since he can't get his message across, he just becomes more frustrated. The behavior comes from the frustration of needing something, but having no way to tell someone what he needs.

This kind of behavior does usually ease once the child is able to communicate more. There are things that might be helpful, such as sign language, giving the child warning before changing activities, but they may not always work.
Until then, the best things to do are to anticipate, as much as possible, the things that might set the child off, knowing when its time to leave. And being aware of where the hands are to not get scratched or hit.

 

[livndisney]

For children with developmental delays ( and even for kids who are too young to speak), it is not a behavioral issue.
It is a communication issue. He is getting frustrated, tired or wants to communicate something. Since he can't get his message across, he just becomes more frustrated. The behavior comes from the frustration of needing something, but having no way to tell someone what he needs.

This kind of behavior does usually ease once the child is able to communicate more. There are things that might be helpful, such as sign language, giving the child warning before changing activities, but they may not always work.
Until then, the best things to do are to anticipate, as much as possible, the things that might set the child off, knowing when its time to leave. And being aware of where the hands are to not get scratched or hit.

Well said!
And if you have a child who is already "done" adding a negative like "no" to the mix is not going to help. Like Sue said the best you can do is plan ahead and have an exit plan.

 

[SueM in MN]

Well said!
And if you have a child who is already "done" adding a negative like "no" to the mix is not going to help. Like Sue said the best you can do is plan ahead and have an exit plan.

Something your post made me think I did not mention -

For the OP - are the professionals working with him using any commutation tools. Things like teaching some basic signs, PECs, social stories so he can get the sequence of things that are going to happen?

That often helps a lot because it give the child some extra tools to handle things.

 

[WeLoveToyStory]

Get the GAC. Use it when you feel you need it, and then don't use it when you feel he can walk/stand in line. That's what we do.

My son has Down Syndrome. He can walk and stand in lines, however once he decides he's tired or doesn't want to he plops down. So then it's either try to keep him standing or hold him. Thankfully he's still small for his age, so we can hold him, but after a few minutes he gets heavy. He also does not have good depth perception so any uneven pavement or steps are always a problem and we have to continually monitor where he is walking. Balance continues to be something we work on in PT. If bumped he falls very easily. So using the stroller as a wheelchair is for his safety in lines/crowds.

He also has some anxiety in crowds and in darkened areas, so the GAC is a god-send when we go into shows because he can stay in his stroller where he feels "safe". He pulls the canopy down and just chills out. I tried to get him to sit in regular seats at shows a couple of years ago, but he did not want to. Preferred his stroller. It's also wonderful for us to use in places like the Land area in Epcot that don't allow strollers. It's always very crowded in there, so this way we can keep him safe in the crowds.

 

[disneyworldmom2]

Our DS is 8 and has major developmental issues. He can walk, but we always travel with his stroller, as he's getting a bit heavy to carry when he gets tired. He even likes pushing it, which is a challenge because he can't steer, but gives him a little extra help while being a bit more independent. Don't think twice about using his stroller or a GAC, you just do what's best for your kids.

We have a fan that we attach to his stroller, that also gives him something to focus on when riding.

 

[kathleendsm]

Sue, yes, his therapists work on different communication methods with him. He has a smattering of signs, and he vocalizes quite a bit, just no real words save for Mama and Dada. He can shake his head no and pat his chest to mean please or yes, and just that helps us a lot in knowing what he wants. His receptive language is close to age appropriate, but his expressive just isn't there...don't know whether it is something like apraxia, but we are waiting for him to latch onto a communication tool, whether speech, signs or picture boards (or adaptive communication devices). Until then he is shockingly expressive with a combination of babbles, a few signs, pointing, and emoting.

But you are absolutely right on the physical stuff, you can't handle it the way you would with a typical child. He was frustrated tonight because he wanted me to play in the playroom with him while i was making dinner, and he screamed and yanked my hair and pinched the underside of my upper arm (in a spot where it REALLY hurts!). I just had to walk away for a little while and leave him to cool off, and soon he came back and decided to help me whisk the salad dressing.

 

[SueM in MN]

Sue, yes, his therapists work on different communication methods with him. He has a smattering of signs, and he vocalizes quite a bit, just no real words save for Mama and Dada. He can shake his head no and pat his chest to mean please or yes, and just that helps us a lot in knowing what he wants. His receptive language is close to age appropriate, but his expressive just isn't there...don't know whether it is something like apraxia, but we are waiting for him to latch onto a communication tool, whether speech, signs or picture boards (or adaptive communication devices). Until then he is shockingly expressive with a combination of babbles, a few signs, pointing, and emoting.

But you are absolutely right on the physical stuff, you can't handle it the way you would with a typical child. He was frustrated tonight because he wanted me to play in the playroom with him while i was making dinner, and he screamed and yanked my hair and pinched the underside of my upper arm (in a spot where it REALLY hurts!). I just had to walk away for a little while and leave him to cool off, and soon he came back and decided to help me whisk the salad dressing.

Yep, I am familiar with that kind of pinching and hair pulling.

And, I agree that sometimes you just have to get out of the way and let the child cool off. Sometimes after you do that, the frustration in the child eases enough that they can figure out a way to communicate what they want.