Stroller/PushChair for ASD kids??

[MushLRC]

I was wondering if anyone has ever heard of the Maclaren Major Elite Push chair and if they had any opinions on it.

Let me explain my situation. I have a TOTALLY awesome DS that has Asperger Syndrome. We are quite the Disney family and have done well doing our thing in the parks and accomodating his issues. We are approaching a bit of a cross roads here and I am trying to do some research on what I view to be an upcoming hurdle.

Some of DS's issues that we have successfully dealt with in the past is #1 pure physical stamina, #2 sensory overload where he NEEDS a break and #3 doesn't deal with heat & crowds all that well. Up until this point we have been successful as we go in November when the crowds are low, the temps are comfortable and last but not lease he has been able to pop a squat in his little brothers stroller from time to time for a break. He is 9 so he doesn't "ride" in the stroller but he does use it quite regularly to have a private, shady place to sit and "reset".

Anyway, needless to say he is getting TOO big now to take a break in little brothers stroller. I just happened to come across this Maclaren stroller that for the most part looks just like my current Maclaren umbrella stroller just a little bigger. It folds like an umbrella stroller and doesn't look "medical" at all.

This June DH has a business trip that is taking him to Orlando so the 3 boys and myself are going to tag along. I am going to try to do the brave single mom thing and take the kids to the parks while DH is working. Needless to say I'm a bit nervous. The parks will be hotter and busier than we are used to and I am not sure how my Aspie will do. I do plan to be in the parks at rope drop and be out by lunch but I would feel so much more at ease if I knew I had a plan in case of a problem. I figure I can just use this stroller to replace the Maclaren umbrella stroller I currently have for my little guy and if Big Brother has an "episode" we have at our disposal at all times a safe place for him to regroup. I'm just hoping that someone out there may have seen or had experience with this item. It is quite pricey but sometimes peace of mind is priceless

TIA for any input

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

I do not have experience with that stroller but have you also looked into the Convaid strollers? We had a Convaid Metro for our son before he got his wheelchair and I had several parents of children with Autism to stop me and ask me about it. It is a very light stroller and folds like an umbrella stroller and worked perfectly in WDW for us.

 

[SueM in MN]

A lot of people have used Maclaren Major strollers for their children with autism spectrum conditions.
It is a larger version of the Maclaren that is made to hold larger children. Sadly, I just heard recently that Maclaren is going out of business, so unless someone buys them up, a very good stroller will not be made anymore.

 

[MushLRC]

Thanks for the replies.

I did check out the other item mentioned above but it is more chair that what we need. The Maclaren is more like a stroller and less like an actual chair. Since it will mostly be used for my youngest DS as an actual stroller and just a back up plan for my older DS we want to keep it simple

I did hear about Maclaren's troubles and it is a shame. I have LOVED my Maclaren products that I own. The max weight on the one I own now is 55 pounds. The one I'm looking at has a weight capacity of 110lbs.

Oh what to do what to do, lol.

 

[lanejudy]

We use a Maclaren Major Elite for our DD7 who has some of the same issues as your DS, plus she tires quickly so often needs a "ride". Your idea of using the Maclaren Major for your younger child with the option of a "safe haven" for the older one would probably work well for you. Just a note: while the stroller itself folds up nicely (and my husband fashion a strap to sling it over his shoulder), the footplate and canopy must be removed and do not fold. That could be a challenge if you are alone with your kids and riding the bus transportation, but I still think the Maclaren Major is a great stroller. I did a lot of research last year to find a "non-medical" looking stroller what would fold and carry easily, and not break the budget. The Convaid is popular, but definitely has that "wheelchair" look. The Maclaren Major was better priced than other options, though is still expensive, especially if you add-on the "options" like canopy and shopping basket. However, try searching for a used one - we found a good deal that way since it's not an everyday need for us. Most families who use this type of equipment do not abuse it so used is usually in good condition and costs less. You may also be able to find a rental in the Orlando area to be delivered to your resort for the length of stay. Consider buying one and using it in the airport, though, if that may also be stressful for your DS.
Judy