Suggestions for a Special Needs Shadow...

[DOREEN1779]

Hi,

We are a family of 5 visiting Disney for the 1st time in August. My 9 year old son is a big Harry Potter fan so my husband will be taking him to Universal for one day on our trip. I will be left alone with my 7 year old non verbal autistic son and extremely active 3 year old daughter. For safety reasons, I was thinking of hiring a helper for about 5 hours. We can either stay at the resort or venture to a park. I would be there 99% of the time( Gotta use the bathroom sometime....) Does anyone know of any services that could accommodate a situation like this. I know this could be a bit expensive but for my sanity, I think something like this may be warrented. I would really like it if the helper could alternate between the two children. My son is very easy going but because he can not verbally communicate and only uses ASL, I would be always be present. I am open to all suggestions!

Thanks,
Doreen

 

[SueM in MN]

No one has posted recently, but people in the past have used a babysitting service called "Fairy Godmothers" and were very pleased.
Some used it for the same thing as you are planning - an extra set of hands and eyes. People had posted that some of the Fairy Godmothers had experience with children with autism and other spacial needs some also have annual passes, so they can accompany to the parks with no charge for tickets.

 

[DOREEN1779]

Thanks for the information. I'll call them.

Doreen