Suggestions for August trip with ASD child

[JACH1976]

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[bookwormde]

GO early and when it starts to get hot and crowded head back to the resort to explore, relax and swim. when it cools off later go back for a few hours.

bookwormde

 

[MyHappiestPlace]

End of August shouldn't be all that busy IMO. I think it starts slowing down mid-August or so. But it will be HOT. That i would bank on Just take breaks; keep things simple and take your child's needs into consideration. Do some in the AM; take a break to eat lunch and then head back to the resort for rest/pool time. Head back after the afternoon tstorms for some more fun.

 

[JACH1976]

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[JohnnySharp2]

I agree with the other suggestions. We go this August from the UK and have been several times before in the summer, our son Joshua is autistic/non verbal.

It is a great tip to visit at cooler and quieter times of the day, and the GAC can come in useful too if there are long wait times at some of the attractions.

We find doing the parks in short spells helps and rarely spend more than 3 hours at a park - that way you get regular breaks.

 

[Minnie Mommy Mouse]

Hello! I'm new to this board, but not to WDW. I have 2 sons w/ASD (one aspergers, one moderate) and our first trip was in 2003 when they were 4 and 2 1/2. We've learned a lot since then, and are planning on enjoying our 7th trip this August.

I agree w/all the great suggestions so far! I would like to add: 1). Bring ponchos b/c it will probably rain (it's rainy season). If your DS is like my 2, a drop of water can be a big sensory issue (as can wet clothes). You can also use the ponchos on water rides. I would also pack an extra pair of dry clothes in a backpack if this is an issue. 2). Is sound sensitivity an issue? If so, Disney's park guides do a great job noting which attractions can be loud or dark. If you would like to try some shows, I would suggest bringing cotton balls or ear plugs and sitting near an exit (just in case). Being inside at a show at Animal Kingdom (like Festival of the Lion King or Finding Nemo) is a great way to beat the heat after lunch.

I would try & plan what activities or events you children would enjoy most so you can plan accordingly. Animal Kingdom is visually my favorite park, and my son who has more issues LOVES it there. The Kilimanjaro Safari ride in the morning is really active with animals, and my son loves animals (especially elephants). The Pangani Forest Trail and Maharajah Jungle Trek are also beautiful ways to see some animals if it's not to hot out. The Lion King and Nemo shows are visually gorgeous and also favorites.

Another suggestion is to consider a water park. Our favorite is Typhoon Lagoon b/c of the wave pool, but both are Disney magic. I have all kinds of opinions and suggestions if you would like to email off list. We've been to all the parks at WDW so I'd be happy to answer any questions & help if I can. We love Disney b/c they are so accomodating and make their parks enjoyable and accessible for ALL guest.

Blessings!

 

[JACH1976]

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[Minnie Mommy Mouse]

LOL. We ALWAYS have to go to MK 1st. AK 2nd day, and after that, it's fair game. I read somewhere the water parks are less busy after the morning rush, so maybe you could do MK, have lunch, & hit the water park in the afternoon? Just a thought.

Have fun!

 

[Schmeck]

End of August shouldn't be all that busy IMO. I think it starts slowing down mid-August or so. But it will be HOT. That i would bank on Just take breaks; keep things simple and take your child's needs into consideration. Do some in the AM; take a break to eat lunch and then head back to the resort for rest/pool time. Head back after the afternoon tstorms for some more fun.

They are offereing free dining again, starting August 15th, so it will be crowded at the parks and at the onsite resorts.

 

[andee515]

We went over spring break with my 3yo autistic son. It went very well. We had the GAD fast passes 3 days which helped (6 rides in a row on toy story!). We stayed at the BTL so we were able to go to park in the am go back to the room for a break and go back to the same park in the even. I collected FP's all morning long so we could get on everything quickly in the evening. We did get and use the GAC, and it was so helpful. Chris does well generally, as long as we are moving, but to stand still in a line; he just can't do; we began to have meltdows. The shorter lines made life so much easier with him.

I will mention to remember noise levels in the movies. Some were a little too intense for Chris, next time we will bring ear plugs.

Our children really enjoy the charachter interaction, none of us enjoy lines; so if you can afford it I would recommended a few charachter breakfasts. We did them every morning and it was wonderful. The many of the charachters cued in really quick to Chris's special needs ( he looks perfectly normal, just that lack of eye contact and staring off) and spent a few extra moments with him to get him to interact. It is very nice and leisurely.

We also brought a little nano ipod. Which we kept several of his fav movies on ( and were able to tape magical moments) It was a lifesaver waiting in restaurants and lines. very small, I was able to carry it in my lanyard.

We also got a stroller pass GAC. We were not sure if we would need it, and we rarely used it, but when we needed it, it was nice to have. I used it at the soarin bldg, while everyone went on soarin; I was able to push him @ in circles in the building; otherwise he would have been running for the escalators and climbing the walls. Again standing still is not something he does well, but in his stroller he will often times remain calm, and not try to escape.

Hope you have a wonderful time, if you have any questions let me know