Suggestions for helping with sensory issues

[casjen72]

My ds ( 4 1/2) has sensory issues. We have done tons of therapy and have most of it under control. But, he is worried about the rides at Disney. We have been before, but I know loud singing etc can really get to him.

We have done tons to prep him and we've hd good conversations about his concerns and what wwe might do to help him feel better.

He requested some music to listen to if he feels nervous. I just happened to get him a $29 shuffle but he doesn't know. So, I'll load that with his favorite music. I also bought him a bunch of glow sticks so he won't worry about a ride getting dark. He asked for a sleep mask to hide his eyes, but we are thinking of getting him "magic sunglasses" he can wear if he is nervous. We also promised him he does not need to get close to c haracters to visit with them. He is happily pouring over our park maps telling me how we'll alter each ride so he feels afe. Sigh.

I honestly think he'll be o.k. once we're there. I think he is anticipating being overwhelmed and scared. We went to a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese and it was fine until the cake part. These giant characters came to life on the stage and he has been petrified of unpredictable rides etc since. Dang Chuck E Cheese. Curses to them!

Can you thinkof any other suggestions? We are staying off site in a house so we'll have our own pool and swingset to relax with.

 

[karynnix]

Wow...you seem to really have it together! With my son, I prepared him as much as I could, and let the chips fall where they may. Make sure that as you prepare HIM, you are preparing YOURSELF as well. I went to Disney expecting a meltdown or two, and we just adjusted our schedule accordingly. The music to listen to is a great idea. I bought my son a Woody doll at the first store that we saw on Main Street, and he carried Woody with him the whole time that we were there. I told him that Woody had lived at the park, and knew everything about it. Woody wouldn't let him go on any rides that would scare him. As long as he had Woody, he was okay. Two years later, Woody is still his best friend.

Have a great trip!!

 

[KathyRN137]

On our first trip to WDW, our autistic DS(5) would only look at the characters from afar. He was a little better with "face" characters (especially the pretty princesses ). I was a bit disappointed when I was looking at all the pictures from our trip and saw that all the character pictures were of his sister alone, but, what can you do?

Well, a year and a half later, we went again. The first time we stopped for a character picture was at AK with Flik. DD wanted his autograph for her collection. We didn't even consider that DS would want to meet him. When his sister's turn came, suddenly he pointed at them and said, "Go see Flik with Tricia!!". DH and I just couldn't believe it...we just stood there with our mouths open in shock! After that, he loved meeting the characters. We always had to let the "handlers" know that he is autistic, though, because he wanded to hug and squeeze them and rub his face on them, especially if they were furry and soft!

I guess that what I'm trying to say is, prepare for "trouble" but leave yourselves open to that Disney magic. Whatever his sensory issues may be, your son may just get better at handling the stimulation as he gets a little older.

It sounds like you have prepared him well. We found that ear plugs are a lifesaver for attractions and shows (fireworks) with loud noise. The first time we saw Fantasmic! we were sitting in one of the middle rows and it was all a bit much for him, even with the earplugs. The next time, we sat all the way up in the back, in the Handicapped Seating rows. He liked the show much better from a "safer" distance. Of course, he was also 1 1/2 years older, too.

The afternoon break is also of vital importance; but it sounds like you already know that!

Have a great time!

Kathy

 

[Poohnatic]

You've done great preparations for those sensory issues.

Other things I might add:
If your son tolerates hats, get him baseball cap to wear. It cuts down a lot of visual stimuli that can overload. My son picked out a space mountain cap that he only wears at WDW and other amusement parks, otherwise, he doesn't want anything to do with one,

The WDW strollers (except for MGMs) are fantastic for cutting out stimuli on three sides. Your son can 'cocoon' himself in there, especially if you're going at a crowded time. Yes, they are expensive, but they're very easy to push and worked wonders for my son.

We added a beach towel to our list and he could drape it over the top when he wanted more coverage. As we'd get two separate strollers, we also learned not to put a single thing (backpack, etc) on top of his-he hated that.

You've also got something at the rental that works well for my son-the pool. Water seems to really relax my guy. A little pool time when you get back at night (if he's still awake), will go a long way for relaxation!

Have lots of fun!

Suzanne

 

[karynnix]

I second the WDW strollers. They are awesome for sensory kids. My DS loved the fact that he was enclosed by it.

 

[belle&beast]

It sounds like you really have things under control, my one suggestion would be to use social stories so he has a script to follow in an overstimulated moment. Have a great trip- he really may surprise you!

 

[aceharly]

Social stories