Taking ADHD child out of school for Disney?

[millerpjm]

Hi all....

I am mulling over my 2011 trip to Disney. I've been planning on the 20-27th or so of August - it's still before school starts in my area, looks like medium or so crowds but value season for the deluxe hotels, but I'm sure it will be beastly hot with some rain.

Now, our schools always take 2 days off near the end of October for teacher's convention, and I was toying with the idea of taking DS out of school at that time for WDW - he would miss 4 days instead of 6.

Would you take a 2nd grader with ADHD (who is currently doing pretty well with meds and behavior mods) out of school for 4 days in October for Disney? Or should I stick with my original August plan?

WWYD?

 

[AJKMOM]

We have an autistic son who is now 21 and has been to WDW 16 times, only once when we did not take him out of school. I know every kid is different, but it seems like DS is better when he knows he's going, or he just got back. It gives him something to look forward to. When we went while he was not in school, it was crowded and hot. He didn't like it at all.

 

[jerseymom473]

We went at the end of August in 2008. The crowds were light (as many across the country are back to school including locals I think). We loved it!! Unfortunately the first few days were Tropical Storm Fay and had alot of rain,(but it was cool) and rain can happen anytime. We were also lucky and had a 40% pin, too so it really felt like a great time to go and I would do it again.

Good luck deciding, but I would not be afraid of August!

 

[darlingfamily]

We have 2 kids on the spectrum. One severely Autistic and one with Asperger's. They both do well when we prepare them (count down calendar, incentives, etc.) We have yet to have this back fire on us. (knocking on everything wood right now. LOL) Every kid is different but if Disney is a huge part of their interests it might work to your advantage and really help them as well.

 

[jmartinez1895]

I personally have no problem taking a kid out of school for trips if they are doing well. Most teachers will even work with you and if you are planning this far in advance then you will be able to go in and tell the teacher on the first day that your child will not be in class on those dates and remind them when it gets closer. Here is a link to a sample letter you can give the school. I think it may be a little cheessy, but it should give you an idea of what you can write http://themouseforless.com/downloads/kids/SchoolExcuse/SE1.shtml

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I think it totally depends on the child and how well he would be able to transition back into the classroom. WDW is a major shift in gears for any child. A child with ADHD might have a tougher time getting back into the school routine and that will make it harder for him and the staff. If your son is pretty easy-going about interruptions in his routine, it might be fine. I work in a special needs classroom. Some of our kids have no problem being out for a few days here and there. Others have a lot of difficulty getting out of "vacation mode" and back into the classroom routine.

 

[deerhart]

Hi all....

I am mulling over my 2011 trip to Disney. I've been planning on the 20-27th or so of August - it's still before school starts in my area, looks like medium or so crowds but value season for the deluxe hotels, but I'm sure it will be beastly hot with some rain.

Now, our schools always take 2 days off near the end of October for teacher's convention, and I was toying with the idea of taking DS out of school at that time for WDW - he would miss 4 days instead of 6.

Would you take a 2nd grader with ADHD (who is currently doing pretty well with meds and behavior mods) out of school for 4 days in October for Disney? Or should I stick with my original August plan?

WWYD?

I'd have no problem taking my 1st grader (he would be a second grader this october) out of school for a trip. His ADHD only really causes behavior issues at school and any ie/504 plan would be dealing with that. On the other hand, I am uncomfortable (though getting more and more comfortable) with removing my older child from school for a trip because he gets actual services through the school (speech) and missing school could be much harder on him (he would be in 5th grade next year).

In 2nd grade, there isn't much that they won't be able to catch up on (unlike in say 4th grade or higher where they could cover and move on from a subject in that one week)

 

[millerpjm]

We went at the end of August in 2008. The crowds were light (as many across the country are back to school including locals I think). We loved it!! Unfortunately the first few days were Tropical Storm Fay and had alot of rain,(but it was cool) and rain can happen anytime. We were also lucky and had a 40% pin, too so it really felt like a great time to go and I would do it again.

Good luck deciding, but I would not be afraid of August!

Thanks for the info about August...I'm looking at the last week in August 2011 (and hoping for a pin code so we can stay at the Poly!)....

 

[millerpjm]

I think it totally depends on the child and how well he would be able to transition back into the classroom. WDW is a major shift in gears for any child. A child with ADHD might have a tougher time getting back into the school routine and that will make it harder for him and the staff. If your son is pretty easy-going about interruptions in his routine, it might be fine. I work in a special needs classroom. Some of our kids have no problem being out for a few days here and there. Others have a lot of difficulty getting out of "vacation mode" and back into the classroom routine.

You brought up a point I hadn't thought about...getting back into the classroom routine after vacation might be kind of hard for my DS. Food for thought....

Thanks everyone for the great comments! I think I'm going to stick with my plan for August, but it sure helped to bounce ideas off my DISfriends!

 

[su_A_ve]

I'd go when the crowds are the least... 1st week in Nov. is what many call Jersey week as the schools are out for 2 days due to the teacher's convention. Rumor is half the state goes down to FL.

We've been there during this time and crowds are not bad as it is a slow season. In any case, avoid weekends as if the weather is nice, locals will go for the day.

Talk to the school about a plan so you can get homework ahead of time and it'll be fine.

 

[luckylady]

Coming in late here. My oldest is ADHD and we have taken him out to go to Disney. As long as he was kept on his meds he was fine. I'm talking 80 mg of Ritilin a day back then.One thing about going there in Aug. is it's going to be real hot and humid so if you go breaks will help him. Bring things to keep him busy while waiting in lines also will help.

 

[JESW]

What I don't like about taking kids out during school time is them having to do school work while on vacation. I have a ds15 with Asperger's and when we took him out when younger it was a NIGHTMARE trying to get him to do school work on vacation. Just another thought...

Jill