Taking autistic child out of school to avoid crowds?

[thumpersfriend]

Just wondered if it is difficult to take a child with autism out of school for a week. Do any of you do this? Seems like it would be better to go when the crowds are less. Do teachers have a problem with this? If you take them out, when is the best time to go? Thanks!

 

[wide awake]

We take autistic DS out whenever it works best for us as a family. His teachers have always been thrilled that DS gets the chance to see and experience new things...he goes to an NPS though, so that could be why they're so supportive. His IEP is on July 8th and district staff will be there...am wondering how our 8 day Grand Canyon, 2 week repo cruise, and week at WDW are going to go over...all will take place in late July, August, early Sept so DS will miss about 5 weeks. I'll probably keep him home a couple weeks in mid-July too...I hate that special ed students are supposed to go all year...DS needs summer vacation like anyone else.

 

[thumpersfriend]

Thank you Wide Awake, that makes me feel better. My 2 year old granddaughter will probably be 4 or 5 when we take her so will have her in school. I practically had to beg to take mine out of school l5 years ago and they had tons of homework etc. Glad to know you don't think it is sacrificing their education. I am new to autism so I appreciate all of your guidance and advice. What time of year do you all suggest? I know she will love swimming probably as much as the parks but don't want to do summer. Was thinking maybe May? Maybe then it wouldn't be as crowded for the kids rides?

 

[Selket]

I took my older son out of school for the 1st week of May this year in order to go when the crowds would be less and not as much heat. My 3 yr old is a type 1 diabetic and this was the 1st time we'd been to WDW since his diagnosis so we wanted optimal crowds and weather and I think we got both!

I can't speak to the autism questions & taking a child out of school but early May is usually less crowded. We did well by going to the parks early and taking an afternoon break. Honestly it was sometimes a bit chilly to swim in the afternoon! The weather was perhaps a bit cooler than usual that 1st week of May. Not much rain that time of year. Another time I suggest if you cannot take the child out of school is to go as late in August as you can (assuming their school lets out in mid-June). We went the 3rd week of May a few years ago and the crowds weren't too bad - it is very hot though. Have fun!

 

[eeyore45]

Its HOT in August tho! I would start with talking to the teachers, and personally I cant imagine there not being support for a trip to Disney!! I have hard of hearing boys, and we found a special hockey school held for hard of hearing/deaf hockey players, the things he learned, and accomplished, his self esteem... amazing, it was held the first week of June, and for some reasons schools starting going into the 2nd week of June, so we had it included in his IEP that he needed to attend this "school" (like a hockey camp)

Good Luck, I'm sure it will work out!

 

[SueM in MN]

Special Ed teachers are usually supportive because they are glad for the kids to get any "real world" (can you say that about WDW?) experience and can understand that you need to go when it's not as busy.
We've been to WDW in May in the past and found it can be very hot, especially late in the month. It isn't usually very busy though because many people choose not to take their kids out of school so close to the end of the year. One way to get an idea of when WDW expects to be busy is to look at the resort prices. If it's expensive, it's busy.

This website, pixie dust inn, has some good hints about travel with sensitive kids/kids on the autism spectrum.

 

[Nik's Mom]

We took our 6 year old autistic ds out of school for our trip during the first week in May. We mentioned it during his IEP and there was no problem. The teachers encourage "community time", where the child goes out and explores the world. I helped my ds do a vacation journal, so the teachers knew what he did. I also had some educational experiences mixed in. One thing we did was have a color and number of the day (concepts my ds struggles with). Each day was assigned a color and number. While we were at the parks, we pointed out the color and # of the day. It really helped our ds.
I think the best time to take an autistic child is during slower periods. I know we would definitely go in May again. We've also gone in March and that was great also, but a little too cold for us.

 

[Julia M]

I hate that special ed students are supposed to go all year...DS needs summer vacation like anyone else.

I work with preschoolers with autism, as well as evaluating most of the severely handicapped preschoolers in our district.

I'm not big on summer school either! But, it's federally mandated, and must be staffed. We always have a rough time getting staffing, and the first week is a nightmare......there are always bussing problems, staff who "no-shows" and so on.

In our district, we have NEVER given a parent a hard time for wanting to vacation with their child, or not attending summer school. (At least, not younger kids) Some parents like their child to go to camps, or do park days, or whatever.

I *have* to work summer hours, because I'm the only one who does what I do, and we don't want to postpone assessments. I'd love it if special ed was ALLOWED to be off for the summer!

Julia

 

[TiggerCate]

We have taken our DS out of school for vacations. We never have a problem with it- ITA with a PP- the teachers are usually thrilled for him, and it gives them something for them to talk to him about before and after the trip. My DD's (not Autistic) Catholic school is not quite as thrilled with it, but we make it work. I would rather him miss a week of school and have new experiences than try to deal with him and the crowds during high crowd times at Disney.

 

[riu girl]

I talked to the teachers about writing it into DD8s IEP about how beneficial family vacations would be for her (especially during the winter months since I suspect she has seasonal affective disorder) and they just looked at me like I was crazy. I would love to have that written into her IEP.

For those who have it in their childs IEP, how the heck did you convince the teachers of this? We have taken the kids out of school for a few days here and there (but never more then 3 days at a time) but would love to take them out 12/06 for a full week (3 weeks total in Florida, 1 week taken out of school added to two weeks of school vacation).


Any ideas would be helpful.

To the OP: I have heard that the end of January to mid-Feb WDW is pretty quiet. I agree with previous poster that stated that when WDW resorts are at their least expensive (value seasons) these may be quieter times at WDW.
Suzy V.

 

[Julia M]

I talked to the teachers about writing it into DD8s IEP about how beneficial family vacations would be for her (especially during the winter months since I suspect she has seasonal affective disorder) and they just looked at me like I was crazy. I would love to have that written into her IEP.

For those who have it in their childs IEP, how the heck did you convince the teachers of this? We have taken the kids out of school for a few days here and there (but never more then 3 days at a time) but would love to take them out 12/06 for a full week (3 weeks total in Florida, 1 week taken out of school added to two weeks of school vacation).


Any ideas would be helpful.

To the OP: I have heard that the end of January to mid-Feb WDW is pretty quiet. I agree with previous poster that stated that when WDW resorts are at their least expensive (value seasons) these may be quieter times at WDW.
Suzy V.

Is your daughter in RSP in a regular class? Or is she in a SDC prograM? What is the school policy for the rest of the school? I would think that pulling a child at Xmas would be the best time to do it....things are winding down, less busy, less intense instruction, etc.

Also, your child is 8! While I don't particurly think pulling kids out of school multiple times is great, (regardless of whether they can keep up or not), one week shouldn't be a big deal, especially at that age.

I won't pull my kids anymore, but that's because ds is 13. At least at their school, the in class work is too great, and moves too fast, for him to be gone for a week. As it is, last year he got daily homework while he was sick, and had 2 sessions with his teachers when he returned, to catch him up (he was out sick 4 days one week, and 2 days the next)

Good Luck

Julia

 

[Princess Mommy]

Well, I cannot talk for all of us... I am a behavior specialist and I work primarily with children with autism. I once worked in a school full time, but now work in their home programs, etc...

I would have NO PROBLEMS with it, and almost suggest it. You'll have less crowds, less noise, less anxiety (for both the child and parents)...

I have been there in January and the crowds are non exsistant & the weather is usually in the 60's - low 70's, so it is comfortable to spend the entire day outside, in the parks, with out sweating and being uncomfortable. The lines are minimal (but still grab that GAC as insurance) and dining won't be an issue b/c there are several seats available!

Have fun!

 

[thumpersfriend]

Thanks everyone! I am feeling so much better about this now and can look forward to our future trip. We live in Michigan and sometimes travel can get cancelled in January because of snow storms, that would be bad. So probably would think of May because she already loves the water and we would be spending alot of time at pools too. Otherwise I would rather go in January if it was only the parks to consider. Glad to hear teachers think this is a positive thing instead of making me feel like she would be missing alot when she is out with us.

 

[Poohnatic]

My son has Aspergers, and prior to moving, we did most of our trips to WDW during the school year. We were up front with the principal and his teachers, and all agreed that it would be beneficial for my son.

We went at the peak of summer once-and it was very difficult for my son. Going during the slower times allows you to do more in less time and minimizes the overload and meltdowns.

Being upfront about WHY you want to do it and asking for a packet of schoolwork always helps!

Suzanne

 

[mlwear]

IMO, it will be a wait and see. My son hates to be out of school. This was very difficult for me to accept in the beginning. But, as much as I try at home, I can't possibly replicate the routine at school. We see major behavior issues even with only one or two unexpected days away from school. This is well documented by the school and psychologists. He has meltdowns and tantrums. His communication suffers, in particular his echoalia increases. His obsessive compulsive behaviors increase drastically as he is trying to control his environment. Physically, he becomes constipated. (Out of school one week now and having this problem). Self-injury increases. Through experience we have found that after day 3 of vacation things go down hill for him. I am worried about this trip as we are staying 6 nights. A bit OT, but that is how it is for some kids.
My son's extended school year starts next week. Thank goodness.(Not every child needs a summer vacation.) In the meantime, we have hired his aide to work with him at our home (out of pocket). Here, we have to fight to get summer services. That is a whole different topic in itself. But, we are leaving the day after ESY ends.
We always plan our vacation around his extended school year services.
My son is an extreme. Time will tell for your GD. Hate to be a downer, but want to present another side that isn't being represented. All kids are different.

 

[DisneyDreams4P&B]

We were booked for the Septemeber 10th cruise on the Magic since February for my family DH, DS5 (who is autistic) and DS2. I have worked extra shifts and scrimped and saved for this cruise. I went to my son's first PET in early June (Pupil Evaluation Team) meeting to transition him from his preschool to kindergarten and they were agast that I would start him in school and then pull him out for a week. I was told how it would make the transition so difficult for him especially since he would be going from a half day to a full day (yes 5& 6 years olds go to school from 9-3). I was made to feel like this horrible mother. Needless to say I cancelled our trip and rebooked at Disney World (took advantage of the free dining pkg and got a great deal on car and air so the new vacation is costing us 1/3 of the cruise but that isn't the point) before school starts. While I would never do anything to hamper my son's education, I am a firm believer that travelling and experiences outside of the classroom are just as beneficial as the things they learn inside. These educators made me feel like I was an awful mother for not taking him when he was on a school vacation, mobbed with tons of other children, crowds etc. All things that would make for a difficult vacation for him.

I have my fingers crossed that this new vacation will go well and there will be few crowds and the heat won't be too intense.

 

[Nik's Mom]

DisneyDreams4P&B,
Don't let them make you feel bad for a minute. No one knows your child better than you!
But, maybe what they were trying to say is that it would be difficult for your son to be pulled out of school so early in the year. For my son, it would be too confusing for him. That's why we picked later in the school year. It turned out great, and he gained more than he lost by being away from the class room for a week. Being a Mom of an autistic child, I've grown to understand that education is a 24 hour a day thing for these kids. And "community time" as my son's teachers like to call it, is just as important as class time for autistic kids.
Anyway, DisneyDreams, I just keep thinking of that great Eleonore Roosevelt quote that says "no one can make you feel inferior without your consent." Well, take that to heart as a parent to. Be confident that you are trying to do what's best for your child and don't let that school district make you feel like you don't know what you are doing.

 

[DisneyDreams4P&B]

Nick'sMom, thanks for your words, I know that I should be more confident as a parent. I guess that until we had a diagnosis, everyone always looked at my son like he was this unruly, undisiplined child and that I was a bad parent. I just feel that the Team members could have reacted and told me their concerns in a much more constructive way istead of being accusatory and judgemental.Loved the quote.

Thanks.

 

[Densgirl]

My DS is 15 and on the PDD spectrum. He is also a severe epileptic with a million other side issues as well. I don't know if it makes a difference because my son attends a hospital school that is based first in his therapies and secondly in his schooling but they encourage family vacations of all sorts. When I explained to the public school he was attending for our first trip in 03 that we needed to take him out in the first week of February, they were awesome. The two times we went earlier(once in September and once in October)he melted from the heat and mostly fell asleep in his wheelchair b/c of his meds. We ended up leaving the parks b/c it just felt cruel to drag him around when he clearly was barely concious for it. We got tons of time to enjoy both YC, Cont and BWI pool areas while alternated between the pool when he was up to it and and sleeping in a pool chair when he wasnt . For him it is critical to be able to go in the cooler weather.

I hate that special ed students are supposed to go all year...DS needs summer vacation like anyone else.

For me and my son and our situation only, I agree with that statement. I like for him to have structure but am lucky enough to some help maintainting it at home during the summer. I have always resisted politely but extremely firmly when faced with the summer school issue because it is what works for us. My DS has many friends however who would not tolerate the transition to home well at all. Many : to all of you struggling with the decision to or not to take your kids out. Our school lets us and it works for us so I guess we are pretty fortunate.(sorry this got so long )

 

[mlwear]

Unsure if I need to clarify or not, but our school would allow my son to take a leave from school. Especially, in the preschool years, I don't think you would have much of an issue with the school.
I can see the point of breaking the routine so soon into it as one parent mentioned. (BTW, DisneyDreams to you. In the beginning I can't tell you how many times I held it together in those sorts of meetings until I could get to my car and cry. I did feel judged and criticized. Over the years, I have developed a thick skin. When they (teachers, admin.) haven't lived being the parent of a special needs childs often they just don't "get it".)
I was just trying to say that MY son needs to be in school as much as possible. He would hate going on vacation if it meant missing school. His whole world is built around routine and structure. School is ideal for it. Home is very scheduled and we have PECS schedules running all day. For HIM, it is what he needs. We will have to keep things on a schedule as much as possible at Disney, at least what we can control.
Just didn't want anyone to think that I was saying the school would not let us take him out. In his case, they would probably advise against it, but it is only due to his particular needs.
I would not say that anyone should not take their child out of school for the trip. I'm sure the environment is better at different times.
It just doesn't work for us.