thanks to all parents of autistic kids

[maynard]

i've been reading this board for a couple of months and it's just stuffed with useful info. this this my first time posting anything, anywhere, ever! We are visiting the week after thanksgiving and i am so pumped. we will try lots of the suggestions i've seen here and report back.

i would love to here from other parents of autistic/asperger's kids on how their trip went...things you'd do again and those you'd do differently. my oldest DS has AS and my 5 year old DS has HFA. the others are "NT"...maybe

thanks!

 

[tacomaranch]

Hy Manynard and welcome,

I visit here also and post a little. WDW for us is the time when all of DS's sensory issues are met and he finally is processing language receptive and expressive better. We have seen huge leaps in the both after visiting the world.

Last time we pushed hard and now we are resolved to taking it slower. We have seen every nite time show now and parade so we can now be able to pick what we want to see not have to see.

We always take a nap in the afternoon and remain flexible.

good luck, April

 

[hookedup]

As the above poster said - be flexible and take breaks!

Also, for my ds one of the more difficult things to handle is when stuff doesn't happen as we tell him it will. For example, if we say were going to be in the next group for a ride or attraction and that did not happen, he would go to pieces. So we have learned not to commit to anything. And if we see that there may be a chance for something to not go as planned we are very careful how we prep him for it.

My ds also needs earphones for noise control. This is a must for him, esp in crowded restaurants.

A nice swim in the afternoon is also very calming.

All in all our 4 trips to WDW have been some of the best experiences for my ds and very enjoyable for our entire family. Good luck and have a fun & safe trip!

 

[OKWMom]

Welcome Maynard,
My DD9 is LFA and non-verbal. This December will be her fourth trip to WDW. She loves it there and the joy on her face while with Tigger or Mickey could not be put into words. Like April’s experience with her son, it is a place where her sensory needs are met and she is truly a different child. Disney makes her so very happy and we see an improvement in her behaviorally and educationally after each trip. She is the reason we purchased an interest in DVC.

Each child is different, but we learned a couple of things over the years. First, we do not push her. When she has had enough, we leave and go to the hotel for a break. Sometimes we are able to return to a park and sometimes we are not. Also, we discovered that she will not eat while in a park. I don’t know if it is all of the stimulation and she isn’t hungry, or if she just doesn’t want to take the time to eat. She will sit there while we eat and won’t have a bite. However, she will make up for it when we return to the hotel in the afternoon. We also learned the “value” of a character breakfast. As I said earlier, she doesn’t eat a bite, but it gives her a chance to interact with the characters without having to wait in a line. Some of my favorite pictures are from those breakfasts.

I think if you really examine your children’s limitations and personalities prior to going on your trip and plan your vacation around them, you will all have a good time. I hope you have a great vacation. Please report back after you return.

 

[disneygal66]

Hey Maynard!

What part of Ohio are you from? Also, we will be there from Nov 28-Dec 5th!! Where is your family staying? We will be at POP! It would be cool to say Hi! I have 3 DS 17, 11 & 6. My two younger ones are special needs; one with ADHD, Anxiety and NVLD (non verbal learning disorder- which is similar to Aspergers). The 6 yo has HFA and just started KDG in a mainstream classroom. It has been very hard on him and us. But if you ever need to vent or have any questions, I would be happy to try and answer them to the best of my limited ability. Just PM me any time and maybe we will see each other at the happiest place on earth.

 

[missypie]

My Aspie really got into finding hidden Mickeys. You never know what a kid with Asperger's will get into. I suggest that you look on line for a list of hidden Mickeys, then if your kids really latch onto the idea, buy the book (it's on sale at about every cash register in Disneyworld). It makes standing in line, etc. go faster if they are looking for hidden Mickeys; it also gives a then great sense of accomplishment when they find them and they are "hidden" from everyone else.

Have a great time!

 

[Karalynn]

My experience with my dd who is 6 and has cp is that she was really sensitive to the dark theater shows. Also the loud noises that accompany them!! Poor kid, she was burrowed into me! Next time, we will look into ear plugs or something for her, but not sure if she would keep them on, so we may just skip them.

Have a magical trip!!

 

[maynard]

thanks everyone. we are bringing 3 pairs of earmuffs--my 3 year old often asks for them when his older brother needs them--and a pair for back at the hotel in case we lose one! we will rest. i've heard that other places too. it goes against MY temprament , but i also hate meltdowns! thanks for the idea about the hidden mickeys. i think all my kids would enjoy doing that to pass the time in lines!

we got a note from the neurologist for the GAC. however, i'm nervous about getting one. i hate conflict, and i also hate having to explain all the time. i've read that it's best to bring your child in with you. i really hate explaining in front of him! he knows he has autism and is amazingly inciteful about it for 5, but i don't like to portray him as a victim... the last time we went, my DS5 was 3 and we used fastpass whenever possible. we didn't have a dx yet, and because of his age, his tantrums were more easily explained. IE: i didn't feel like people were staring at us. anyway. has anyone had any personal experience with the GAC they'd like to share? my son "looks typical" until...you know. i'm thinking about ordering those cards from the autism society to hand out if people make rude comments.

thanks again for all of your posts! this is such a great source of support! (my DH thinks i'm nuts!)

 

[BlondeAlligator]

Welcome!

We took DD last year for Halloween before we knew for sure that she was Autistic. She had a wonderful time & really came out of her shell while we were there...it was like someone unlocked something inside of her & showed her the world. The effect was not ost once we got home, either. It was wonderful.

We are gloing again the first week in December. You've got a good head start by going during a non-crowded time of year. Get a GAC card (see the thread that explains this)...it'll help you a lot. Take it slow...don't try to do everything...let the kids be your guides. If you haven't gotten tix for the Xmas Party, I would try to do that. It's a great way to experience the Magic Kingdom with very low crowds. This means seeing parades front row center without having to wait...very short lines...less chaos. We always rent a car & take DD's carseat whenever we travel. This can be particularly helpful at WDW because the buses can have long lines, be very crowded & , depending on which resort you're at, have very long rised to get where you're going. By hvaing our own car we have total control over our transportation & DD feels much more comfortable at the end of a sensory overloaded day. Rest during the day. As mentioned in another post, do as many character meals as possible. It keep the little ones occupied even if they aren't eating a lot & I love that the characters come to you instead of you having to hunt them down & then wait in a line to see them.

Please feel free to PM me if you have any other questions. You're going to have a wonderful time! Enjoy the magic!

Allison

 

[Brightsy]

[QUOTE(SNIP)
we got a note from the neurologist for the GAC. however, i'm nervous about getting one. i hate conflict, and i also hate having to explain all the time. i've read that it's best to bring your child in with you. (SNIP)

You don't actually need a Dr.s note, they can't legally reuire you to provide it. You do need to have your child with you, it helps them know that there's an actual person there and not someone trying to cheat them. You don't need to explain anything.
When I've gotten my GACs in the past I never had a note. I just took my DS in with me, said "This is my son Vinny, he has autism and we'd like a GAC, please." Then I'd follow that up with my requests, usually alternate entrance when available, sheltered waiting area if available, stroller as a wheelchair... stuff like that. We used the GAC when needed, we use the fastpass when we can.

thanks again for all of your posts! this is such a great source of support! (my DH thinks i'm nuts!)[/QUOTE]

I love this board! I was on a DisHiatus for several months. We decided we couldn't afford the annual pass again, not the price of the tickets so much as all the other expenses with frequent WDW trips. I was so bummed by this that I stayed away for a long time, but I'm back now!

Sara

 

[maynard]

thanks sara. i will ask for alternate entrance, etc. can you ask for an aisle seat? we don't know about some of the shows. he surprises us so much that i don't want to refuse to let him try something...but after the look of terror and shreiks at honey, i shrunk the audience, i want a quick exit! tripping over legs carrying a kicking 3 year old wa tough...he's 5 now!

as for stroller as a wheelchair, we usually rent a double because we have 4 kids and sometimes even the 8 year old will climb in for a rest is it possible to do stroller as a wheelchair with a double? what are the benefits that you've seen?

thanks for your posts! glad you're back. i know what you mean about not affording and it being hard to read this sight. we are going into debt for this trip, but my oldest will be in middle school next year and the curriculum will be too challenging to take him out then. i still plan to come here for ideas and support...we can also relive our great vacations through the experiences of everyone else!

 

[mlwear]

I need not repeat all the great advice that has been provided.
I kept with me a "sensory calming kit". Just stuff in a ziploc bag Earplugs (you have those covered), a couple of fidget toys, his brush (I know it has a technical term, but you probably know what I'm talking about. PM if not), a chewy tube on a necklace (a very chewy food would work, too), ..when DS got over-stimulated, I would just find a little spot off to the side without people and give him a quick brush and some deep pressure. A couple of minutes out of the crowds and noise helped. After a few days into both our trips, he needed the chewy tube about all the time, but not a big deal.

I MUST add that DS has never seemed more happy than when he is at Disney. People see pictures and cannot believe it. I worried a lot before our first trip, but he did great. I wish you the same experience.

Have fun

 

[Brightsy]

I think if you explain things to a CM they may be able to accomodate you. They may not, but it never hurts to ask, yah?
We took the kids to A Bug's Life at AK the first trip we took. When we picked the row we wanted we just kinda let people in front of us and took the aisle seats just before the show started. Glad we did! The little one lasted maybe 10 seconds before terror took over, the older one maybe a full minute. LOL! poor kids, we haven't tried the show again since... esp. as my older DS says he's terrorfizzled of bugs!

We usually do a double stroller, younger DS is now 5 (as of yesterday) and older ds is 7, they both can get a little tired. Never had a problem w/ stroller as a wheelchair even for the double.
As for benefits, well, it let us use the wheelchair line for a few attractions when Vinny was feeling overstimulated and didn't want to leave the safety of the stroller. We've rarely ever used that part of the GAC but I like having the stamp just in case... knowing my luck the one time I didn't get the stamp would be when I need it most.

I'm glad to be back. *wry grin* Sometimes I wish I could live at WDW...I can understand why some folks simply call it "The World."

Sara

thanks sara. i will ask for alternate entrance, etc. can you ask for an aisle seat? we don't know about some of the shows. he surprises us so much that i don't want to refuse to let him try something...but after the look of terror and shreiks at honey, i shrunk the audience, i want a quick exit! tripping over legs carrying a kicking 3 year old wa tough...he's 5 now!

as for stroller as a wheelchair, we usually rent a double because we have 4 kids and sometimes even the 8 year old will climb in for a rest is it possible to do stroller as a wheelchair with a double? what are the benefits that you've seen?

thanks for your posts! glad you're back. i know what you mean about not affording and it being hard to read this sight. we are going into debt for this trip, but my oldest will be in middle school next year and the curriculum will be too challenging to take him out then. i still plan to come here for ideas and support...we can also relive our great vacations through the experiences of everyone else!

 

[karynnix]

My DS is HFA and did things and enjoyed things that I didn't expect him to. Loud noises usually bother him, but he LOVED the fireworks at EPCOT. I had to step back and let him discover the new things without worrying so much!

 

[cymomtx]

I have had no problems getting a GAC for my two AS children. One trick I did learn though, is to request one GAC for each child. That way if you split up you don't have to worry about not having the GAC. My DS16, has to have ear plugs and his gameboy. We forgot his gameboy the day we went to Disney Land, and that was not a good day. That is his stress release and without it he was very impatient and anxious.

 

[mikkiwikki]

We had no problems with GAC for my DS then 5 now 6.
He has a real low tolerance for noise, (so we had the earplugs which really came in handy at Philharmagic, Mgm MUPPETS 3D etc)....and with touch ...he is also in constant motion, so I really worried about the lines at disney...only a parent that has lived with such a child can truly 'get it'.

Contrary to my worries beforehand, my family never encountered any rude comments, and I was fully prepared for it.

I was pleasantly surprised..

Have a wonderful trip