Thinking for the future

[DRS_Are_Best]

Hi there --

In March, my 2 year old twins were put on the autism spectrum (have both been diagnosed with "severe autism" since that time). Just after learning they were ASD, we took our Disney vacation (had been planning it for some time) and started working with them once we returned. We did have SEVERAL problems on the trip (mainly in the shows and similar venues).

We are thinking about taking our kids back there at some point, probably in about 2 years (making it 3 years between visits). We know that there are going to be MAJOR changes in the way they handle all situations between now and then, but I was just wondering if there are some general tips that people can give us to prepare ourselves and our kids for a Disney trip (5 year old girl/boy with autism, 7 year old without ASD) based on your experiences?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

 

[SueM in MN]

Welcome to disABILITIES.

I don't know if you have read the disABILITIES FAQs thread, but if you have not, there are some links to past threads in post #3 of that thread that will be helpful to you.

Also, it might be helpful for posters to know what sort of problems you had with the shows.
And, some kids with ASD are sensory avoiders and some are sensory seekers. It would be helpful to know which category your children seem to fit into.

 

[Faldred]

DH here.

Of the twins, the "problem child" at WDW was DS2 -- he was great on rides or just walking around, did OK with characters, but really had a hard time with any show and the one parade we went to. I'm guessing it was the noise -- of the twins, he shows the more "typical" autistic behavior in terms of being set off by certain types of sounds or visuals. Specifically, he would become very upset at some point during a show, and would become impossible to settle down unless removed from the theater.

Even with that, it was somewhat variable. At the PHD Live show at DHS, he started well, but when the Little Einsteins segment started, he lost it. At the time, he didn't like LE (he does now), so we though that was the problem, but he continued to have issues at other live shows throughout the week. He did OK at the 3-D movies (refused to wear the glasses) -- it was the live shows that bothered him. He did, however, make it through the Nemo show at AK with DW soothing him the whole time. The Hoop De Doo show, however, was pretty much a disaster.

 

[peemagg]

Sounds like shooters ear muffs would be right up his alley. I have a pair of nieces who are sound sensitive and they use those muffs and have no problems. You might want to try them. You can get them at Wal-mart or a sporting goods shop for I belive under $20.

 

[Faldred]

Sounds like shooters ear muffs would be right up his alley. I have a pair of nieces who are sound sensitive and they use those muffs and have no problems. You might want to try them. You can get them at Wal-mart or a sporting goods shop for I belive under $20.

The challenge will be getting him to wear them, but some kind of noise-canceling/reducing earwear is certainly a viable option.

 

[Bugsmom73]

Social Story and Picture schedules. PM me if you want a copy of some Disney PEC Cards I have made.

We story board alot. DS has had a great time and is a seasoned Disney Veteran. We go with the flow. I would rent 2 special needs strollers and plan some one on one time with your big kid.

 

[DRS_Are_Best]

Social Story and Picture schedules. PM me if you want a copy of some Disney PEC Cards I have made.

We story board alot. DS has had a great time and is a seasoned Disney Veteran. We go with the flow. I would rent 2 special needs strollers and plan some one on one time with your big kid.

Thanks so much, and I'm sorry I haven't gotten back with you before now -- I haven't been on DISBoards for quite some time -- things have been NUTS. But I will send you a PM shortly for those PEC cards!

Right now, planning on spending one-on-one time with any of my kids is a bit crazy -- because there are 2 autistic kids (identical age), they both demand much of my attention -- DS1 though, for the first time since his sister and brother were born, is getting my attention as the twins have just started full-day preschools to meet the goals stated in their IEPs.

Thanks again for everyone -- and that goes for EVERYONE who responded to this thread. It's still going to be a while before we make another WDW trip, but we are definitely thinking about things now.