Tips for a 4.5 year Old with developmental delays

[ilovepooh]

I wanted to add that I mentioned taking a stroller, but I think I should clarify that we take our stroller from home. He is more comfortable because it is the one he is familiar with. I don't know if a strange stroller will throw him off.

Also, the first year we went to WDW we got a crib from babysbestfriend and he wouldn't sleep in it. He wound up sleeping with us. I even brought his crib sheets from home, but the strangeness of the room and the crib was a different style....so he wanted to be close to us. I wish I would've known this because I could've saved myself some money. Oh well.....

Have a great trip!

 

[mickey&minniealways]

Most meltdown happen when the child is tired, hungry or dehydrated. So keep a water bottle handy. A small stash of acceptable snacks etc. Make sure to work plenty of breaks, bathroom or otherwise. Don't be afraid to get that GAC card and also Fastpass can really make a difference. If you are going to spend most of your time in a certain park stay in a resort next door. The dvc resorts are great for this. We usually rent from a member, more economical and we are considering buying in at this point. BLT is right next to MK. BCV is right next to Epcot. Ask for a quieter area, SAB can get quite noisy. If staying BWV also ask for a quieter area as overlooking the boadwalk can also get a bit loud. OKW and SSR are spread out and not really near any of the parks that she might appreciate, we have teens so these are our favorites. AKV is nice and the pool is amazing and would be lots of fun for her. A savanah view can be particularly relaxing and if she shows an interest in animals this may be just the thing. Two of my 3 kids are SN. They are 15 and 23 now. The 21 yr old is cause of gray hair though. We still have situations where they can get overstimulated. Or in the case of the older one obbsesive. We just build in more breaks into our day and try to go with the flow.

 

[mickey&minniealways]

Almost forgot if you go to a site called passporter.com they have a downloadable book called Open Mouse. It answers all your questions about doing disney with a disabilty alon with answers to questions you didn't know you had but need. To me it is invaluable. Good luck and don't forget to have a magical time.

 

[ppony]

Adam doesn't speak, we get the more sign (all of you doing speech therapy know what I mean!)

Oh I SO wish my DS2.5 would give us that. I pray for the day I hope we get some communication.


You guys are models of inspiration. I admire all your attitudes and strength.

 

[SueM in MN]

Almost forgot if you go to a site called passporter.com they have a downloadable book called Open Mouse. It answers all your questions about doing disney with a disabilty alon with answers to questions you didn't know you had but need. To me it is invaluable. Good luck and don't forget to have a magical time.

Just wanted to mention that you have to purchase the paper book and after purchasing, you can download a file of the book.

It is a good book, but can be a bit overwhelming because it is quite long. I suggest people not try to absorb the whole book at once. Skim some parts and then read the parts that seem most pertinent to your situation before really delving in and trying to read the whole book.

 

[mickey&minniealways]

Your right it is long and best taken in small doses. Unfortunatly I don't do anything halfway. So I just dive right in however I have found it to be an invaluable tool. I also love my passporter book. I makes it all so much easier.