Tips for traveling w/ *adult* with ASD?

[TillyMarigold]

Hi all, my DH (age 31) has Asperger Syndrome and I was wondering about tips for things like where an adult with an autism spectrum disorder could go to get a break ... quiet nooks and crannies where he can rest his brain, that sort of thing. I don't think the crowds would be enough of a problem that he'd need a GAC but it would be nice to know in advance the places we could go and sit awhile to get away from all the stimulation every hour or two. I could just have a list and then when it gets to be too much I'd know where we could go without having to hunt. I'm thinking places like the 2nd floor dining room at Columbia Harbour House.

Any other tips are also welcome, DH doesn't have too many restrictions or anything (we've never been anywhere as crowded as Disney but I think more frequent breaks than normal should be enough) but he can get overwhelmed by unexpected things sometimes (like we once went to a wedding that had extremely elaborate chandeliers in the ballroom and he couldn't look at anything else all night). He does also have OCD but it's mostly in the form of checking things at home and at work, so it will be a factor mostly in the hotel room. And we've finally found a sunscreen that doesn't drive him crazy so we're all set for that.

 

[mazz1]

i have two children with autism and we found the first aid rooms in the parks really helpfull when it all just got too much for my oldest (she is almost 16)

the staff would be happy to allow my daughter to chill out behind a curtain on a medical bed with no questions asked

if you get really deperate i'm sure they would be very accomodating

if you are in the MK there's a food place at the top left of main street as you go into another land that does funnel cakes and drinks this has a high corner wall and my daughter also likes this area as it's small and quiet and in the shade i think it's called liberty something? and i would suggest getting the boat over to the grand floridian is another idea as there are lots of quiet areas over there to have some time out

in animal kingdom there's lots of quiet shaded places

in epcot there is a nice sandy area you can sit and relax looking at the water it's as you leave the park going out onto through international gateway towards the boardwalk (just past canada on the world showcase)

with hollywood studios i'm not really sure, we find this park the most stressful and only ever manage a few hours in here

hope some of these suggestions help

 

[bookwormde]

Hello,

I break it down into several areas.

First are sensory differentials. On a firsthand basis I cannot be overly helpful since most of my variations are mild to beneficial. While it is only partially sensory (with a lot of EF processing complexities), a lot of jumbled sounds, especially a multitude of overlapping voices is disconcerting when clear communication is important. From a second hand basis DS and others in my family, taking practical steps to avoid or lessen the impact of any sensory issue your DH has will help keep his overall anxiety at a reasonable level.

Second are social challenges and the extra work of having to deal with social situations intellectually instead of innately. This can be a lot of work and if consistently beyond his “experience” or standard “complexity level” can be draining and lead again to anxiety. If he is not overly social with you at times it is likely his need to be a little defensive to deal with the extra challenges, so this is a good time not to “push the issue”.

Third is the fact that WDW is a very visual place and generally quite enjoyable to us. One issue is that we have an “extra appreciation” for much of the “complexity and detail” of WDW so allowing the extra time for us to enjoy this is an important consideration.

Looks like you are going in late summer so it will still be hot so the standard ASD schedule is probably still best, go to the parks early, leave around noon and go back to the resort and explore, swim, nap and generally relax and then head back to the parks after it starts to cool down and the commando touring people have “burnt out”. We always park hop so it is almost like 2 days at WDW for each day.

There are lots of places to “hide” if needed and there are some lists on other ASD threads, but you will likely find the longer timeframe mid daybreak to be more beneficial.

It does not sound like he has any “responsibilities” (children or friends), other than you and your expectations so that will make if easier for a first visit. Just monitor his anxiety levels and try not to “push” when they are elevated.

WDW is a magical place (even for us spectrum adults) so as long as he can just “relax and enjoy” he will likely have a great time.

If you have any specific concerns pleas feel free to ask.

bookwormde

 

[TillyMarigold]

i have two children with autism and we found the first aid rooms in the parks really helpfull when it all just got too much for my oldest (she is almost 16)

the staff would be happy to allow my daughter to chill out behind a curtain on a medical bed with no questions asked
with hollywood studios i'm not really sure, we find this park the most stressful and only ever manage a few hours in here

hope some of these suggestions help

Thank you, that is very useful. I think he would probably rather decompress in a more "normal" setting so as not to inconvenience me (we're quite used to finding a place to sit on a bench in the shade when out somewhere like a zoo or whatever), but it's good to know that the medical beds are an option--we've never done anything as intense as Disney can sometimes be.

For Studios I seem to remember the area near the Singin' in the Rain umbrella is particularly quiet.

Hello,

I break it down into several areas.

I really appreciate that! I knew there would be several different factors at play but wasn't sure how to differentiate them.

First are sensory differentials. On a firsthand basis I cannot be overly helpful since most of my variations are mild to beneficial. While it is only partially sensory (with a lot of EF processing complexities), a lot of jumbled sounds, especially a multitude of overlapping voices is disconcerting when clear communication is important. From a second hand basis DS and others in my family, taking practical steps to avoid or lessen the impact of any sensory issue your DH has will help keep his overall anxiety at a reasonable level.

I think for the most part, his sensory issues are more visual--some tactile but more with things like sunscreen or soap that go right on the skin.

Second are social challenges and the extra work of having to deal with social situations intellectually instead of innately. This can be a lot of work and if consistently beyond his “experience” or standard “complexity level” can be draining and lead again to anxiety. If he is not overly social with you at times it is likely his need to be a little defensive to deal with the extra challenges, so this is a good time not to “push the issue”.

I wouldn't push of course, but it seems to me (as a former CM) that most of the interaction is likely to be quite ... scripted may not be the right word, but do you know what I mean? The CM will say how are you, we'll say fine, they'll say where are you from, we'll say Albuquerque, they'll say how's the weather there, we'll say not as hot as Florida...

Third is the fact that WDW is a very visual place and generally quite enjoyable to us. One issue is that we have an “extra appreciation” for much of the “complexity and detail” of WDW so allowing the extra time for us to enjoy this is an important consideration.

Yes, we are planning to do several of the tours--the detail is what both of us find most interesting. (That's also one thing we're planning to minimize crowds/lines and therefore stress--like you get onto rides through backdoors with some, or priority seating for Illuminations.)

Looks like you are going in late summer so it will still be hot so the standard ASD schedule is probably still best, go to the parks early, leave around noon and go back to the resort and explore, swim, nap and generally relax and then head back to the parks after it starts to cool down and the commando touring people have “burnt out”. We always park hop so it is almost like 2 days at WDW for each day.

Right, I am definitely not a commando person either! We have general plans of "probably this for the morning, probably this for the evening, in between we can either go back to the hotel or not depending on how we feel." Since we're going during Free Dining we'll have to make ADRs (and we love going out to eat) but other than that I'm planning not to plan.

It does not sound like he has any “responsibilities” (children or friends), other than you and your expectations so that will make if easier for a first visit.

Right, it's just us--we planned this vacation on purpose as a place where we wouldn't have to be doing what other people wanted us to do and we wouldn't have to worry about things like driving (*definitely* a way to have major anxiety problems, no matter who's driving and who's navigating).

 

[mechurchlady]

http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/articles/article-4.html
Some suggestions for quiet places by a businessman.
Some restaurants have out of the way places like patios that few people sit at.

The trails in Animal Kingdom is pretty quiet and have nooks to hide out. I have lots of suggestions but probably are wrong. I liked the area around the dinosaur at the studios for avoiding people.

 

[bookwormde]

Sound like you have a good handle on things.

Since you are on DDP you will be doing a fair number of TS meals. I generally request a “quite area” which makes the meal much more enjoyable for the whole family (some of the restaurants, especially the character meals can be quite loud).

Have a great time,

bookwormde

 

[TillyMarigold]

http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/articles/article-4.html
Some suggestions for quiet places by a businessman.
Some restaurants have out of the way places like patios that few people sit at.

The trails in Animal Kingdom is pretty quiet and have nooks to hide out. I have lots of suggestions but probably are wrong. I liked the area around the dinosaur at the studios for avoiding people.

I'd love to hear your suggestions though! I tried looking for the lists that bookwormde mentioned but didn't find too many more.

Sound like you have a good handle on things.

Since you are on DDP you will be doing a fair number of TS meals. I generally request a “quite area” which makes the meal much more enjoyable for the whole family (some of the restaurants, especially the character meals can be quite loud).

Oh, that's a good idea. I hadn't even thought of asking except at T-Rex (where I've heard the ice room is marginally quieter; I have my doubts but DH requested it and he loves RFC so we're going to try it). The only character meal we're doing is Cape May breakfast and we picked it specifically because it's quieter. But we're mostly doing resort restaurants that are either ethnic or seafood-oriented so I'm hoping they'll be a teeny bit less popular (will definitely ask about a quiet area though).

Thank you so much for all y our help!

 

[Ctsplaysinrain]

My 13 yr old son has AS.. Some places that we chill are:

He finds Coral Reef restaurant soothing- the cool colors and the fish

We spend time on the bridges looking at fish, turtles whatever

He likes to spend time studying the mini train in Germany

AK we spend lots of time studying the flowers

Carosel of Progress, Hall of presidents




We have a hard time with DHS as well...didnt realize that this might be common with AS. It is our least fave park. Epcot ( mainly countries is #1), AK #2 and MK #3..

We like to do MK on evening extr a hours as late as possible.. It doesnt seem so bad when the sun is down and weather is not quite as hot or colors as bright..

 

[Ctsplaysinrain]

we've finally found a sunscreen that doesn't drive him crazy so we're all set for that.
__________________


Can you share please?????

 

[mechurchlady]

It has been 10 years since I could make WDW so my memories as dimming and things have changed so much. I loved the flowers near Innoventions and the coolness of the trails as well as the Tree of Life because so few people were there. Epcot world section had so many hidey holes like back alleys.

Hollywood Studios was my least favourite. AKL has nature and softer colours usually. Magic Kingdom is like my Disneyland and has different areas as does Epcot but Hollywood Studios was just not my thing. I did not go there to hide and if you asked me about DLR I could go tomorrow and find the info or recall over 300 visits and 48 years of memories probably.

I did mention restaurants because at Hollywood Studios I remember being at the restaurant off in a corner with my turkey leg meal and a heron begging for food. Not many people back there and it was just me and the hungry heron. Herons can do a mean puppy dog eyes type of look.

 

[bookwormde]

Finding the old threads can be quite time consuming (some day I will make up an index thread).

Here are a few of our favorites,

In MK Tom Sawyer Island has lots of quiet spots, the train is usually relaxing, there is a raised patio at the train station at the entrance which can be a good place to watch the parades. At EPCOT we like to “escape” out the international gateway entrance and relax it the little pavilion along the lake where you turn left and go across the bridge to Boardwalk. In AK if you are in Africa and make the right on the rear path towards Asia there is s set of drums just past the corner, across from that there is a walking path and some benches and tables that is usually quite and comfortable. DHS is more problematic, it is dependent on the time of the day but on the path to Fantasmic there is an area on the right of walls that can be uncrowded, although I do not know what the impact of having American Idol in the area has had.

bookwormde

 

[clanmcculloch]

Since we're going during Free Dining we'll have to make ADRs (and we love going out to eat)

Be sure that his expectations are set for the waits. Last year during free dining we were shocked at how long some of the waits we had were. We had ADRs for every meal during free dining, but there were some waits that were well over an hour anyway. Granted we did have a group of 6 which is harder to seat than 2, but everybody was waiting much longer than you would typically expect when you have reservations. Having the expectation of long waits before being seated will make a HUGE difference for his ability to enjoy the meals. I find setting my expectations realistically can really make or break a situation for myself (I'm an Aspie) and my daughter (also an Aspie).

 

[Earstou]

I would suggest using TourGuideMike! He gives lots of tips for making your WDW days easier and avoiding crowds as much as possible. He also has hints for dining.
I always said I would never go in July again, but after dh changed to a teaching career, that was our only option (he teaches summer school in June, resumes work in early August). We used TGM and I couldn't believe how well the trip went. So I do recommend it if you have trouble with crowds.

 

[TillyMarigold]

we've finally found a sunscreen that doesn't drive him crazy so we're all set for that.
__________________


Can you share please?????

He's OK with Neutrogena Cool Mist but that one is best used outside because breathing in the mist is a little annoying (in general, not just to him). We got a free sample of Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch sunblock and he says he's been using that one lately because of the breathing-in-the-mist thing and he thinks it actually feels a little better on his skin than the mist. But the mist one is nice for reapplication when outside (especially on a hot day) because it feels very cool going on.

Before we moved to Albuquerque, he just went without, but that's not an option here.

ETA: and for quick applications for just his face, he sometimes just uses my moisturizer which has SPF 15 in it. Other than that, he sprays the mist into his hand and rubs it on his face (when he's not using the dry touch one).

 

[TillyMarigold]

Be sure that his expectations are set for the waits. Last year during free dining we were shocked at how long some of the waits we had were. We had ADRs for every meal during free dining, but there were some waits that were well over an hour anyway.

Thank you! It's been a long time since we lived on the East Coast where waits for restaurants are common, so we may have gotten a little spoiled. You're right, knowing in advance can make or break the experience.

 

[Puget Peach]

There is quiet path that starts (or ends) at the Toon Town Train Station and comes out (begins) between Space Mountain and the Motor Speedway along the train tracks. It is hardly ever crowded and has some benches for resting and is shaded for a good part of the day. It's fun to wave at the train passengers as they go by! When it's really crowded we hop the train at Toon Town to go to Frontierland. Sure is easier on the feet than hiking the whole way and a lot fewer people to interact with.

 

[christymarie]

I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned this but when you eat at counter service do it at off hours 11-11:30 for lunch and then dinner around 4pm. This is a much quieter and less crowded time for eating and gave us a ready made break area.

We love riding around on the train and on the monorail. The train CMs are really nice especially if they know you are riding the train for the enjoyment as opposed to using it as a means of transportation. You may even get some little perks. TTA may not be running by the time you get there but that is another good ride that I have never seen a line to but goes slowly around and is really nice.

My DH is a bit of an Aspie (our children both have ASD). My husband can work though things but then hits the wall and needs an escape, my older DS is an Aspie and is over sensitive, and my younger DS is classic autism and is under-sensitive. Disney is the one place where we have all been able to have fun together just in different ways.

Christy