touring with autistic preteen Christmas week

[Southerndisney]

I know we can get a GAC. Do you have any other suggestions?

 

[bookwormde]

There is lots of ideas in some of the older threads but as a quick list try providing as much visual information about the trip, parks an resorts as possible to create familiarity.
Monitor for tiredness and anxiety, have some favorite distractions available and have an “exit” plan if a break is needed.

Mostly relax and enjoy, WDW is a magical place for our children.

bookwormde

 

[gshumaker]

is this your 1st visit?

we tried to go online and show our DS as much of the shows/rides online via videos and pictures to let him know what to expect.

get a good guide book to tell you all about the rides/shows and what might be a trigger.

I end up doing a daily schedule like this....

Monday August 25
Animal Kingdom (8am-5pm)/Hollywood Studios (9a-1a)

Breakfast in room or at CSR

Spend the morning at AK
(Early morning hours – 8am-9am) DINOSAUR, Expedition Everest, It's Tough to be a Bug!, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Pangani Forest Exploration Trail

Lunch - either at AK or back at CSR

AK - Bus Stop 8 (middle) - 6 min ride once leaving resort

Mid-day break at Coronado Springs – swim, nap, rest

Spend the afternoon/night at HS
Get wristbands for late evening hours
(Late evening hours – 10p-1am) – Muppet Vision 3-D, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, Star Tours, Tower of Terror, Toy Story Mania, The Great Movie Ride, Voyage of The Little Mermaid

Dinner – either at CSR or at HS

Fantasmic 8:30 & 10pm

HS - Bus Stop 6 (1st stop) - 6 min ride once leaving resort​

and put menus and such on the back to let him know what to expect each day

We take an mp3 player loaded up with calm-down music and make sure you have any other small items that put your child in their happy place.

WDW is a magical place - relax and enjoy!!

 

[SueM in MN]

There is lots of ideas in some of the older threads

If you go to post #3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread, you will find links to some of those older threads.

One book that is very nice is called Walt Disney World for Kids, by Kids. It was written from a kids point of view and they have reviews for things like 'scariness'.

 

[mechurchlady]

Each child is different so can you tell us some things about it like what does it LOVE with a passion or avoids at all costs. There are seekers and avoiders. Some kids will shy away from the slightest bit of ruckus while others are dancing, flapping, clapping and having fun. Some kids would love to see the Osborne light show and others would meltdown. That would help others to help you with specific tips. I am an observer on the outside looking in and see many unique kids out there.

Big hgus and you can do this.