traveling with a child with Autism.

[jondvl]

Our DS (age7) has low level Autism and ADD. We are concerned WDW might be to much for him. He does not like loud noises and gets upset if he does not get his way. He is getting better in that respect.

I am hoping there is so much to keep him busy that this will not be an issue.

Any suggestions on making it easier for him and the rest of the Family?

 

[Bob P]

Hi and to the DIS!

I suggest you go over to the DIS-abilities forum and post your question there. You can also look through the threads and you may find some help that way while you wait for responses.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[RN4Babies]

Our DS (age7) has low level Autism and ADD. We are concerned WDW might be to much for him. He does not like loud noises and gets upset if he does not get his way. He is getting better in that respect.

I am hoping there is so much to keep him busy that this will not be an issue.

Any suggestions on making it easier for him and the rest of the Family?

Hi,

My dd8 is high functioning autistic. I bought Peltor noise reducing headphones (the junior sized ones) for our trip; she put them on several times when things were too loud for her, and was able to watch and enjoy fireworks for the first time in her life!!! I found them on Amazon.com, for under $20 if I remember right.

I also showed her videos of every single ride on YouTube before our trip, so she'd have an what to expect. I'd avoid Dinosaur (even with the headphones it was too loud and scary for her). She LOVED EE, Space Mountain, Tower of Terror, etc.! Follow your son's lead, and have a wonderful time!

 

[CyndiLooWho]

Hello!

I am the mom of a 10 yo boy with Aspergers, ADHD, and dyslexia. He adores travel, and even though he really craves routine at home, he does exceptionally well with long days touring attractions.

That said, all kids (not just ones with challenges) are different. Have you ever taken your son to a theme park? How did he do with it? We started taking our son to King's Island (big theme park in Ohio) when he was 4. He's been at least once a year ever since, except last year, and he's visited smaller theme parks. B/c he's used to other parks, I don't expect any trouble at Disney, even though he's never been.

That said, I ordered the Disney dvd (got it today) and have been talking about the different rides that are available at Disney. We've looked at YouTube videos of the various rides.

I think our son is going to do well. Though he doesn't normally take ADHD meds during the summer, and hasn't taken them when we've been to other theme parks, I am bringing his meds with us. I'm bringing earplugs, though he's mostly outgrown his noise sensitivity, and I'll be sure to have tylenol on hand if he gets a headache from the noise and people.

The best measure though, is to know your particular kid and to be willing to work with him to have a good time. You may need to only be in the park when it's not busy - open to noon and 5-close (or whatever an expert says). be prepared to take a midday break. Know which rides are soothing and will help your son calm down. Be open to using his meds even if he doesn't usually need them when he's not in school. Try to keep mealtimes and bedtimes on his regular schedule.

You can get detailed information on each ride in the Unofficial Guide to WDW and the Unofficial Guide to WDW w/Kids (last updated 2007, not everything in it, but most). I'm using it to help me gauge the reactions both of my kids will have to the rides (my 8 yo nightmares easily). And I'm making sure to talk about each ride and let the boys see a little bit about it so they feel more in control of their own reactions when they get there.

Good luck and I hope you all have a great time.

 

[Reese'smom]

If I'm not mistaken, a Diser who has a child with autism made a special guidebook that was wonderful for her son. I think her name was Mousescapper? Maybe do a search for her!


ETA: Here's the link to her guidebook. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1774902&highlight=adventure+autism

 

[Kim68]

My son is 6 and is taking his 3rd trip to Disney World in 3 weeks. He has Asperger's Syndrome. He adores Disney and we have never had a problem with any attractions with the exception of "It's Tough To Be a Bug" and "Honey I Shrunk the Audience". Those particular movies are just too loud and intense for him to enjoy, but this is also the case for many "typical" children. He loves all the rides and has ridden on Space Mountain, Big Thunder, Splash Mountain and Dinosaur without issue.

I would just advise to be prepared for anything, take your time and talk him through what he may expect (ie. the line may be long, you will sit in a your own seat, you will use a seat belt, you may wear special glasses, etc.). Kids with autism are just so different from each other. It's hard to know what you are dealing with until you get there. But, just remember to be patient, calm and most of all, have a wonderful time!

 

[mousescrapper]

If I'm not mistaken, a Diser who has a child with autism made a special guidebook that was wonderful for her son. I think her name was Mousescapper? Maybe do a search for her!


ETA: Here's the link to her guidebook. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1774902&highlight=adventure+autism

thanks...that is me!

I do have a son w/ HFA and ADHD and yes I have made 2 special guidebooks for him on 2 of our recents visits. Plus I have another friend who has 2 children (boys) on the spectrum and she just posted a thread on the disABILITIES boards about some self-help cards she designed using Boardmaker.

not becuase it's my thread or I think I'm some grand expert but maybe it will help you and your son.

Many tips and ideas I have found from parents like us here on the boards.

Here is the link to my friend DisMomAmy's self help cards:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2147916

and here again is the link to my Son's Special Guidebook for traveling w/ HFA & ADHD

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1774902

feel free to PM or really any parent you come across to ask more questions.

I agree w/ other posting, using sound cancelling headphones, viewing rides, looking at menus, having them be part of the plans and touring ideas is a big help.

Good LUCK!