WDW trip with my autistic son....

[smg1062]

This December, my soon to be 6 yr old will be going to WDW. Can anyone give me tips, advice on the best way to handle situations, lines, etc? I heard that medical notes sometimes help get closer to the front of long lines, and someone else told me that they would hand out cards to cast characters informing them that their child is autistic as not to touch or approach them suddenly.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[Jordan's MOM]

A visit to the disability board would be a good start to a lot of answers. I have seen several threads on touring with an autistic child. Good luck and have a great time.


jordan's mom

 

[smg1062]

I posted there as well. Thanks for the heads up..........I'll wait for replies (hopefully).......

Steve

 

[SueM in MN]

I replied to your post on the disABILITIES Board.
For anyone who wants to get there, follow the link in my signature.

 

[Crazy Kanga]

I have an 8 year old autistic son and we went last year for the first time. We were really surprised at how well he did given his extreme aversion to characters. We did get a letter from our pedatrician, but never had to use it because in mid May the lines were not long. We are going again next week and plan on taking it again just in case. As you know autism is a broad spectrum disorder so it would not do you a lot of good for me to tell you how my child reacted to things because yours may be very different. Just go prepared for anything. Do as much research as you can ahead of time on these boards as well as other sites so that you can know what to expect. Being well prepared and preparing your son fot what is coming will be a great help. We watched the planning video repeatedly before we went and he told us what things about it scared him and we reassured him he wouldn't have to see those things if he didn't want. The funniest thing about it was that he was scared to death of Mickey so we kept telling him that Daddy would "kick Mickey's butt" if he scared him, then when we got there and he saw Mickey at Toontown, Mickey kissed him on the head and from then on he kept asking when we were going back to see Mickey. Another magical moment occured when a very nice CM went and got Mickey for us so my son could see him alone without the usual crowd all around him. So be sure to tell them if you get a chance about your sons condition and I'm sure they will help all they can. Have Fun

 

[merryweather's twin]

We have been taking our PDD son for years..... I think you will be suprised that he seems to fit in there.... With all the excited kids and kids acting up He seemed just like any other child.... At least for a few days a year. We love WDW and seen our guy make great strides in the parks. He now rides all the rides and loves to look at the maps and he interacts with his sisters and us and has fun. I am sure you will find all the info you need here.... Feel free to PM me if you have any thing to ask....