WDW W/ A SPD Child-stroller/wheelchair ?

[mommy2allgirls]

My family has been to WDW several times and we happen to have two dds who have sensory processing disorder. One of my dds with SPD is 5 years old and when she gets around a lot of people she can shut down and prefers to have her own special space, like a stroller, that she knows is her space or bubble that she is safe in. Is it weird or wrong to use a stroller for a 5 year old who doesn't have mobility issues and should we consider getting a stroller as wheelchair pass for the stroller so she can use it in lines? I will already be in a ECV because I have mobility issues and can't walk.

Does my question make sense?

 

[bookwormde]

No it is about what best meets your child's needs and to maximize the portential to have an equivelent experiance to chidlren who do not have a disability.

Just get it tagged as a stroller used as a wheel chair.

For SPD and ASD kids it is probably the most common, and effective accomidation until the child decides that they no longer are comfortable with the accomidation

bookwormde

 

[mommy2allgirls]

No it is about what best meets your child's needs and to maximize the portential to have an equivelent experiance to chidlren who do not have a disability.

Just get it tagged as a stroller used as a wheel chair.

For SPD and ASD kids it is probably the most common, and effective accomidation until the child decides that they no longer are comfortable with the accomidation

bookwormde

Great, thank you! I truly think this will help her enjoy it more and handle lines better!

 

[JohnnySharp2]

I agree whatever is best to make your visit more enjoyable. Our son is autistic/non verbal, although he can walk he cannot do it for a long period of time.
We have always taken a large stroller and now child's wheelchair with us and wouldn't be able to cope without doing so.

 

[SueM in MN]

using a stroller as a wheelchair is the most common modification used for children with autism. Even though you are not using it for mobility, you are using it for disability related needs.

There is more information about using a stroller as a wheelchair and Guest Assistance Cards in post 6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. You can find that thread near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature.

Also, many people find that a touring plan, like TourGuide Mike or Ridemax is even more helpful than a Guest Assistance Card. In your case, you may still need the stroller as a wheelchair, but a touring plan will help you outside of attractions too since it will tell you where to go in the least crowded park at the least crowded time.

 

[blondietink]

My DS with Autism who is age 18 uses an adult travel chair, because he just can't handle all of the sensory stimulation he receives while at WDW. The few times we have tried to do without it, he is basically out of control; running ahead of us, spinning, wandering around, going up to people to ask inappropriate things (like where did you get that t-shirt), yelling, etc. He feels the most comfortable sitting in his chair and can get the most out of his experience while doing so. It also keeps me in good shape pushing him around the world.

On one trip, his travel chair broke and we had to rent a wheelchair for 3 days in the parks. The cost was minimal, but it was clear that he needed his chair for touring when he would run ahead of us after going through the turnstiles and race over to the rental location in each park and grab a chair and sit in it. The CM's didn't know what to think of him until we got there to explain the situation and showed our pre-apaid rental receipt.

Go for it!

 

[snow_white's_mom]

My DD5 was 4 on our last trip and she was a big 4 used a stroller for the same reason and we used a stroller as a wheelchair tag and plan on getting one for our trip in January. We only use it when needed but it makes her more comfortable to be able to have her stroller if she needs it.