wheelchair for autistic 10 yr. old?

[Christine43]

I know there have been numerous discussions on wheelchairs here before but I've got another question regarding my son. He's 10, he's autistic and last year when we were there he became pretty exhausted and weak a few times. I'm debating on whether I should rent a wheelchair or not. It would be yet another situation where he's be getting out at rides obviously mobile so I'm wondering if we are going to have to bear the angry stares from onlookers. I know I shouldn't care but it really wears on you after a while. What do you do with the wheelchair when to go on the ride? Any suggestions are very appreciated. Thanks, christine

 

[Shorty82]

I know there have been numerous discussions on wheelchairs here before but I've got another question regarding my son. He's 10, he's autistic and last year when we were there he became pretty exhausted and weak a few times. I'm debating on whether I should rent a wheelchair or not. It would be yet another situation where he's be getting out at rides obviously mobile so I'm wondering if we are going to have to bear the angry stares from onlookers. I know I shouldn't care but it really wears on you after a while. What do you do with the wheelchair when to go on the ride? Any suggestions are very appreciated. Thanks, christine

Sounds to me a wheelchair would be a good idea for him. With the length and waits of a number of rides and attractions I think it would be a good idea for him to ride it all the way up to the front. The CM at the front will direct you to the handicapped boarding area (usually the exit platform I believe). You can tell the CM there that he can transfer and they will have you park the chair and you will board. The chair will stay right where you parked it most likely. If you board somewhere but the exit then the CMs will move the chair to where you exit.

That is how we boarded with my DSIL who was in a chair on our MK day at Winnie the Pooh and Buzz Lightyear. On Buzz we were directed pass the boarding platform to the exit platform. We were told where to park the chair and we got on there. When we got off she hopped into the chair and away we went.

For most rides you will go through the regular line as they queues have been "mainstreamed", in other words made accessable to wheelchairs and ECVs. A few rides in the MK haven't been but the CM at the line entrance will direct you to the handicapped entrance for those.

 

[SueM in MN]

My first question would be how tall is he and how big?

The type of wheelchairs that you can rent at the parks are similar to the ones on this link. They are heavy duty commercial wheelchairs and are adult sized, very heavy (40-50 pounds).
The seats and backs are vinyl sling type, so they are not firm to sit on.

If your child is close to adult size, the size might work out OK, although some people do not like the 'un-firmness' of the seat (I can't think of a good 'real' word) and some don't like the width, For example, my DD is 5 feet tall and 90 pounds with a slim build - her wheelchair is 14 inches wide; a typical adult wheelchair is at least 16 inches wide, but more often (at least these days) they are 18 inches.

If he is shorter, the armrests will be too high (anywhere from mid-chest to neck) and the seat will be too deep, which means that if he sits all the way back so his back is supported, the edge of the seat will come below the knees. If he sits all the way forward so his knees are at the edge of the seat, he would not have any back support. Those things bother some kids with autism a lot and don't bother some kids much at all.

Another possible option would be to rent a special needs stroller (there are links to places you can rent them in the disABILITIES FAQs thread). Those are basically like giant umbrella strollers and many children with autism have those strollers.

You could also consider renting a park stroller. They are made of a firm plastic and many people have posted in the past that their children with autism like them because of the firm feel and also the canopy and sides that cut down on stimulation.
Allearsnet has a page about strollers, with pictures. Up to a small 12 yr old will fit into the strollers.

When you go onto rides, you can bring the wheelchair with you in line (you would get a Guest Assistance Card to bring a stroller into lines - see the disABILITIES FAQs thread for info about GACs). You could also park the wheelchair/stroller outside of the attraction in the stroller parking area.

 

[KPeveler]

if you are concerned about other people's reactions to your son looking "mobile" and using a chair/stroller, remember that you know your son, the other people do not... you know what is best, and they should not judge. you're in the happiest place on earth, so POOH on other people! you do what is best and I hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[AJKMOM]

I know there have been numerous discussions on wheelchairs here before but I've got another question regarding my son. He's 10, he's autistic and last year when we were there he became pretty exhausted and weak a few times. I'm debating on whether I should rent a wheelchair or not. It would be yet another situation where he's be getting out at rides obviously mobile so I'm wondering if we are going to have to bear the angry stares from onlookers. I know I shouldn't care but it really wears on you after a while. What do you do with the wheelchair when to go on the ride? Any suggestions are very appreciated. Thanks, christine

I guess they call it a "Spectrum Disorder" because my Ds with autism has legs like a runner, and never stops moving. I think he could run with the cross country team if he could just run without going on his toes and flapping his hands. As far as what anyone else thinks, just keep moving and don't let it bother you. In 12 trips to WDW, I have rarely seen a look of disapproval when we use our GAC. I know after all these trips that I would certainly reply to someone who is rude enough to challenge us.

It is certainly a life saver, and the reason we are taking trip 13 in January.

 

[Tissa]

Just to let you know that the wait sometimes is longer with a wheelchair, that might be an issue if he can't wait long. Safari, Space and Splash are a few that come to mind.

 

[pcparamedics01]

I guess they call it a "Spectrum Disorder" because my Ds with autism has legs like a runner, and never stops moving. I think he could run with the cross country team if he could just run without going on his toes and flapping his hands. As far as what anyone else thinks, just keep moving and don't let it bother you. In 12 trips to WDW, I have rarely seen a look of disapproval when we use our GAC. I know after all these trips that I would certainly reply to someone who is rude enough to challenge us.

It is certainly a life saver, and the reason we are taking trip 13 in January.

My son too! And like you I would reply to any person that challenges us. One time not at Disney, but recently one lady said some rude comments to me about my son. My husband said big mistake, and sprinted out of site. He knows me! We would never ever do that to someone else and we do not want it done to us. I agree who cares what people say!!

 

[SelfEmployedDebtFree]

Boy does all this sound FAMILIAR!!!
Were in the same boat. My son is a bit overweight. He has low muscletone due to his autism.
I have used a wheel chair twice. I usually only use it if he is really complaining about something (like one trip he got lots of blisters on his ankles.). But I wouldnt discourage you from doing it. My son would "store up" all his energy, and when he would leave his wheelchair he would literaly SPRING UP out of his WC and RUN to the ride. That looks "suspicious" to most people. I usually just try to explain the situation. Ive never been one of those (omitting the word i want to put here) people who assume they dont have to explain anything. They call it "autism AWARENESS" for a reason. they pay money to promote autism awareness, then snub people who ask questions. I dont get it. Anyways, if you are nice to people and just explain it, they usually get "friendly" suddenly, and often they will offer to help. If they still are rude after I explain it, then look out.
It worked for us when we rented one, but I didnt feel "right" using it. Mostly because he COULD walk, and he needed the exercise due to his weight.
now, please (really) dont take this the wrong way, but we discovered on about the 8th trip in 3 years that he would complain a lot and walk really slow, but if he was going to a ride HE wanted to ride... suddenly he wasnt so tired.... hmmmmmmm.

 

[Christine43]

Thanks for the replies! He's 10, he's a little overweight (med. induced, just took him off it), he's about 4' 10" and he has some muscle tone issues. I think if he really wanted something he could take off like a rabbit but he does tend to get very tired and sluggish and weak as we go along. Who knows, maybe with a rest around noon every day he won't even need a wheelchair.
Believe me, everyone, I really don't give a bleep what other people think of any of my children but I know that the looks, the comments etc. wear us down occasionally but we get it everywhere, not just DW, and I'm sure many of you know what I mean. It's just astonishing to me that in DW, of all good places, people can't reach inside and find some compassion. Thanks again very much!

 

[SelfEmployedDebtFree]

It's just astonishing to me that in DW, of all good places, people can't reach inside and find some compassion.

Theres a lot of compassion there, but some people just dont have any, no matter where they are. Those are the people who are usually rude, and they follow you from school to church to the grocery store, and even follow you to WDW! You just gotta step above them.

 

[disneydenisel]

We purchased a Maclaren Special Needs Stroller last year for our Thanksgiving trip to WDW. You can also rent these from a local place and have it delivered to your resort. I believe the Maclaren can handle up to 120 lbs.

It worked out great. My DD8 has autism & low muscle tone and fatigues easily. She also has severe anxiety disorder, and having the stroller allowed her to feel safe whenever she needed to. She hasn't been on more than one ride yet (I have high hopes), so I spend a lot of time walking around with her in the stroller, going from place to place. It makes a great seat for a parade and for viewing fireworks.

We never had a rude comment or odd look from anyone at WDW, but we were recently at Legoland, CA, and I overheard a few remarks. People will always think what they think. You do what you need to do for you & your family.

 

[LisaBi]

DS14 has Down Syndrome, and fatigues quickly walking or standing for an extended period, but like a previous poster said, stores up that energy and looks like he is perfectly capable of walking all the way once we get to an attraction.

I've given up worrying about what others think. On one trip a few years ago I thought maybe we could ditch the wheelchair for an "easy day." Well, by the time we got from the monorail station to the gates at Epcot, he was done for the day and ready to go back to the hotel.

I know there are folks who think we don't need to be using the chair, but I just can't worry about them. The only thing I want to worry about is making sure he is having a good time. (Although I'd be happier NOT pushing a wheelchair all week!)

 

[Christine43]

You just gotta step above them.[/QUOTE]

Agreed, you're totally right.

 

[SelfEmployedDebtFree]

I look at it like this: If you need one, use it. If you dont think you have to have it, dont use it. Only you can decide. Once you have made your decision you can always change it if you choose. Nothing is etched in stone.
Once we walked by and my son was saying "I want a wheelchair!" I didnt really think he needed it. I told him "Its $10 a day. Thats adds up fast for a big trip" (but it was just my excuse... remember, I didnt think he really needed it). The CM heard me say it and she gave us a chair for free. She made the decision for us.

 

[GroovyWheeler]

I remember when I was 9 and 10 years old. I have Apert Syndrome, and at that time, I couldn't walk the entire park, because I'd get tired fairly easily. At that time, doctors discovered that I was developing in the early stages of hip dysplasia, but didn't want to do anything about it yet, until I was complaining of pain when I walked. So, my mom rented one of the park's wheelchairs, and either she, my godfather, or my old babysitter that always went along with us, would push me in it. I don't remember anyone making any rude comments towards me, even though they probably did stare. My syndrome is visible on the outside, so it could've been obvious as to why I needed the wheelchair. Even though no one could see the real reason why I needed it.

Today, I have my own wheelchair that we've brought to Disney in the last 5 years since I went (didn't go last year or this year, but we're going in January of next year), and it was wonderful to have it. I loved it, because it has a positioning belt that helped keep my hips straight, and positioned correctly. Next year in January when we go, I'm debating about renting the park's ECV/wheelchair. I'll be bringing my reverse walker with me, because it's getting hard on my mom, to having to deal with my manual wheelchair when we travel with it. We'll see when the time comes.

Samantha

 

[donatalie]

During our trip when DS had just turned 7, he had completely outgrown the strollers. We decided to try walking.......DH was really against him getting a wheelchair. We were at MGM for a few hours and DS started getting very grouchy and this turned quickly into aggression.

He is non-verbal and was literally growling at us and would attack us every time we tried to go anywhere in the park. I grabbed the map and located the first aide center. We muscled him there and tried to calm him down. I thought he may have gotten too hot and took off his shoes too cool his feet.

Then we discovered the problem. Due to his motor planning difficulties, he had developed a huge blister on his foot. The first aide staff helped us bandage him up and actually went and got him a wheelchair to use for the rest of the day.

I got no arguments from DH about renting a wheelchair for the rest of our stay. That wheelchair saved our vacation. We actually bought a foldable wheelchair for him when we got home and used it on our last trip.

 

[disneyworldmom2]

If you are concerned that a wheelchair may not be comfortable for him, what about renting a double stroller at the park? He'll still have to walk in and out of the park, but he might be comfortable in the stroller. I would suggest bringing a beach towel or something like that for him to make it a little more comfortable to sit in.

As far as other people and their comments and looks, I know it's very frustrating, but the best thing to do for you and your son is ignore it, or come up with a quick comeback. When people would say things like, 'boy, he's got it made getting pushed all over' about our 4 year old, we would say 'we'd give anything for him to be able to walk, but since he can't, this is the only way he can enjoy Disney.' Other than apologies, no one said anything else!

 

[Napria]

Definitely get a wheelchair! My DS is 10, autistic and epileptic. We got the wheelchair last trip just in case he had a seizure, but put him in it to keep him from running away.

Another tip: If your asd child has auditory sensory issues go to a sporting goods store and get earmuffs (the kind you get to protect your ears from gunshot sounds). My dad had some and when he died mom gave them to us for DS. We weren't sure whether he'd wear them, but he preferred them to the stim of the park noises.

DS is also absolutely obsessed with his K'nex toys. We brought some and there he'd be, in a wheelchair, with earmuffs and playing with his K'nex. Oh, and we also brought his portable dvd player, so he could watch Jimmy Neutron. People must have wondered why we bothered to bring him to Disney! But all this stuff (except the wheelchair) would be stuffed into my backpack when we'd put him on a ride. BTW, we found out at the end of the week that Big Thunder Mountain had just the right amount of sensory input to make it a really fun ride for him. That was a big surprise for us! We had been putting him on gentler rides like the Tomorrowland Transit Authority and the Walt Disney World Railroad. He also liked Soarin, but would ride it only once.

 

[Christine43]

Thanks for all the advice. I think I am going to get the wheelchair. Donatalie, your son looks a bit like my son. Take care and thanks, Christine

 

[disneyworldmom2]

I know it's easy to say, but you can't let the ignorance of others affect your trip! We've had people say things about our 5 year old who can't walk, and as hard as it is, you have to ignore them, or come up with a really good, short quip that stops them, like, "I'd give a million dollars if he could walk, but since he can't, this is his way to enjoy the parks". As for the stroller vs wheelchair, I'd go with whatever you think he would be the most comfortable in. If he wouldn't 'fit well' in a wheelchair, go for a stroller. I've found that a clip-on fan works very well for our son, too. The noise, as well as ability to have some control over something, has been very effective for him. Good luck!