Re: Disney suggestions for Sensory Issues?

[Guest guest]

WDW will issue line passes for most of the rides. And if you ask at restaurants in general, they will often let you jump the line, too.Good luck!tt

>  >> My friend has a trip booked for February to WDW with her two kids- a 4yo NT, and an 8yo with some pretty strong sensory issues (can't recall what his actual dx was- if it helps, one of his therapies include brushing him, and he has difficulty processing sounds, being in the dark, or loud sounds).

>> I'm going with them after something happened, causing her other 4th person to back out.>> Her son has a LOT of Aspie traits, but what I'm wondering is if anyone has any tips to help him with the problem spots. I already have experience with my own two aspies, but every child is different, and because we live over an hour apart, I don't spend much time around the kids.

>> Tips, tricks, helpful suggestions- it's all welcome!>> -- Terri D. Eagen-TorkkoFull-time feminist event planner, freelance editor, 24/7 bonus mom

[Guest guest]

We went when our AS son was 11 and the best days were the ones planned out completely. Before we went we checked their website, decided which park we would visit each day and by checking the on-line maps, we had a general idea of where we would start in each park. As soon as we got there we arranged our meals (we got the food plan - excellent value) and he knew the time for each reservation (this can all be done at the hotel if you stay at a Disney hotel) We picked up all the maps so each evening we could look over the map for the next day so he would have an idea of what was going to happen. Of course there were times when things didn't work out according to plan - and we had a few "mini" meltdowns - but on the whole, keeping him informed of each detail before it happened seemed to keep him on track.

It is impossible to plan out each day perfectly but we tried our best and we also talked a lot about how things can change whether we want them to or not - like waiting in a line-up for 40 minutes when the sign said 20 minutes (that caused a bit of a problem but we were able to handle it) The talking continued all the time we were down there - like pointing out line-ups, explaining how you have to wait (I think this helped although I don't always think he's listening to what I say!) I think what bugged him most was when the characters talked to him - my son will only wear plain green tee shirts - and one of the green army men from toy story came over to talk to him and commented on what a great shirt he was wearing (because it was green like him!) My son was mad for over an hour about that (I thought it was so cool!) When we had our picture taken with Buzz and Woody he looks just miserable - then we got home and he asked why he wasn't smiling!

Including him in all the plans is a really good idea but also talking about how plans change is good too. We also had to be ready to change our plans for him - when we felt he was getting worked up - not by any one thing but just the total over-stimulation you get there.

Good luck! It's a wonderful place to go to and I'm sure you'll all have lots of fun!!

We are planning our next Disney trip in November - and we're already checking out the website and making plans!!!

Estevan, SK

Canada

-- Disney suggestions for Sensory Issues?

My friend has a trip booked for February to WDW with her two kids- a 4yo NT, and an 8yo with some pretty strong sensory issues (can't recall what his actual dx was- if it helps, one of his therapies include brushing him, and he has difficulty processing sounds, being in the dark, or loud sounds).I'm going with them after something happened, causing her other 4th person to back out.Her son has a LOT of Aspie traits, but what I'm wondering is if anyone has any tips to help him with the problem spots. I already have experience with my own two aspies, but every child is different, and because we live over an hour apart, I don't spend much time around the kids. Tips, tricks, helpful suggestions- it's all welcome!

[Guest guest]

I have not read all the posts in this thread, so sorry if I am being redundant.

We went to Disney pre-diagnosis and it was the WORST vacation for all of us but

my aspie, who remembers it fondly. How he can, after all his time spent crying

and screaming, I don't know, but the fun parts made an impression. What I have

learned since, though, is that Disney does allow autistic kids to skip the

lines. You still have to wait, but you can wait off to the side in a quiet area

till it is your turn. You'll need to ask about this though, because I don't

know how it is done or what documentation you need. I have just heard word of

mouth that they do it.

Also, I agree about planning, even for non Aspies at Disney. Get the book The

Unofficial Guide to Disney World. It has " touring plans " in it, so you can find

a plan to follow depending on the make-up of your group. They writers have

researchers who they send to the parks to see how things work, how fast rides

load, where crowds go from one ride to the next, and they make schedules how to

work your way through the park with the least wait time at any given ride--

which ride to get on first, where to go next, even though everyone else goes to

the next " obvious " ride to go to, and pretty much how to get through the park

seeing as much as possible with as little wait time as possible. That book was

great-- my aspie was scared to death he would NOT see it all, and seeing a

written plan that said when we would go to what made it easier for him.

Overall, he was just in overload mode the whole time though, and it was really

bad. I don't know how we would have handled it differently if we'd had the

diagnosis but at least I would have known what the problem was, because I felt

like I had the saddest child on earth at the happiest place on earth. Maybe the

private wait area would have made a difference for him. Good luck! We are going

to Universal Studios in Orlando this summer and I am hoping for the best, now

that we have medication for his anxiety/depression, a better understanding of

his problems, and more maturity on his part too.

>

> We went when our AS son was 11 and the best days were the ones planned out

> completely. Before we went we checked their website, decided which park we

> would visit each day and by checking the on-line maps, we had a general idea

> of where we would start in each park. As soon as we got there we arranged

> our meals (we got the food plan - excellent value) and he knew the time for

> each reservation (this can all be done at the hotel if you stay at a Disney

> hotel) We picked up all the maps so each evening we could look over the map

> for the next day so he would have an idea of what was going to happen. Of

> course there were times when things didn't work out according to plan - and

> we had a few " mini " meltdowns - but on the whole, keeping him informed of

> each detail before it happened seemed to keep him on track.

>

> It is impossible to plan out each day perfectly but we tried our best and we

> also talked a lot about how things can change whether we want them to or not

> - like waiting in a line-up for 40 minutes when the sign said 20 minutes

> (that caused a bit of a problem but we were able to handle it) The talking

> continued all the time we were down there - like pointing out line-ups,

> explaining how you have to wait (I think this helped although I don't always

> think he's listening to what I say!) I think what bugged him most was when

> the characters talked to him - my son will only wear plain green tee shirts

> - and one of the green army men from toy story came over to talk to him and

> commented on what a great shirt he was wearing (because it was green like

> him!) My son was mad for over an hour about that (I thought it was so cool!)

> When we had our picture taken with Buzz and Woody he looks just miserable -

> then we got home and he asked why he wasn't smiling!

>

> Including him in all the plans is a really good idea but also talking about

> how plans change is good too. We also had to be ready to change our plans

> for him - when we felt he was getting worked up - not by any one thing but

> just the total over-stimulation you get there.

>

> Good luck! It's a wonderful place to go to and I'm sure you'll all have lots

> of fun!!

> We are planning our next Disney trip in November - and we're already

> checking out the website and making plans!!!

>

>

> Estevan, SK

> Canada

>

>

>

> -- Disney suggestions for Sensory Issues?

>

>

> My friend has a trip booked for February to WDW with her two kids- a 4yo NT,

> and an 8yo with some pretty strong sensory issues (can't recall what his

> actual dx was- if it helps, one of his therapies include brushing him, and

> he has difficulty processing sounds, being in the dark, or loud sounds).

>

> I'm going with them after something happened, causing her other 4th person

> to back out.

>

> Her son has a LOT of Aspie traits, but what I'm wondering is if anyone has

> any tips to help him with the problem spots. I already have experience with

> my own two aspies, but every child is different, and because we live over an

> hour apart, I don't spend much time around the kids.

>

> Tips, tricks, helpful suggestions- it's all welcome!

>

[Guest guest]

I also have not read all posts on this thread but here is my input --Disney is famously accommodating to autistic people. When you get there you go to the customer service window (can't remember what it's called but it's right at the entrance). Tell them your child is autistic. We'd brought a copy of dx and iep documentation but they didn't ask for it. They give you a special pass that your child wears around his neck. In our case there was no waiting, ever, for him or his siblings. What a treat! They got to go several times on some of the rides which would not have been possible if we'd had to wait. Sam was so proud of his pass, as if it were VIP pass. You go to the head of the line and they take you right away. It was the first time his siblings appreciated him, after years of being irritated and inconvenienced by him! I have not read all the posts in this thread, so sorry if I am being redundant. We went to Disney pre-diagnosis and it was the WORST vacation for all of us but my aspie, who remembers it fondly. How he can, after all his time spent crying and screaming, I don't know, but the fun parts made an impression. What I have learned since, though, is that Disney does allow autistic kids to skip the lines. You still have to wait, but you can wait off to the side in a quiet area till it is your turn. You'll need to ask about this though, because I don't know how it is done or what documentation you need. I have just heard word of mouth that they do it. Also, I agree about planning, even for non Aspies at Disney. Get the book The Unofficial Guide to Disney World. It has "touring plans" in it, so you can find a plan to follow depending on the make-up of your group. They writers have researchers who they send to the parks to see how things work, how fast rides load, where crowds go from one ride to the next, and they make schedules how to work your way through the park with the least wait time at any given ride-- which ride to get on first, where to go next, even though everyone else goes to the next "obvious" ride to go to, and pretty much how to get through the park seeing as much as possible with as little wait time as possible. That book was great-- my aspie was scared to death he would NOT see it all, and seeing a written plan that said when we would go to what made it easier for him. Overall, he was just in overload mode the whole time though, and it was really bad. I don't know how we would have handled it differently if we'd had the diagnosis but at least I would have known what the problem was, because I felt like I had the saddest child on earth at the happiest place on earth. Maybe the private wait area would have made a difference for him. Good luck! We are going to Universal Studios in Orlando this summer and I am hoping for the best, now that we have medication for his anxiety/depression, a better understanding of his problems, and more maturity on his part too. > > We went when our AS son was 11 and the best days were the ones planned out > completely. Before we went we checked their website, decided which park we > would visit each day and by checking the on-line maps, we had a general idea > of where we would start in each park. As soon as we got there we arranged > our meals (we got the food plan - excellent value) and he knew the time for > each reservation (this can all be done at the hotel if you stay at a Disney > hotel) We picked up all the maps so each evening we could look over the map > for the next day so he would have an idea of what was going to happen. Of > course there were times when things didn't work out according to plan - and > we had a few "mini" meltdowns - but on the whole, keeping him informed of > each detail before it happened seemed to keep him on track. > > It is impossible to plan out each day perfectly but we tried our best and we > also talked a lot about how things can change whether we want them to or not > - like waiting in a line-up for 40 minutes when the sign said 20 minutes > (that caused a bit of a problem but we were able to handle it) The talking > continued all the time we were down there - like pointing out line-ups, > explaining how you have to wait (I think this helped although I don't always > think he's listening to what I say!) I think what bugged him most was when > the characters talked to him - my son will only wear plain green tee shirts > - and one of the green army men from toy story came over to talk to him and > commented on what a great shirt he was wearing (because it was green like > him!) My son was mad for over an hour about that (I thought it was so cool!) > When we had our picture taken with Buzz and Woody he looks just miserable - > then we got home and he asked why he wasn't smiling! > > Including him in all the plans is a really good idea but also talking about > how plans change is good too. We also had to be ready to change our plans > for him - when we felt he was getting worked up - not by any one thing but > just the total over-stimulation you get there. > > Good luck! It's a wonderful place to go to and I'm sure you'll all have lots > of fun!! > We are planning our next Disney trip in November - and we're already > checking out the website and making plans!!! > > > Estevan, SK > Canada > > > > -- Disney suggestions for Sensory Issues? > > > My friend has a trip booked for February to WDW with her two kids- a 4yo NT, > and an 8yo with some pretty strong sensory issues (can't recall what his > actual dx was- if it helps, one of his therapies include brushing him, and > he has difficulty processing sounds, being in the dark, or loud sounds). > > I'm going with them after something happened, causing her other 4th person > to back out. > > Her son has a LOT of Aspie traits, but what I'm wondering is if anyone has > any tips to help him with the problem spots. I already have experience with > my own two aspies, but every child is different, and because we live over an > hour apart, I don't spend much time around the kids. > > Tips, tricks, helpful suggestions- it's all welcome! >

[Guest guest]

Take a letter from your

doctor/specialist stating the diagnosis of your child. Immediately after you

enter the first park on your first day, head directly to the customer service

center/guests services. Explain that you have a special needs child and a

letter from your doctor, usually they will not ask to see the letter itself, at

least that’s been my experience. They will ask the number of people in

your party and the number of days you will be at Disney.

You will receive a pass that is to be

shown to the first Disney staff member you see at each ride. The pass will

allow you to skip the line and enter the ride either using the Fast Pass

entrance or through a different door entirely. You will save so much time, the waiting is practically non existent. The pass

isn’t limited to special times of the day and can be used throughout your

stay. It is only for rides, not photo opportunities.

It is a great feeling walking past

the long lines of people, and definitely worth the call to the doctor

for a letter and the visit to the Disney guest services.

Fiona Plunk

Autism Resource Specialist

Center for Autism,

a program of UCP Heartland

2720 N. Center Street, Suite 200

P.O. Box 367

ville, IL

62062

- fax

[Guest guest]

I know the parks we are going to each day are planned out (she planned those

around the EMH's), and 1 meal per day is planned (she got PS for a sit down meal

each day- CRT, Coral Reef, 50's Prime Time, and not sure what else). She tried

to plan those for a 'break' time each day, and around normal meal times that

they have at home.

She's also ordering one of the customized free maps from WDW, which will give

the kids something to look at ahead of time, and shows the rides we'll go on

based on the height of the kids, and the rides she knows the kids will like, or

the others to avoid.

I read somewhere to bring a small flashlight on a lanyard for kids are scared of

the dark. They can hold them on the dark rides to have some light with them, so

I'm going to suggest that.

>

> We went when our AS son was 11 and the best days were the ones planned out

> completely. Before we went we checked their website, decided which park we

> would visit each day and by checking the on-line maps, we had a general idea

> of where we would start in each park. As soon as we got there we arranged

> our meals (we got the food plan - excellent value) and he knew the time for

> each reservation (this can all be done at the hotel if you stay at a Disney

> hotel) We picked up all the maps so each evening we could look over the map

> for the next day so he would have an idea of what was going to happen. Of

> course there were times when things didn't work out according to plan - and

> we had a few " mini " meltdowns - but on the whole, keeping him informed of

> each detail before it happened seemed to keep him on track.

>

> It is impossible to plan out each day perfectly but we tried our best and we

> also talked a lot about how things can change whether we want them to or not

> - like waiting in a line-up for 40 minutes when the sign said 20 minutes

> (that caused a bit of a problem but we were able to handle it) The talking

> continued all the time we were down there - like pointing out line-ups,

> explaining how you have to wait (I think this helped although I don't always

> think he's listening to what I say!) I think what bugged him most was when

> the characters talked to him - my son will only wear plain green tee shirts

> - and one of the green army men from toy story came over to talk to him and

> commented on what a great shirt he was wearing (because it was green like

> him!) My son was mad for over an hour about that (I thought it was so cool!)

> When we had our picture taken with Buzz and Woody he looks just miserable -

> then we got home and he asked why he wasn't smiling!

>

> Including him in all the plans is a really good idea but also talking about

> how plans change is good too. We also had to be ready to change our plans

> for him - when we felt he was getting worked up - not by any one thing but

> just the total over-stimulation you get there.

>

> Good luck! It's a wonderful place to go to and I'm sure you'll all have lots

> of fun!!

> We are planning our next Disney trip in November - and we're already

> checking out the website and making plans!!!

>

>

> Estevan, SK

> Canada

>

>

>

> -- Disney suggestions for Sensory Issues?

>

>

> My friend has a trip booked for February to WDW with her two kids- a 4yo NT,

> and an 8yo with some pretty strong sensory issues (can't recall what his

> actual dx was- if it helps, one of his therapies include brushing him, and

> he has difficulty processing sounds, being in the dark, or loud sounds).

>

> I'm going with them after something happened, causing her other 4th person

> to back out.

>

> Her son has a LOT of Aspie traits, but what I'm wondering is if anyone has

> any tips to help him with the problem spots. I already have experience with

> my own two aspies, but every child is different, and because we live over an

> hour apart, I don't spend much time around the kids.

>

> Tips, tricks, helpful suggestions- it's all welcome!

>

[Guest guest]

That's good to know! I had read about the pass, but information online is

conflicting on who can get one, what is required to get one, etc.

> > >

> > > We went when our AS son was 11 and the best days were the ones

> > planned out

> > > completely. Before we went we checked their website, decided

> > which park we

> > > would visit each day and by checking the on-line maps, we had a

> > general idea

> > > of where we would start in each park. As soon as we got there we

> > arranged

> > > our meals (we got the food plan - excellent value) and he knew

> > the time for

> > > each reservation (this can all be done at the hotel if you stay

> > at a Disney

> > > hotel) We picked up all the maps so each evening we could look

> > over the map

> > > for the next day so he would have an idea of what was going to

> > happen. Of

> > > course there were times when things didn't work out according to

> > plan - and

> > > we had a few " mini " meltdowns - but on the whole, keeping him

> > informed of

> > > each detail before it happened seemed to keep him on track.

> > >

> > > It is impossible to plan out each day perfectly but we tried our

> > best and we

> > > also talked a lot about how things can change whether we want

> > them to or not

> > > - like waiting in a line-up for 40 minutes when the sign said 20

> > minutes

> > > (that caused a bit of a problem but we were able to handle it)

> > The talking

> > > continued all the time we were down there - like pointing out

> > line-ups,

> > > explaining how you have to wait (I think this helped although I

> > don't always

> > > think he's listening to what I say!) I think what bugged him most

> > was when

> > > the characters talked to him - my son will only wear plain green

> > tee shirts

> > > - and one of the green army men from toy story came over to talk

> > to him and

> > > commented on what a great shirt he was wearing (because it was

> > green like

> > > him!) My son was mad for over an hour about that (I thought it

> > was so cool!)

> > > When we had our picture taken with Buzz and Woody he looks just

> > miserable -

> > > then we got home and he asked why he wasn't smiling!

> > >

> > > Including him in all the plans is a really good idea but also

> > talking about

> > > how plans change is good too. We also had to be ready to change

> > our plans

> > > for him - when we felt he was getting worked up - not by any one

> > thing but

> > > just the total over-stimulation you get there.

> > >

> > > Good luck! It's a wonderful place to go to and I'm sure you'll

> > all have lots

> > > of fun!!

> > > We are planning our next Disney trip in November - and we're already

> > > checking out the website and making plans!!!

> > >

> > >

> > > Estevan, SK

> > > Canada

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > -- Disney suggestions for Sensory Issues?

> > >

> > >

> > > My friend has a trip booked for February to WDW with her two

> > kids- a 4yo NT,

> > > and an 8yo with some pretty strong sensory issues (can't recall

> > what his

> > > actual dx was- if it helps, one of his therapies include brushing

> > him, and

> > > he has difficulty processing sounds, being in the dark, or loud

> > sounds).

> > >

> > > I'm going with them after something happened, causing her other

> > 4th person

> > > to back out.

> > >

> > > Her son has a LOT of Aspie traits, but what I'm wondering is if

> > anyone has

> > > any tips to help him with the problem spots. I already have

> > experience with

> > > my own two aspies, but every child is different, and because we

> > live over an

> > > hour apart, I don't spend much time around the kids.

> > >

> > > Tips, tricks, helpful suggestions- it's all welcome!

> > >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

We have taken my daughter to Disneyland twice. She has sensory issues (sounds, lights...) and has Asperger's. The things that helped us:

1. Don't push it. We let her lead the way (time wise). When she had had enough, we went back to the hotel. We didn't get to upset when she had a meltdown after only being there for a half an hour. We went and chilled out at the hotel for a couple hours and then went back. Another time we went to an eatery and just sat watching people and let her get back in control and calm down. We had no late nights. We watched the fireworks from our hotel room (she couldn't stand the sound or lights).

2. Rides are not something that she enjoyed for the most part. Disney has a ride program so that parents of kids can still ride the rides and you don't have to stand in line twice. I asked her every time if she wanted to go on the ride but always took no for an answer. I've heard they do more for ASD kids but I'm not sure what.

3. Brought our own snacks in. If anyone questioned it, we said she was on a special diet (because she is).

4. We made sure to pack her stuffed dragon, own pillow and a blanket from home. This made her more comfortable. Sleep is critical for her.

5. One time we went was a surprise. That didn't work as well. First time, she looked at brochures, maps, website and so on. That way she knew what to expect. When it was a surprise, she didn't do well with all the unknowns. We won't be doing that again. Lol.

6. Souvenirs cause too much stress for her. We made the rule way in advance that we would not buy any souvenirs until the end of the last day. We avoided doing to much shopping too. This kept us obsessing about something to much or loosing something.

Just go with the flow and have fun.

-- Disney suggestions for Sensory Issues?

My friend has a trip booked for February to WDW with her two kids- a 4yo NT, and an 8yo with some pretty strong sensory issues (can't recall what his actual dx was- if it helps, one of his therapies include brushing him, and he has difficulty processing sounds, being in the dark, or loud sounds).I'm going with them after something happened, causing her other 4th person to back out.Her son has a LOT of Aspie traits, but what I'm wondering is if anyone has any tips to help him with the problem spots. I already have experience with my own two aspies, but every child is different, and because we live over an hour apart, I don't spend much time around the kids. Tips, tricks, helpful suggestions- it's all welcome!

[Guest guest]

When my son was small he liked going to the zoo.  It wasn't too far

from where we lived, and he has always enjoyed riding in the car.  I

bought a yearly ticket so that we could go whenever we liked.  If he

needed to leave after 20 minutes, it didn't matter.  And if he

wanted to go back 2 hours later, we could go and start where we left

off.  We also had a yearly ticket for all the national parks nearby

for the same reason.  The city zoo here has stopped doing that.  You

now can only buy single entry tickets, or single entry tickets to

all three zoos.  At $25 for adults and $12.50 for kids, you don't

want to leave after 20 minutes or go back a second time.  When we

moved here and discovered that, we stopped going.  Then the Museum

dropped their prices, allowed kids under 12 in free, and introuced a

yearly membership that allows unlimited visits to all three museums

for a cost of about $50 per family, as well as good discounts on

special exhibits and all merchandise and food.  And membership is

reciprocal with many museums in interstate capitals, so the same

free entry and discounts apply on holidays.  So the museum became

our place to go.  We found doing that made longer or more

significant events easier for him.  He got used to queuing for short

times, and having other people around.  But one thing we learnt

early was that when he had had enough, it was time to go.  A break

of 10-15 minutes might be all that was needed, then you could go

back to what you were doing.  If you pushed, things did not go

well.  And surprises are for other people, not Ben.  He loves

planning them, but not receiving them.

My point?  If your kids are little, don't wait until you plan to go

to Disney World or wherever to start planning.  Start taking them

out and getting them used to being in crowds and enjoying

attractions.  Find out what your zoo or museum (or art gallery - my

son has always enjoyed art galleries) can offer.  If they don't

allow free entry (and many do) or have yearly passes, go and see the

manager and explain about autistic kids.  Most are passionate about

getting kids interested in animals/history/natural science/art and

will do what they can for you.  Letting one autistic kid and his

mother/father in for free will not in any way damage their financial

viability.  But present it as "you offer a valuable experience that

I'd like my kid to have, but this is my problem" rather than "we

have the right to enjoy this, so we demand you make it happen". 

Then, when you say "We're going to Disneyland" your kid will have a

lifetime of experiences you can point to so they know that going is

something they can handle and will find enjoyable.  Don't hesitate

to take advantage of any concessions offered to you that will make

the time more enjoyable.  You may even find you enjoy avoiding

queues and using 'special' entrances.  Who cares if others glare at

you - they will glare worse if subjected to a full-blown melt-down. 

And if your kid can't handle the local museum or art gallery because

of the crowds, don't take them to Disneyland.  It wasn't meant to be

a torture device.  You may have always dreamed of taking your kid to

Disneyland because you enjoyed it so much and want to share it with

your kid, but if it is obvious they won't enjoy it, don't take

them.  Do something else they will enjoy.  And yes, it is OK to go

somewhere quiet and shed a few tears that there is one more thing

you can't share, but remember you want to share good memories with

your kids, not bad ones.  Go hiking in the wilderness, take up

desert photography, spend a weekend enjoying steam trains, go bird

watching in remote mountains, trek across Antarctica.  There is more

to the world than theme parks.  And if your kid/s can go to Disney

World, then be glad for that and enjoy without guilt

 

We have taken my daughter to Disneyland

twice. She has sensory issues (sounds,

lights...) and has Asperger's. The things

that helped us:

 

1.  Don't push it. We let her lead the

way (time wise). When she had had enough, we

went back to the hotel. We didn't get to

upset when she had a meltdown after only

being there for a half an hour. We went and

chilled out at the hotel for a couple hours

and then went back.  Another time we went to

an eatery and just sat watching people and

let her get back in control and calm down.

We had no late nights. We watched the

fireworks from our hotel room (she couldn't

stand the sound or lights). 

 

2.  Rides are not something that she

enjoyed for the most part. Disney has a ride

program so that parents of kids can still

ride the rides and you don't have to stand

in line twice. I asked her every time if she

wanted to go on the ride but always took no

for an answer. I've heard they do more for

ASD kids but I'm not sure what.

 

3.  Brought our own snacks in. If anyone

questioned it, we said she was on a special

diet (because she is).

 

4.  We made sure to pack her stuffed

dragon, own pillow and a blanket from home.

This made her more comfortable. Sleep is

critical for her.

 

5.  One time we went was a surprise. That

didn't work as well. First time, she looked at

brochures, maps, website and so on. That way

she knew what to expect.  When it was a

surprise, she didn't do well with all

the unknowns. We won't be doing that again.

Lol.

 

6.  Souvenirs cause too much stress for

her.  We made the rule way in advance that we

would not buy any souvenirs until the end of

the last day. We avoided doing to much

shopping too. This kept us obsessing about

something to much or loosing something. 

 

Just go with the flow and have fun.

 

 

-------Original

Message-------

 

From:

herberkids3

Date:

01/02/12 17:09:24

To:

autism-aspergers

Subject:

Disney suggestions for

Sensory Issues?

 

 

My friend has a trip booked for February

to WDW with her two kids- a 4yo NT, and an

8yo with some pretty strong sensory issues

(can't recall what his actual dx was- if

it helps, one of his therapies include

brushing him, and he has difficulty

processing sounds, being in the dark, or

loud sounds).

I'm going with them after something

happened, causing her other 4th person to

back out.

Her son has a LOT of Aspie traits, but

what I'm wondering is if anyone has any

tips to help him with the problem spots. I

already have experience with my own two

aspies, but every child is different, and

because we live over an hour apart, I

don't spend much time around the kids.

Tips, tricks, helpful suggestions- it's

all welcome!

 

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01/03/12

[Guest guest]

I kind of scanned through these. That I know of most places will make accomadations based on the need. For Disneyland someone I know actually gets a aide that follows them around and helps with their child because it is something he needs. Most places you go to customer service and let them know and you will get a pass. We have gotten accomidations at Universal Studios, Lego Land and Disenyland. Thanks-Cari