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Our biggest success for long trips comes with the using a Portable DVD player. We have taken our son's DVDs outof their standard cases and put them in a a CD folder (one that zips up and you can get from Wal-Mart). Our son loves to watch his Disney movies collection so this really helps. Then we bring some books so whoever is not driving can work on him with his reading skills. We do make more frequent stops on the way and try to find a Burger King or McDonald's with a playground so he can run free for a while, before having to get back in the vehicle.
°O° Von Drake °O°
10 trips before 2000 | 2001 Offsite | 2001 SOG | 2002 CR | 2005 ASSp & SOG | 2006 OffSite | 2006 Disneyland | 2007 POP | 2008 POP & SOG
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Get a Guest Assistance Card if you suspect they are going to have issues with waiting in lines. We got one for my son on our last trip & it was the best thing we could have ever done. We went to guest services, told them of our son's condition & they gave it to us with no questions asked. I even brought a note from our doctor & they didn't even look at it.
Other than that, I think the most important thing you could do is make the child familiar with the parks, the resort you are staying at, etc. so there are no suprises. Watch the planning DVD, look through books, internet - there are plenty of resources to use. Some of these kids can be overwhelmed, but if they go in knowing what to expect you can hopefully make the transition easily.
Have fun!
many, many trips as a child
WDW 2000 - offsite
WDW 2001 - offsite
WDW 2006 - Pop Century
WDW 2007 - Poly Concierge / OKW
October 2007- Became DVC Members!!
February 2008 - Saratoga Springs
May 2008 - Boardwak Villas
August 2008 - Beach Club / Wilderness Lodge
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I agree with CrazyKids. We try to get our son really re-familiar with things before we go. We have maps of the parks and point out different attractions to him we know he liked and then have some photos from of those attractions to show him. We wait until about 3-4 days before leaving to start otherwise he gets to excited and focused on the trip and stuff he has a real difficult time in therapy. The guest assistance card was very useful, we can get him to wait in lines (grocery stores, waiting to see Santa, ride ponies, etc...) with a lot (a lot) of work, but his problem is all the different conversations and noise going on in the lines, he gets very upset, and he would be in tears by the time we got on the ride and by the time he calmed down we were getting off the ride again.
°O° Von Drake °O°
10 trips before 2000 | 2001 Offsite | 2001 SOG | 2002 CR | 2005 ASSp & SOG | 2006 OffSite | 2006 Disneyland | 2007 POP | 2008 POP & SOG
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Many thanks!
I thank everyone for responding to my post. The guys are going to be 4 and 3 when we go.
Great ideas about letting them see the parks to get them familiar. If they decide to come, I'll wait till closer to the trip date (June) and begin showing the videos we got of our trips. That way, they can see my DD6 having a grand old time. We'll also bring out the planning DVD so they can see Buzz Lightyear (a favorite of theirs) at WDW.
DD6 and I will be happy to go at their pace. DH and our other daughter, 15 will be running around.
I'm thinking my sister and I should have a ladies night as well! She deserves some "girl time". My husband loves the boys (he has his girls - but these are little BOYS) and would be happy to have some guy-time with their daddy!
Then: #runICOT 1/16
GC Disneyland 10/15
#runICOT 1/15
OKW 7/14
BWV #runICOT 1/14
VBR and BCV 7/13
AoA 10/12 iCOT 15th!
VBR, OKW, Magic, & AKL 5/12
BCV, BLT, Dream 8/11
BWV 9/09
AKV & DCL Magic 5/09
POR 11/08 (no KIDS)
BWV 6/08
SSR 11/07
AKL - 5/06
Offsite 6/05
ASM 7/99
Offsite 3/97
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Everyone has given good advice. I will just add on a few other tips that have worked for us.
WHen going to any type of show, from Tiki Room, to 4-D movies to Festival of the Lion King, be CERTAIN to sit on an end and not in the middle of the crowd. It is not only easier for them to cope with, but if either find it upsetting, you have a quick exit without dragging a melt downing child over peoples toes.
If they like Buzz, visit the kiosk outside of Space Ranger Spin early on and get them a little something they are drawn to. My son has always loved Toy Story and was taken with a little car that looks like Buzz and Woody are sitting on Andy's bed. It was cheap and when we were in a line or situation where he needed some distraction, we pulled that out and that is what got his attention rather than the overstimulating things going on around him. Also, the light chaser thingies that they sell everywhere are still absolutely enchanting for my guy.
Work in pool time or down time at the hotel during the day. They will especially need to break from stimulus if you want them to wind down at night.
Cannot emphasize the Guest Assistance Card enough. I use it only for looong lines, but it is really great to have in an emergency. Those queue lines can be torturous for kiddos on the spectrum (and those around them if push comes to shove!!)
the other thing hitting my mind at the moment is that if they will tolerate ear plugs, you might want to bring some. Many attractions are profoundly loud. I will probably think of more things as soon as I send this....LOL
Jen
Always ready to talk Disney Grand Floridian**Contemporary**Polynesian**Wilderness Lodge**Yacht Club**Dolphin**Port Orleans French Quarter**All Star Movies**All Star Music**POP Century**Disney Wonder**Disney Magic**Disney Dream**VWL**Old Key West**Animal Kingdom Lodge**Bay Lake Tower
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I have to second the ear plug recommendation. My DD (8yo) is autistic, and has some anxiety issues, but with the ear plugs, she can do anything!! We have taken her to WDW many times, starting when she was 5 months, and she LOVES it! She especially loves Epoct and Innoventions. She also loves the Imagination pavilion (not the ride though!). They have a lot of interactive stuff in there. They have one area where there are pictures on the ground and when you step on them, the make noises (the tiger growls, the cow moo's, etc.). Like everyone else said, take your time and go with the flow.
"We share the same biology, regardless of ideology" - Sting, Russians.
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My youngest son is Autistic. He has made 6 trips to Disney I think (losing count). It is his favorite place on Earth.
Please GO!!!!!
The CM's (for the most part) understand special needs and will help with reasonable requests. Chef's at sit down meals have come out and prepared special meals for my son. I ask nicely and CM's have always let me sit with my son (toward one side) on some of the kids only seating shows (Turtle Talk w/ Crush for instance). Even some of the characters have seemed to pick up on the fact that my son is a little different on his interactions ... and usually spend a few extra seconds with him.
On top of that, my son put together some of his first two word phrases at Disney. "Elephant Fly" or "Small World - Ride". Not huge for most kids ... but kinda breakthroughs for Matt.
Bottom line, the CM's are great, they accomodate as much as they can, and my Son lights up and requests things / interacts ... seems more "normal" there. If I could, he would be there on a weekly basis.
I hope your family has a magical time at the parks.
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My brother (and I'm serious here, his name is Disney) is autistic--verbal and highly functional, but autistic nonetheless. The Guest Assistance Pass is VERY helpful in line situations like Test Track etc so big dittos to that suggestion!
Also--my brother is a VERY picky eater, and we learned that no matter what restaurant in the World, they can pull out chicken fingers and french fries in no time!
My brother is a little weirded out by the Characters ---the kid will go on Space Mountain and giggle and HM and also love it but try to get him to go take a picture will Buzz and Woody and he'll have none of it! SO, figure out what things (loud noises, sudden flashes, things popping out suddenly) are triggers for discomfort and take your planning from there.
special needs are the LAST thing that should slow down a disney vacation...
my friend Kirsten in Crystal Palace once and heard a little boy scream EYORE!!!! and run to hug him. The mom followed behind saying "he's autistic, and that's the first word he's ever spoken."
there's magic for everyone
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My only suggestion is to remember that if the boys don't want to do something, or they seem scared by something that seems absurd to YOU, don't push them. Try not to get frustrated if they don't want to do something you thought they would love, and don't be frustrated if they don't want to ride any rides and just want to walk around looking at the flowers all day or just ride the train around for an hour (just examples from my real life experience at DL).
I have a 3 1/2 year old son with autism and he has been going to Disneyland practically weekly since he was 4 months old. Over time, his likes/dislikes have changed immensely, even from week to week. One week he may want to ride the Matterhorn over and over again. The next week, we may go back and you ask him if he wants to ride, and he gets all panicky and says "NO! It's too big!" (he did this last week). On the one hand, it's frustrating because I KNOW he loves the (ride, show, character, etc.) but for SOME reason, that particular day, he wants NO part of it. This is something that a lot of autistic kids have a problem with. You have to just "go with the flow" and try not to let the kids see your frustration or disappointment when they decide they don't want to do something that you may have been looking forward to. This is a great reason to use the BABY SWAP option in the parks! That way, everyone who wants to ride can, and which ever kid doesn't want to ride, doesn't have to.
Just keep an open mind and go in with few expectations. You'll all have a great time if you just see it all the way the kids are seeing it.
Natalie
INTERCOT Staff: Disneyland Resort-California, The Water Cooler
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There are a lot of good comments on this thread.
The one about meals, good old Chicken and French Fries to the rescue several times.
Likes and Dislikes changing so quick, happened last time we were their on a day to day basis.
Go with the Flow is absolutely correct. As parents of autistic children we all generally know this one, but it can be easy to forget without constantly reminding yourself sometimes.
I love that this board has been established.
°O° Von Drake °O°
10 trips before 2000 | 2001 Offsite | 2001 SOG | 2002 CR | 2005 ASSp & SOG | 2006 OffSite | 2006 Disneyland | 2007 POP | 2008 POP & SOG
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Although my son has never been specifically diagnosed, he is on the austism spectrum and I did a lot of research before our September trip. He did so well that we ended up not needing to use a lot of the advice (isn't it amazing that a place with so much stimuli ends up being a place where children who usually don't do well with stimuli have such a wonderful time?). However, we were prepared to separate and have one parent go back to the hotel with him, if necessary. Things worked out so well for us, but I don't know how much was attributed to the fact that the parks were not very crowded when we were there.
A lot of the advice I was given has been repeated above, but another thing I would add is to find some "quiet" spots in the parks if you need a little bit of a break, but not necessarily need to return to the hotel kind of break. It's tough to find quiet spots in MK, but Tom Sawyer Island can be a good place to let them stretch out. On the other side of Crystal Palace, on the way to Adventureland, there seemed to be some empty benches where there was not a lot of activity except ducks nearby. Sometimes a ride like TTA or COP can be a good break (although this is a little iffy, you have to know if your child is the type who could panic and there's no way for you to leave). My son also loves trains, so taking the steam train around the park was a nice break.
In Epcot, we spent a long time in Germany, just watching the trains go around.
Also, we made certain that our hotel (AKL) had a playground (he's a deep pressure kid) so that he could have playtime if necessary. Of course, I was very upset to learn that they were remodeling the playground when we arrived and it was closed. This ended up not being an issue, but I was worried this could have been a big problem. So, if you know the boys like playgrounds and need playground time, you might check with the hotel before just to make certain it's open.
Sorry, I can't remember any other specific spots right now, maybe others have some suggestions.
Karen
10/97 Dolphin w/ friends
02/00 Off-site w/ DH
09/06 POFQ w/ DD and friends
09/07 AKL w/ DH, DD and DS!
09/08 POR w/DS and friends
05/10 CR w/ DH, DD and DS
05/11 Hard Rock US/IOA w/ DH, DD and DS
05/13 Royal Pacific US/IOA w/ DH, DD and DS
02/16 Hard Rock US/IOA w/ DH, DD and DS
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My DS 7 is autistic and I just want to agree with everything that has been posted. WDW is a fantastic place for autistic kids, and I swear he is better today in some part thanks to WDW. It's just amazing how they will push their limits and do things that they would never try in the real world. He has been going since he was 3.5, and he is practically a WDW expert now. Like every one has said "go with the flow" is great advice. You never know what may bring them joy. The Guest Assistance Card is a life saver as well. We always take a note from a doctor, although I'm not sure if they check them any more. If you send me a PM, I can send you a link to a web site that has a sample letter. If they love Buzz Lightyear I would highly reccomend All Star Movies. My son loved that hotel almost as much as the parks. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.
I Am That Hero!
I'm a Ramblin Wreck from Georgia Tech...
It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark and we're wearing sunglasses.
Hit it.
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Originally Posted by MizMissy
In Epcot, we spent a long time in Germany, just watching the trains go around.
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Okay, so where are there trains in Germany? I don't know that I've ever really gone into Germany.....my son LOVES trains so that would be a good place to know if we need it!!
Disney BORN & BRED!
71-78 FL resident, MANY visits!
78-79 CM@MK
85&90-offsite
94-SOG
01&05-Band trips-offsite
May08-1st visit 4 our spec DS! POFQ
MAY09-POFQ-DD's college grad!
POFQ/MNSSHP 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
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So happy
Thank you EVERYONE for your posts. A lot of the advice I can also use when I babysit tomorrow night. The boys love coming over and I love having them. My DD6 loves being the leader in "follow the leader around the house".
We're excited about the prospect of having them with us. Going at their pace would be fine with us. It will be my sister's first time too. I don't want to rush around and miss anything. DH and DD15 will take my BIL to all the rides and we'll take the little ones at a nice and easy pace. It took me a few trips to appreciate the surroundings at WDW. I've fallen for the little "touches".
I didn't know about the trains either! The older nephew LOVES trains!!!! Maybe he'll like it. But now I know not to be surprised if he doesn't and not to force it.
Thanks again.
Then: #runICOT 1/16
GC Disneyland 10/15
#runICOT 1/15
OKW 7/14
BWV #runICOT 1/14
VBR and BCV 7/13
AoA 10/12 iCOT 15th!
VBR, OKW, Magic, & AKL 5/12
BCV, BLT, Dream 8/11
BWV 9/09
AKV & DCL Magic 5/09
POR 11/08 (no KIDS)
BWV 6/08
SSR 11/07
AKL - 5/06
Offsite 6/05
ASM 7/99
Offsite 3/97
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Originally Posted by Briansmom
Okay, so where are there trains in Germany? I don't know that I've ever really gone into Germany.....my son LOVES trains so that would be a good place to know if we need it!!
There is a miniature village set up right in front of the Germany pavillion and there is a train running through it. It is pretty extensive, but I think if a person didn't stop for a second, they might not notice the train going around the small town. The track is long enough that you don't always notice the train when it is towards the back. It's really cool and all my kids enjoy stopping to watch for a while
Jen
Always ready to talk Disney Grand Floridian**Contemporary**Polynesian**Wilderness Lodge**Yacht Club**Dolphin**Port Orleans French Quarter**All Star Movies**All Star Music**POP Century**Disney Wonder**Disney Magic**Disney Dream**VWL**Old Key West**Animal Kingdom Lodge**Bay Lake Tower
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Originally Posted by Briansmom
Okay, so where are there trains in Germany? I don't know that I've ever really gone into Germany.....my son LOVES trains so that would be a good place to know if we need it!!
They are actually on the main path between Germany and Italy. If you are walking from Germany to Italy they are on the left. It's one of those things that if you're in a hurry you would never notice. My son used to love these too.
I Am That Hero!
I'm a Ramblin Wreck from Georgia Tech...
It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark and we're wearing sunglasses.
Hit it.
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Re: Trains in Germany
At night, there is a train headlight the turns on to "alert" you of the display. It's really cool!
I find it fascinating that SO many autistic children love trains! My son is train OBSESSED and I know he will LOVE this display when we finally see it.
Keep in mind, though, it may sometimes appear that there is NO train, but you just have to wait awhile. The train(s) take a long time to make it all the way around the track. Be patient.
Natalie
INTERCOT Staff: Disneyland Resort-California, The Water Cooler
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Originally Posted by JMTStone
We'll also bring out the planning DVD so they can see Buzz Lightyear (a favorite of theirs) at WDW.
If they love Buzz, make sure to try to meet him at the Studios. He was back behind Mama Melrose when we went in Nov. The line was really short (I think because it was a bit of an out of the way spot) he spent a lot of time with the kids and we got the most amazing pics of our DD4 nose to nose w/ Buzz. She never really was into him before that but now.......!!!!!
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