Is Disney too much for autistic 7 Yr old?

Abi82

Prior to having my son my favourite place to holiday has always been disney orlando. I've been 3 times as an adult and always dreamed of going back when I had children. Fast forward to now and I'm a single parent of a soon to be 6 year old with autism, probably PDA (diagnosis is rarely given in my area). He has heard of Disney World, he'd like to go to Disney World and I think he'd really enjoy it there. Not just disney but florida itself. But I don't know if I'm being a little ambitious, or down-right selfish, in wanting to take him. I know I can't go on my own. I would take another adult (hopefully my sister) who can watch him while I go to the toilet, can queue for food while I entertain him at the table and can carry bags when I suddenly drop everything to help him if he feels the need to run or gets overwhelmed. I know it wouldn't be the action-packed trip I've done in the past, squeezing every last second from the day. I would schedule rest days at least every 3 days where we can give housekeeping the day off and stay in the room. I plan on using every bit of assistance offered and every bit of free WiFi I can get connected to. I'll get a statement from his paeditrician about his difficulty waiting and queuing and argue (politely) with whoever I have to to make our trip as easy for him as I can. I know it'll still be challenging for him, but I also think he'll get more positives out of it than negatives... but am I doing the right thing? If you understand my situation please comment honestly. I have the opportunity to take him next year, when he's 7. That opportunity isn't likely to come around again so it's now or never.

rubin16

I don't think its selfish and I think it could create very good memories for you and your son. I know that disney and other theme parks have sensory rooms now if things get too much, and I would recommend going when its not overly hot and less crowded (Although they are always busy for some degree). It can be beneficial if you give him lots of information about disney and even maybe make him watch some videos on youtube about it and different rides so he can familiar himself with everything before he goes, but I know Disney is very accomodating with neurodiverse and can other lots of assistance.

OverlyAnxious

Hi,

Could you try a smaller, closer equivalent first, to see how well he manages it?  Thinking something like Legoland or Chessington?

I was taken to Disneyland Paris around his age and didn't really enjoy it.  Too much going on, noise, colour, motion, heat, etc.  Not saying your son will be the same, of course!

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @Abi82

I know that Disney have an Autism and Cognitive Disabilities Services page on their website. There are a lot of things they can offer to help it be the best experience possible  

L_Volunteer

Hey @Abi82. Welcome to Scope's forum. It is great to see you have joined us.

I don't have much to add to this thread but I will share my own experiences. Just, please, keep in mind that every autistic person is different and you know your son best.

I am autistic and previously loved Disneyland (Paris) but struggled. In hindsight, accommodations (particularly shorter queues!) would have helped me to fully enjoy it. 

I would recommend trying to identify any particular trigger in advance and thinking of ways you may adjust/accommodate your son's needs.

Though, I appreciate there are things you cannot always predict. These things will involve thinking on your feet!

Most places accept an autism diagnosis as evidence for queue passing, sometimes without specific reference to difficulties with queueing! 

Definitely not selfish of you. Not least with your son also wanting to go to Disney World 

Abi82

Thanks everybody! My mum thinks it's unwise to take him as if it's too much for him I'll have wasted a lot of money. But I don't care about the money. It would be a shame to spend all that money to sit in a hotel room, but he would have experienced trying something difficult, he would have seen that even if it all goes wrong mummy is there to support him and to listen to him. 

Alex_Alumni

I'm glad to see the community could help you come to your decision @Abi82, and let us know if you do make a visit, we wish you all the best for your trip  

anisty

It's impossible to say because no two people with autism are the same. My son actually gets stimulated in a really good way by being in busy environments. He absolutely loved Disney in the main. You know your son best and how easy (or difficult!) he is to manage when he doesn't want to do what you want him to do.


Going somewhere in the UK first is a brilliant idea - Blackpool, Alton Towers, Flamingo land - any theme park should give you a fair idea of how your son copes (and, just as importantly, how you cope)

My son is 24yrs old now and we usually go to Blackpool every year with no issue. However, october 21, something upset my son part way through the week and he never spoke the rest of the week.


Now he says he does not want to go back to Blackpool!  So, you just never can tell how things will be. Prepare for worst case scenario and hopefully everything will go really well!


Have you been able to ask him if he wants to go?