Traveling with a special needs child... About This Page:

[turtle280]

My friend has a child who will be almost 5 when we travel who has Aspergers Syndrome. She is concerned about taking him to the parks and I told her I know it's been done and done successfully. Does anyone have any information/inspiration I can pass on to her?

[WDWfan]

Passporter has a book you can order from this site called PassPorter's Walt Disney World For Your Special Needs. There's also a whole forum she can visit and ask questions in for special needs travel. It's called Vacationing Your Way: Special Needs. Give her the link and she will get more help than she ever dreamed.

[ladyt]

Yes, yes, yes - get the book!! Order it for her if you have to. It is priceless.

[turtle280]

thank you [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[CinderAbby]

I bought the book because I have an Autistic daughter and mobility impaired husband. Between the book and this website, I now know a trip to Disney is possible with them. It will obviously take a little more work than a vacation with a "typical" family, but everything I read encouraged me to make the trip ressies. We don't go until August, but I can't wait to go and I really have a good feeling about this trip.

[Happymommy]

My son has been diagnosed with Aspergers (5.5yo). He does really really well in Disney (getting ready for his 3rd trip). The only problem we ever had was trying to get him to eat at Whispering Canyon Cafe (too loud). He is really picky about what he'll ride, and as long as we really let him make his own decisions, and not try too hard to encourage him to do anything he doesn't want to do-- he's fine. We've had to leave a few rides after waiting a long time in lines (sometimes he gets to the top of the queue and before getting on, decides it's not for him)-- it can be frustrating, but we know now to go with the flow. This was hard to get used to because sometimes he really just wants to hang out in the hotel arcade or in the pool (I'm a park junkie)-- but we adjusted. I actually don't have the special needs book-- we started taking trips with him before he was diagnosed, so we kind of already knew what he could/couldn't handle-- so I have no comments about the book, though I LOVE my regular passporter. Your friend can probably also get a Guest Assistance Pass-- unfortunately, I know very little about this as well, since we had already taken trips before the diagnosis and no pass, we figured we really didn't need it-- but different kids handle things differently, so she may want to look into it. Your friend can feel free to pm me (or email me -- my email is in my profile) with any questions.

[statelady01]

The book and this message board is a wonderful combination for support and tips to help you plan and enjoy a terrific trip!

My oldest DS has Aspergers and my oldest DD has autism. Just thinking and planning ahead about any possible issues that might arise is a good idea- and we've used the Guest Assistance Card with great results.

Another offer to pm if you need help or need to ask additional questions.