Disney is a wonderful, magical place. Until you experience it with someone who has sensory issues. Disney is crowded, it’s loud, it’s unfamiliar, and people in costumes are lurking around every corner, waiting to scare your autistic child.
I recently took my 11 year autistic daughter to Disney for the first time, a place I have always loved, and found to be full of magic and wonder. After just a few hours with my daughter, my view was skewed.
Heading into the trip, I read all the right articles, I talked to the right people, I made plans, printed off maps, and felt ready. It turned out, I was horribly wrong.
In your bubble at home, you have a handle on things. You have a good idea of what sets off melt downs, or what might prompt a total shut down. You know what your child can handle, what they need, and how to handle things when it gets to be too much. There was so much I wish I knew going into it- whether it was because my experience was unique (I doubt that it was), or because I just did not ask the right questions, I just realized how unprepared I was.
Before going, it’s important to understand that my experience might not by your experience. Every child is different, and just the same, every autistic child is different. What bothered my daughter, might not bother yours. You should make a plan, though, and hope for the best, while preparing for the worst.
Be sure to visit us on Thursday for part two of Prepping for Disney with Autism.
Planning a Disney vacation? Check out Heather’s downloadable Disney Autograph Albums on Etsy!