| Disney World Autism | | | | summer months is advisable. Take a few days off |
| Tips for Enjoying Walt Disney World With Your Child | | | | from school (hey, this is therapy) to avoid the |
| With Autism My son's speech therapist encouraged | | | | weekend and holiday crowds, especially if you can get |
| me to take him to Disney World when he was 3 | | | | a good airfare (e.g., $200 round-trip). Certain off-peak |
| decades old. "They undergo a special assistance card | | | | months, such as November, offer the best weather |
| and properties welcome children with autism,” she | | | | and lowest hotel rates. A great time can be had even |
| said. "And it will help his jargon development." Well, that | | | | for a brief vacation of three days. Airport Strategies |
| is all the convincing I needed! Disney World Autism | | | | No child with autism can be an angel while traveling on |
| On our chiefly day, I was watching teary-eyed as my | | | | an airplane, but preparing your child in advance with a |
| son hugged Pooh and Tigger through the multiple | | | | visual schedule and choosing a non-stop, morning flight |
| engaged, connected smile I had seen in months. Now | | | | will make the trip easier for him to handle. |
| Walt Disney World is our favorite retreat destination. If | | | | Pack your carry-on bag with water, chewy and |
| you’ve dreamed about taking your child with autism | | | | crunchy snacks, and sensory toys. If possible, arrange |
| to Disney World, but thought you or your child | | | | in advance to have your child seated next to a |
| couldn’t handle the challenges it can involve, I have | | | | window, with no occupied seats in front of him. At the |
| one word of advice, “Go!” The look on your | | | | security gates, go to the handicapped entrance, which |
| child’s face will be worth the effort and money you | | | | will cut your wait in line. Since the alternate security |
| put into this trip. | | | | check tends to be more thorough, you can ask the |
| When you take advantage of the special | | | | checker to touch your child as little as possible. At the |
| accommodations Disney offers to children with autism, | | | | gate, ask to seat your child before the other |
| you and your child will have a memorable time. Here | | | | passengers board the plane. If desired, you can keep |
| are some tips for a magical vacation with Mickey | | | | your child in a stroller or wheelchair right up until you |
| Mouse. Planning Your Trip Two excellent resources | | | | board. Disney World Autism |
| are the annual guide book, Birnbaum's Walt Disney | | | | As you board, warn the attendants that your child may |
| World, and the website, All Ears The web site includes | | | | vocalize or squirm. I find that an upbeat and loving |
| tips for enjoying Disney with children with autism, | | | | attitude (rather than appearing anxious or |
| special diets, ride reviews, and more. You can make | | | | embarrassed) earns more tolerance for my son’s |
| your own Disney picture cards from the site’s | | | | unusual behaviors--I've never been hassled about my |
| photos to help your child get ready. Disney World | | | | son's behaviors on the plane. Don't let your love ones |
| Autism | | | | suffer anymore! Lead them out through Disney World |
| When to Go Avoiding peak season crowds and the | | | | Autism program now! |