Our 2 year old daughter was just diagnosed with autism. When we visited Disneyland in June she was out of control and overly fearful of the diaper changing areas. Unfortunately, she's not afraid of real danger and has a lot of tantrums when her world is not as she thinks it should be. We did not know she was autistic when we were there in June and it was a very hard trip. We are annual passholders and plan to go again in October. The lines should be shorter then and we always use the fastpass and/or baby swap but we would really appreciate any suggestions to make the trip less stressful. Thanks for your input.

Brandiefr: I too am I mother of a child with autism. He is 11 now. He's been to DL as a 10 year old and has an 7 year old.-well and I was pregnant with him once but that doesn't count;)

Because of the distance, we don't get to go as often as you-lucky people:) Both times we have visited with him-during Septermber and December, we have used the SAP-special assistance pass. You may get one of these at City Hall. They didn't ask for a doctor's note-but I carry one anyway. Using the SAP and fast pass has pretty much eliminated the wait time, which our son has a hard time with. Also, going during a less crowded time of year-as your upcoming October trip-helps too.

As for the changing table/bathroom thing: have you tried the bathrooms at First Aid? In my experience, these are virtually deserted. Which translates to less noise and confusion, which for my son is a good thing. It's just off main street-check your map-sorry I couldn't be more specific.

I haven't used the First Aid diaper change area.

But, I have gone to the Carnation {name might have changed} Baby/Child Care center. This is right at the end of Main Street, around the corner from the Camera shop.

They have areas where you can change them and high chairs for feeding. Microwaves are available for feeding. Say, if your son prefers a certain food from home?

Anywho, a very peaceful comforting place. :)

For some reason all of the diaper change areas scared her to death. I think it may be because they look like an exam table from a Dr's office and she hates those. We tried the Baby Care Center (works fine for nursing), first aid and regular restrooms. We finally found we had to change her on a park bench outdoors. Physically it was impossible to get her on the changing tables as she kicked and twisted and screamed. All the while, every person around stared at us and I had no idea what I could say to them. At least now I understand what's happening. I felt so powerless before. I really expected a CM to ask us to "do something with her". Whatever that would be.

Brandiefr: sorry the other changing areas didn't work. What about carrying your own changing pad with you and changing her in the restrooms? I know that the first aid restroom is a "companion and person"(for people with disabilities who need assistance). So it's private, large enough for two. Think DCA has this as well-it's called a "family restroom".

Are you staying off site or on-site? This may be one of those times you splurge and stay on-site. You can head back to the room for a change and a break. Speaking of on-site-once she is toilet trained, Pinnochio's Workshop at the GGH-will take kids with disabilities so you and hubby can have an evening alone. Precious to all families with young kids, but couple time is especially important for parents of kids with disabilities-IMO.

As a parent of a child with a disability, I would like to say that you get used to the stares of those less enlightened souls, but you don't. I've found that I have developed a thicker skin over the years however.

Kicking and screaming and twisting on the changing table... ahhh, those were the days. :rolleyes: My son is autistic also, and is also very sensory-defensive, particularly to sounds. The bathrooms are very resonant. And sometimes smelly.

The First Aid stations have quiet rooms with a sink and toilet, and a stable low table that you can use to change or lie them down. That is the right place for us now that our son is older. When he was little (under 5) we could get away with changing outdoors using an umbrella or a person standing up as a shield, but that does not work for us anymore since we are on full-fledged potty-training. The nurses are WONDERFUL and we are sure to thank them for all their help.

(The baby care center at Disneyland isn't so great for the bigger kids (older than toddler) but at Epcot World Showcase it is fine.) There is a companion restroom hidden behind the Carnation Plaza at Disneyland, but last time we were there the sign was off the door. At any rate, there is no place other than the floor, and sometimes it stinks on the floor, and if your kid is sensitive to smells, then that is just out.

My site (links below) has some tips for helping sensitive kids have more fun. There is info about the SAP in there as well.

Originally posted by tjrj
Speaking of on-site-once she is toilet trained, Pinnochio's Workshop at the GGH-will take kids with disabilities so you and hubby can have an evening alone. Precious to all families with young kids, but couple time is especially important for parents of kids with disabilities-IMO.

Just a reminder that there is an age-minimum at Pinnochio's Workshop of 5-years-old. But, yes, they DO take children with special needs! Just make sure you let them know what your needs are when you make your reservations so that they can plan to have appropriate staffing.

Adrienne K

Pinnochio's Workshop, like all the child care centers at all Disney resorts, will not change diapers or do nursing duties for special needs kids. But, if your child can last in a pull-up, they will accept that. They will try to give kids reminders if they are potty-trained. We have had wonderful experiences at all but one of the 6 child care services we have tried, and the one that wasn't wonderful was just good enough.

I especially like the suggestion on watching videos in preparation. This seems to really help. When we went in June she loved the parades because she recognised all the characters. Since then we got the Disneyland video that shows all the rides and attractions (bought on Ebay). I think this will help her know what to expect and enjoy the rides. Thanks!