Disney World works hard to make their theme parks as accessible to everyone as possible, and that includes the autistic population. However, there are still things that you, as the parent, must take into consideration. Autism at the Parks posted an excellent packing list that shows you what to bring to the parks when traveling with a person with autism. If you don’t want to read it in its entirety, check out our highlights below.
Cool cloths. If you’re traveling in warmer months, take a damp cloth and wrap it around a frozen ice pack. It can do wonders to keep your cool and comfortable on hot days.- Hand towels. You may get splashed on rides, or you may get rained on. Hand towels help everyone dry off and stay calm.
- Wipes and sanitizer. The last thing you want is a bug going around the family while you’re at Disney. Wipe down your hands before you eat and keep the germs at bay.
- Sunscreen. It’s not an accident that Florida is known as the Sunshine State. Even if it’s cloudy or cold, sunscreen is always a must.
- Fidgets. Stress balls, squishy balls, or other objects that a child can fidget with are great diversions when over stimulation kicks in.
- Toys and games. If your kid has a game or toy that calms them down, don’t be shy about bringing it into the parks.
- Bottled water. Put bottles of water in your freeze before you leave for the parks and they’ll slowly melt and stay cool throughout the day.
- Snacks. Granola bars, nuts, and other small snacks can be brought into the parks and ensure there’s something there your kids will eat.
- Earplugs. Some attractions can be loud and others can be REALLY loud. Earplugs can help keep the scary sounds out and keep your kids calm.
- Flashcards. If your child is non-verbal, don’t forget to bring their flashcards or any media they need to communicate. Remember that it’s normal for your child to be overwhelmed by the many people, sounds, smells, and voices around them. It’s not uncommon for kids to take a step back and regress while they’re at the parks.
Disney World is definitely doable for special needs kids, and it can be an incredible experience for everyone involved. This simple packing list can go a long way toward keeping them comfortable while you’re in the parks.
We hope you found this article helpful. Please click here to read more articles for guest with autism.
