Comments on: Top Five Reasons Why Disney World and Autism are a Perfect Match

By: Mitch

Mitch — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 01:52:31 +0000

Trip to Disney World with my 14 year old with autism was a complete bust. Sensory overload was too much for him. At least we tried.

By: Missy

Missy — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 01:03:39 +0000

I was going to take my nephew who is highfunctioning autistic to Disney Worrld but my fiancee and his son who is 10 don’t want him to go so I have backed out too. What do I tell my autistic nephew who is only 10 and couldn’t wait to go to the magical place. Yes he can be a handful at times but also so sweet and loving. Very very sad!

By: Marilyn

Marilyn — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:13:13 +0000

Great article, Kathy! Congrats on such a wonderful accomplishment with WDW Radio! The info you gave is so valuable to me. With a spectrum kid age 4 and 3 other kids to boot, we were thinking of going to WDW in 2013. Not sure if he would be overwhelmed, your article has answered alot of my concerns. Thanks again and keep up all the hard work!

By: DIStherapy

DIStherapy — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 04:10:38 +0000

Kathy always hits the mark! Disney knows how to “level the playing field”, providing an equal dose of magic for all; a perfect match in every way.

By: Theresa "CriesDuringWishes"

Theresa "CriesDuringWishes" — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:06:52 +0000

Thanks, Kathy! Despite the fact that I’m a WDW superfan, it’s the only place we can go on vacation where everyone, including my 6 year old with PDD, enjoys themselves. He hates the beach, and is hard to keep him entertained- the other FL attractions don’t have enough appropriate for him.

He likes the park maps and enjoys looking at them after our trip too. I might let him use the Lines app and maybe the touring plan next time. We are watching videos of the attractions as a way to prep him, and see what he really gets excited about watching so I know which rides will be priorities to see when we are there. I think we’ll do an autograph & photo book this time too, as a souvenier that encourages conversation!

Thanks for talking about this!

By: Kathy Kelly

Kathy Kelly — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 21:41:44 +0000

Hi Ray!

You just reminded me of one of my favorite quotes from Walt Disney: “You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world, but it requires people to make the dream a reality.”

Thanks so much for commenting!

By: Grumpwurst (aka Ray)

Grumpwurst (aka Ray) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:29:02 +0000

As an adult with Asperger’s, people are amazed at the level of extroversion I get when at Disneyland or Walt Disney World. I’m normally painfully shy in public situations and even more “weird” in crowded situations.

But, at a Disney theme park I seem more at ease. The only thing I could think of as an explanation is that Cast Members are held to a higher standard of customer service and I know that I’ll be treated with respect. As I like to joke, “I can talk to strangers at Disney because they are paid to be nice”

By: Kathy Kelly

Kathy Kelly — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 01:57:46 +0000

Thanks, Tracy! (Although I use the word “normal” loosely!)

By: Tracy B - mrsksomeday

Tracy B - mrsksomeday — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:58:26 +0000

Great reasons!! WDW is fantasic when it comes to persons with disabilities. I completely agree with all the reasons and the order they are in.

Kathy you said “I’ve often remarked to my husband that Walt Disney World the only place where we can enjoy a vacation “like a normal family.” This is exactly how we feel when we are there. Great article!