Orlando - Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney – When we came to Orlando 2 years ago in the summertime, we took the kids to Downtown Disney in the afternoon.  It was very hot and the kids weren’t really interested in anything there was there to do.  We had something to eat at Bongo’s that time – I really liked it.  Bongo’s is owned by Gloria Estefan.  In reviews I had read, it said that some people go to Epcot and think that’s as good as going to Europe; some go to Bongo’s and think this is Cuban food.  I have eaten at Versailles in Miami and other Cuban restaurants in the Little Havana neighborhood of Miami, all excellent.  I also had a great experience eating at Bongo’s as well, so…..

This time around, we went to Downtown Disney in the evening.  It was March 16^th, the day before St. Patrick’s Day.  Raglan Road, the Irish-esque pub and restaurant there, had a whole block party going on – several Irish bands, step dancers, etc.  – we had so much fun!  We had dinner at Raglan Road – now, our hotel is in Kissimmee, so we were spoiled by all the cheap (but tasty) chain restaurants that are on Irlo Bronson Road in Kissimmee.  At first we had a bit of “sticker shock” with the Disney-style prices at Raglan Road.  A man we met at our resort said it well, “with Disney, you pay an arm and a leg, but they do it right.”  That is so true. 

We did some shopping.  I first went into a store called Basin.  They sell bath salts, bath bombs (drop into your tub for a fizzy and wonderful smelling bath), lotion, lip balm, etc.  I bought a bath bomb to use back at the resort in our giant spa tub.  I next went to Bliss, which is owned by Wet Seal.  Lots of shorts that were way too tiny, but some nice maxi dresses and tops, decent prices.  The store within Raglan Road had some nice Irish-themed stuff.  You can type your family name into the computer and it pulls up your family crest and some history of your family’s name in Ireland.  The sample on display at the counter was Sullivan, my mother’s family name.  They had a perfume called Inis, which you find in every gift shop in Ireland – just smelling it took me back.  I bought my husband a lapel pin with his family name and crest – loves it, he’s been wearing it every day.

My older son loves bowling.  There is a bowling alley called Splitsville in Downtown Disney.  The cost is $20 per person, per hour. (Disney prices J) Since my younger son most likely wouldn’t be into bowling but would enjoy the action and people watching, we decided my older son and husband would be the ones to bowl for one hour, so $40.  It was worth it.  Disney quality – lots of fun and great service! 

Orlando - Flight and Hotwire Car Rental Nightmare

Flight – Chicago to Tampa

I have found with my boys that it is beneficial to fly either really early or really late – this way they can sleep on the flight.  This worked out well with Todd, my little guy – he slept for most of the flight.  Once he woke up and started opening and closing the window shade and being generally quite loud, we were descending into Tampa anyway. 

Car rental – ugh

We were originally supposed to fly into Orlando.  At the request of the airline, we switched last minute and flew into Tampa – not that big a deal, as Tampa is about an hour or so drive to Orlando.  All we needed to do was inform our rental car company that we would be picking up our car at the  Tampa airport instead of the Orlando airport.  Easy, right?  No way, as we found out.

I booked our car through Hotwire.  As my autistic children have a very hard time with transitions, I always book with a car rental company that is in-terminal – having to take a shuttle off-site has been extremely unpleasant for us in the past.  Hotwire booked us a car with Hertz.  My husband called Hotwire from O’Hare Airport in Chicago at 6 in the morning, letting them know of our change in itinerary.  Supposedly the change was made and everything was fine.  We got to Tampa.  Went to the Hertz counter.  They had no record of us.  Call back to Hotwire.  The woman my husband spoke to earlier had switched us to another car rental company and failed to tell him this.  If we wanted to remain with Hertz, our rental price would have more than doubled.  It took three more phone calls for Hotwire to figure out what car rental place had a car for us.  Murphy’s law, it was an off-site company we had never heard of – Sixt.  Hotwire also charged us an extra $100 or so for the switch. We walked to the place where the shuttle would eventually pick us up – kids screaming the whole time.  Once we got to the Sixt office, refreshingly, the employees there were lovely, so nice to us.  They saw how tired we all were and how miserable the kids were and did their best to get us a car and get us on our way.  Hotwire is one of those things where you get what you pay for – great discounts, but if you have to change something, you’re screwed.  Lesson learned for the future: Sixt, yes.  Hotwire, never again.

Observations During a March Snowstorm

As I was driving to the train this morning, I saw the school bus that used to pick up my boys when they were in special ed preschool at our neighborhood public school (they now attend a private autism school).  I saw the mom stand there in the snow waving at the bus until she couldn’t see it anymore.  I saw the look on her face – hope, fear, vulnerability.  I remember all those emotions in the early days (I still experience those emotions, but I’m used to them now).  She reminded me of myself in the early days of our diagnosis.  My eyes filled with tears and I wanted to get out of the car, hug her and not tell her everything will be ok, because it won’t, but let her know it gets easier.  Everything we thought parenting would be, never will be, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t joy, love and beauty – there is, plenty of it.  There are also plenty of rough days, but we live in a different reality, and it truly can be wonderful.

Spring into the Newest Edition of the Equip newsletter | Elim Christian Services

Spring into the Newest Edition of the Equip newsletter | Elim Christian Services

Emergency Checklist

This is an excellent checklist prepared by our school's social worker.  However, I was a bit sad reading it, as neighbor support is not an option for us - if you've read my previous blog posts on the subject, you understand.

 

Tips on Being Prepared for an “Autism Emergency”

 

To ensure safety and lower risk for a child or adult with autism, parents and care providers can become proactive and prepare an informational handout. A leading cause for concern is children and adults who run away or wander from parents and care providers.  

 

Wandering can occur anywhere at any time. The first time is often the worst time.  Another concern is preparation in the event that you become incapacitated or injured while caring for a person with autism at home or in the community. An informational handout can be developed, copied and carried with you at all times--at home, in your car, purse or wallet. Also circulate this handout to family members, trusted neighbors, friends and co-workers. The handout will also come in handy if you are in an area other than your neighborhood and are approached by the police.

 

If wandering is a concern, contact law enforcement, fire and ambulance agencies.  Ask your local 911 call center to "red flag" this information in their 911 computer data base. Dispatchers can alert patrol officers about your concerns before they arrive. When we provide law enforcement with key information before an incident occurs, we can expect better responses.

 

Alert your neighbors

The behaviors and characteristics of autism have the potential to attract attention from the public. Law enforcement professionals suggest that you reach out and get to know your neighbors.

•       Decide what information to present to neighbors

•       Does your child have a fear of cars, animals, and/or water or is he/her drawn to them?

•       Is your child a wanderer or runner?

•       Does he respond to his name or would a stranger think he is deaf?

•       Plan a brief visit to your neighbors

•       Introduce your child or adult or provide a photograph

•       If a neighbor spots your child outside of your yard, what is the best way for them to get your child back to you?

•       Are there sensory issues your neighbors should know about?

•       Give your neighbor a simple handout with your name, address, and phone number. Ask them to call you immediately if they see your son or daughter outside the home. This approach may be a good way to avoid problems down the road and will let your neighbors know the reason for unusual behaviors, know that you are approachable, and have the opportunity to call you before they call 911.

 

Knowing your neighbors can lead to better social interactions for your loved ones with autism.

 

Prevention

If wandering is an issue for your family, consider contacting a professional locksmith, security company or home improvement professional.

 

 

 

Autism Emergency Contact Handout Model

•       Name of child or adult

•       Current photograph and physical description including height, weight, eye and hair color, any scars or other identifying marks

•       Identify your child's favorite song, toy or character

•       Names, home, cell and pager phone numbers and addresses of parents, other caregivers and emergency contact persons

•       Sensory, medical, or dietary issues and requirements, if any

•       Inclination for elopement and any atypical behaviors or characteristics that may attract attention

•       Favorite attractions and locations where person may be found

•       Likes, dislikes--approach and de-escalation techniques

•       A list of things that frighten your child

•       Method of communication, if non-verbal ¬ sign language, picture boards, written word

•       ID wear ¬ jewelry, tags on clothes, printed handout card

•       Map and address guide to nearby properties with water sources and dangerous locations highlighted

 

***Carry this handout with you at all times. Have one in your home, car, and wallet and pass them out to family, friends, trusted neighbors, and co-workers.

 

3 good things

3 good things to share today:

Great information and resources:

http://www.theautismprogram.org/autism-resources/free-aides/tips/

The first autism-friendly cruise from Royal Caribbean:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/cruiselog/2014/02/20/autistic-child-autism-friendly-cruise/5640629/

Healing Lifestyles & Spas - Dirty Dozen Plus Some Good News

Healing Lifestyles & Spas - Dirty Dozen Plus Some Good News