Parenting alone is a challenge. I don't know anyone who would deny that it isn't all rainbows and butterflies 100% of the time. Everyone has their ups and downs, and keeping up with the ins and outs can be frustrating.
But try parenting a child with Autism. Seriously.
I wouldn't trade my daughter for the world, not even close. She is the most beautiful, sweet, smart, and hilarious little girl I have ever had the pleasure of spending time with.
However, she can be so tiring.
We just spent a week at Walt Disney World, a trip that was supposed to also double as a birthday trip for her. The crowds overwhelmed Carly, though, and she can't handle herself when she is overwhelmed. We had several times a day where she would just meltdown and cry/scream over something seemingly ridiculous to all parties involved. Yes, children scream and throw fits, it's a normal part of life. But a child who is able to comprehend reasoning and control their impulses does not cry and scream over telling her that it won't be 9:00 am for 5 more minutes, that she cannot re-ride something for the 3rd time because the park is closed, that she cannot push strangers in line because she's in a hurry, that she has to watch a 2 minute movie before boarding a ride, that she cannot yell to people to move out of her way in line, that she cannot pinch you because you told her she could have a snack in 15 minutes, that is told no to eating lunch at 9:30 am. She just does not understand how to handle herself when she is disappointed with something.
Children such as Carly thrive in environments where they have schedules that are basically followed. Even just a, wake up at 6:30 am, bus comes at 7:45 am, get home at 3:45 pm, have a snack at 4:00 pm, eat dinner at 6:00 pm, bathe at 7:00 pm, bed at 8:00 pm. The schedule doesn't have to be stuck to as strictly as it sounds, but she needs some foundation. Being in Disney World there was none of that, and she can't handle it. Her first impulse is to hit or cry, and she doesn't know how to stop herself.
So, no what? I love taking my kids to Disney, but I can't do it this way again. I suppose I could have made her a Disney schedule to stick to, but I couldn't be sure how it would all work. How do you take an OCD/Autistic child to Disney, and avoid having "That child" that everyone stares and shakes their heads at? (I don't really care about that, because I'm the first person to tell you to mind your own business and keep walking. But she does.)
I think I'm going to meet with Carly's doctor and see about seeing a nutrionist and discuss the benefits to putting an Autistic child on a Gluten and Casein free diet. From what I've read about it, it does help with the impulse control and cognitive thinking for some. I just want Carly to enjoy herself and her life.
Wesley had a blast, but is happy to be home and not in a hotel room. He was also over his stroller by the end of the week, and I can't say I blame him. I love taking these two there, it's so magical. Having one cuddled in your lap and the other cuddled next to you while you watch a parade is an amazing feeling. I want to continue to take my children annually, but I need to figure out a way to help Carly first.
Wish me luck!
No comments:
Post a Comment