...We have put off the "happiest place on Earth" until we knew Joey was completely ready for it. From the age of 2 through 4, we took him to many smaller venues, like Sea World or Legoland or even the LA Zoo, and all of it was very overwhelming for him. Sensory Overload. His Autism comes with so many challenges: doesn't like crowded places, the noise at every octave level, the smell, rides or anything moving, waiting in lines, bright lights affected him, dark rooms affected him, standing in one place especially if it wasn't his preferred place...everything was completely unfamiliar, which didn't equate to a happy kid...these are just to name a few.
The smaller venues were a challenge. We'd like to think it was just an introduction into this different world, as he sees it. Going in, we were mentally prepared to not being there too long. Our only expectation was that we would walk through the amusement park and then, call it a day. Yes, these were very expensive walks in the park but as his parents, we didn't mind. We wanted to expose & "see" how he would react to it. We weren't the type of parents to stay at home & "hide" him. We wanted to expose him to so many things -- as much as we could, as much as we could handle -- and sometimes, challenge him (and ourselves) in these areas. We always had an "exit plan" -- drive separately would always be part of the plan. Every occasion was planned by, Joey's terms, even if it was in a group setting. It was always inconvenient for everyone else...this, unfortunately, we got used to...for Joey, it was only fair. Most of the group settings were with extended family members or close family friends...and you'd think that would make it easier to handle, not really. And this we got used to as well.
Since Joey turned 5 years-old, he has grown to be a different kid. So many leaps & bounds in working & overcoming his challenges! His likes, dislikes, his willingness to try something new...has changed. Changed in the way where it just blows our minds. We find ourselves staring at this kid and just smiling at him. And we love, love, love when he catches us staring at him, he asks, "Waaahhhhhyyyy...are you just looking at me?":)
So, Disneyland was a new one for us! We made it a short trip -- more like an introduction. We weren't sure how Joey would take the characters in costume, the unfamiliar crowd level, the rides, etc. Within the last 6 months, he has finally discovered Disney and really liked it... We expected he would last 3 hours -- he lasted 6 hours! We didn't think he would go on any rides; he fell in love with Autotopia. His excitement leading up to the day reminded us when we were kids...this is huge. Next time, we will take advantage of the entire amusement park(s) over a span of several days. He already can't wait til next time! So awesome!
