How to Do Disneyland with a Neurodivergent Child

How to do Disneyland with a Neurodivergent Child: Tips from an Autism Mom

As an autism mom and certified autism travel planner, I bring over 40 years of experience navigating Disneyland. My love for the park is rooted in cherished memories from childhood trips with my grandparents and siblings. Today, I create new core memories with my own children—a 13-year-old son with autism and an 11-year-old neurotypical daughter. With several visits a year as Magic Key holders, we’ve developed strategies to make Disneyland enjoyable for our family, especially for my son, who has level 1 autism, auditory processing disorder, ADHD, and social anxiety.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned park-goer, my tips are designed to help any family visiting Disneyland with a child who needs extra support. Discover how to plan your days effectively, communicate expectations, and take advantage of services like Disability Access Service (DAS) to ensure a magical experience for everyone.