Recommendation - 5 year old with ASD

MrsProgram · Mar 11, 2014

Hi everyone, I'd appreciate some feedback about our carseat dilemma. My son just turned 5 years old on December 31st and he is autistic. He is currently in a Diono Radian RXT but he will not be in that for much longer as his shoulder is almost in line with the top harness slot and he is 61lbs. I was hoping to move him into the Britax Frontier XT next month but at the rate he's going, he won't be in that much longer.

He is 46 inches tall and 61lbs. He's always been a big boy. He has low tone and requires a few therapists.

Do I move him into a HBB

or ask about getting a special needs seat? I'm in Canada, by the way.

Thanks so much for any input.

DaniannieB · Mar 11, 2014

Are you worried about weight vs height with the Frontier? I think it would provide plenty of height but the weight limit would be an issue since you're in Canada.

How much more support do you think your DS needs? Do you feel like he needs the support of a full harness or do you think a supportive high backed booster would be enough. Is there any way you can try him out in seats? If you went with a special needs seat would your insurance cover it or would you be paying out of pocket? How do you feel about using US seats? (I know they're "illegal")

ketchupqueen · Mar 11, 2014

At this point, I think 4 lbs. isn't going to be worth the height on the Frontier. Since he has both low tone and ASD, I would probably at least start the process of looking for a special needs harness. I know they can be really hard to come by in Canada right now. I believe the EZ-On 86-Y may be an option with a prescription, though?

MrsProgram · Mar 11, 2014

I think he needs to be in a harness for at least another year. He is very good about being in his seat because it is part of his routine, has not tried to get out but he is not mature enough to stay put in the adult seatbelt. He also slumps in his seat when he falls asleep.

I know for sure he will outgrow our Frontier by weight by the fall. He rarely slows down in growth. We already have a Frontier that my older son used to ride in so I can put him in there until he outgrows it by weight.

I'm not sure if insurance will cover a seat but I will find out. I'm not opposed to buying a seat from the US since I will be in NM in April.

I will email his Dr and his therapists to see about getting a prescription for a seat.

Thank you for your help.

ketchupqueen · Mar 11, 2014

Be aware that seats DO get confiscated on the way into Canada, and the legal repercussions for using an illegal seat there are higher than in the US. I'll let some of our Canadian experts speak to that but I know it's happened.

ahgirls · Mar 11, 2014

I would definitely look into getting a prescription. If you are able to. My ASD daughter can follow the rules of a booster but doesn't have the core strength to sit for longer then 30 minute trip.

MrsProgram · Mar 20, 2014

Just an update.

I checked on what is legal in Canada and we are going to see if we can get the Traveller Plus EL paid for by my insurance.

My son's therapists, his psychologist and his pediatrician are going to write letters and a prescription for us to submit to my insurance.

Hopefully, he will have a new seat by May.

Recommendation - 5 year old with ASD

MrsProgram

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