That's a tough one. Mine doesn't like to try new rides either but won't have a melt down. He will refuse. Out of the blue he will announce that he is going on a ride and we try not to react and head for the ride. Maybe they just need to go at their own pace - feel a bit more in control?

My son has same issues, doesn't want to go in any of the rides that goes in circular motion, he still has. But one day , we were surprised that he literally pulled us towards the small rollercoaster and made us go with him , he enjoyed it. He never even went on a rollercoaster before , but for some reason when he looked, he felt that it will feel good for him, may be iam thinking it'e because of the vestibular stimulation. My suggestion is that children with ASD /SPD might like rides going up and down rather in circular , may be u can target such rides first and transition him to the rest. Good luck with your trip.

We run into this all the time I will try and tell him this ride( space mt) is like the madahorn and you liked that right? And then he will go on most of the time. But also ask what about it does he not like. Then compare

You cannot force it you have to take small steps and ease the child into it. All you can do is try things and if the child is really not into it back off and try again later. If you can find something close but at a smaller level try that first and if it works move on to something bigger. Often these rides have smaller versions somewhere else. If they still cannot handle the small one I would just back off and move on. You are not going to force the child to not be afraid this is not an NT situation here so the same rules do not apply.