DAC Yes or No?

knitngurl · Feb 27, 2015

I am taking my teenagers (19 and 17) to Orlando in October for the first time, The older one is on the autism spectrum, but is high functioning. I am on the fence as to whether we should do DAC . Is it worth it for us? We are going the first week in October, so I am hopeful crowds will be manageable.

She sometimes has issues with crowds and noisy environments, but carries earbuds with her for these situations. She also has some stereotypical autistic behaviors like hand flapping and rocking. She can stand in a line OK, but other people might think she's odd. People have made rude comments before. She's worried that Disney might not allow her to stand in line because she rocks, but she says she is willing to give it a go if they are.

aaarcher86 · Feb 27, 2015

That's really up to you. I'm a big fan of molding our kids for the world since it won't mold for them. If she can do normal lines, I'd go that route personally. Since there's three of you one can be in front and behind her so she's got a bit more space to rock or whatever she needs. Disney isn't going to kick her out of line for that!

It's not something you need to get immediately. You could always give traditional lines a try and as the trip goes on if she gets overwhelmed get a DAS later. I'd talk to her if you notice her having issues and let her decide. It might make her feel better about it. Don't forget about your 3 FP too!

We were there at that time and aside from the Halloween parties the crowds weren't too bad. The more into October we got it did feel like the crowds were heavier, but I didn't notice the lines for things getting any longer.

Enjoy your trip.

lanejudy · Feb 27, 2015

Welcome to the DISboards! :welcome:

If you are unsure, as PP suggests maybe give it a try without DAS. If you find it's not working you can go to Guest Relations later in the day or the next day to inquire about a DAS. Crowds and noisy environment can be found outside the queues as well, so have her bring her earbuds and anything else that helps her cope -- tablet, fidgits, etc. I wouldn't worry about what other's think; Disney isn't going to worry if she rocks in line or flaps (as long as she is far enough away from other guests as PP suggests). You'll find people who pace in line, stretch, doing all sorts of things to keep themselves occupied and comfortable. And again, if it's not working then go to Guest Relations.

Enjoy your vacation!

SueM in MN · Feb 27, 2015

I agree with the others. She may not have any issues and there is no reason you have to request DAS right away.

And, if you try it and she has problems, you and she will have more idea about how to explain her needs.

Aladora · Feb 27, 2015

knitngurl said:
I am taking my teenagers (19 and 17) to Orlando in October for the first time, The older one is on the autism spectrum, but is high functioning. I am on the fence as to whether we should do DAC . Is it worth it for us? We are going the first week in October, so I am hopeful crowds will be manageable.

She sometimes has issues with crowds and noisy environments, but carries earbuds with her for these situations. She also has some stereotypical autistic behaviors like hand flapping and rocking. She can stand in a line OK, but other people might think she's odd. People have made rude comments before. She's worried that Disney might not allow her to stand in line because she rocks, but she says she is willing to give it a go if they are.

I will echo what everyone else has said. Try it without and see how it goes, you can always go to GS and request a DAS if your daughter cannot cope with the lines.

As for other people thinking she is odd or making comments....well, I personally do not care what others think and I dare anyone to say anything to me about my child just because they think he is odd.

Disney should allow her to stand in line but just be aware of her surroundings in case she does not. I know that sometimes my son is totally unaware of what is around him so I have to gently redirect him if he is getting to a point where his behaviour is negatively effecting others.

I applaud your daughter for wanting to try without assistance, she sounds like she is aware of her issues but has a desire to not let them effect how she works with the rest of the world.

knitngurl · Feb 27, 2015

Thank you all so much for your kind words and advice!! I think we will give it a go without the DAS and see how we do, since we can go and get one later in the day if we need to. With the predicted crowd levels on the days we plan to visit I don't think it will be too much of an issue and the waiting will be a good experience for her. Everyone (in the U.S anyway) has to deal with the DMV sometime.

I really don't care too much what other people say - after 19 years I'm used to it. But she is really sensitive to it because she is trying so hard to live in the world. She is starting college with minimal supports next year and I am so proud of her!

aaarcher86 · Feb 27, 2015

Hell, I'm proud of her and I don't even know her!

Awesome job mom!

kaytieeldr · Feb 27, 2015

Yeah! What aaarcher86 said! Very impressed with and happy for the OP's daughter - and for the OP.

aretha30 · Mar 1, 2015

I say what everyone else has said, try it and see how it goes. Our oldest has ADHD, OCD, and tourette syndrome and some of his motor tics are jumping, spinning, and a rocking type motion. He does okay in line (we go in August every year), we just give him a little extra space and if people stare we figure that is their problem! We've never gotten a DAS but wouldn't hesitate if we needed to. Do what is best for you daughter. Good Luck!

deb010305 · Mar 2, 2015

My DS17 has ADHD, is high on the autism spectrum, has a seizure disorder, and has anxiety issues. He (and we) have been going to WDW at about every 2 years since he was 5 and we have yet to get a GAC or a DAS.
The reason we haven't is that my DH and I believe that in the "real" non WDW world there are no GAC's or DAS's, so my DS takes his medication and uses the coping mechanisms he has been taught and uses every day at school and work (yes he has a part-time job) while he is at WDW.
Sometimes it is a challenge and it isn't always easy, but so far it has worked for us.

DAC Yes or No?

knitngurl

Earning My Ears

aaarcher86

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lanejudy

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SueM in MN

combining the teacups with a roller coaster

Aladora

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knitngurl

Earning My Ears

aaarcher86

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kaytieeldr

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aretha30

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deb010305

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