Sue the Mod just posted this in another thread... I thought I'd paste it here for you
Here's a summary of information about GACs (Guest Assistance Cards):
* To request one, go to Guest Services in any of the parks and talk to the CM there about your problems and needs.
The diagnosis is not really that important because people with the same diagnosis can have very different needs. The GAC is not given based on diagnosis at all (for example, there is not a "list" of appropriate diagnosis for a GAC); the GAC is given based on needs and the accomidations that meet those needs.
That said, there are some disabilities where the CMs have enough experience to know what the common needs are (autism is an example). But, even in those situations, you/your child's needs may be different. For example, even though some children with autism have difficulty with waiting in line, some people write, "My child has no problem with waiting, unless xxxx happens." Your task is to be able to explain xxxx to the CMs so they can help you avoid it.
The GAC is usually given for up to 6 people (5 plus the person with a disability) and is valid at all the parks for your length of stay (you don't need to get a new one at each theme park).
A few other things
* the GAC is not meant to be a pass that gives immediate access. In fact, about 6 years ago, they renamed it to Card because when it was called a Pass, people thought it mean front of the line access. It says right on the card that it will not shorten or eliminate waits in line.
* it is meant as a tool to tell the CMs what the person's needs are so that they can provide appropriate accomidation for the person it was issued to. Some examples of accomidations might be a quieter place to wait, a place out of the sun (for those times when the line is in the sun for a prolonged period of time), using a stroller as a wheelchair, avoiding stairs.
* using a stroller in line has been identified as very helpful by many people with children on the autism spectrum; not necessarily for mobility, but because it gives a nice safe space that you can bring with you. The WDW strollers work especially well. They are large enough for up to a small 12 yr old - a doub le gives more room. Also, the firm plastic surface of the stroller seems especially liked by many kids with autism.
* even if you have a GAC, not all accomidations are available at each attraction (especially, some may not have a place to sit)
* because what is stamped on the GAC is based on needs, not all GACs say the same thing.
* think of the GAC like an insurance card, not necessarily needed or used all the time, but there for when you need it.
* even on the same attraction, the GAC is not always handled the same each time. Exactly what happens depends on how busy it is, how many other people with special needs are there at the time and staffing. Some times you may be sent thru the regular standby line, occassionally the fastpass line; sometimes the person with the GAC and a member of their party will be given an alternate place to wait while the rest of the party goes thru the standby line - and then meet up with them when they get to the front. Sometimes you might be given a slip and told you can come back at the time written on the slip (usually equal to the standby time); very occassionally, you might be taken right in. It depends on what they call "attraction considerations" (which is basically the things I listed in the second sentence).
* Fastpass is a good way to avoid waits in line. You don't have to be present to get a fastpass, you can send one member of your party ahead with all the park passes to get fastpasses. When you report back to the ride at your fastpass return time, your wait will be 15 minutes or less.
* For people who are concerned about stamina or endurance, Disney suggests a wheelchair renting a motorized
scooter (also called
ecv; for over 18 yrs and up). The distance and time spent going around the parks is much greater than the time and distance spent in line. With an ecv or wheelchair, you will always have a place to sit and can conserve energy for fun, instead of just getting around. There is information about
ecvs in the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of the disABILITIES Board. Most lines are wheelchair/ecv accessible.
* If you get tired and needs to lie down in air conditioning for a while, there is a First Aid station in each park. They have cots in individual cubicles for resting. It's also an excellent quiet place to go if you need to have a calm, quiet place with little stimulation.
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I was pasting at the same time as you were. 
