ADHD Child

[gvandalay]

My daughter has ADHD. We are going to Disney in March 2011. Our Doctors have told us to avoid lines as much as possible. I have heard about a guest relations card which may or may not help us with that. I am hearing differing things even from people at Disney. Anyone have any thoughts?

I also have heard differeing things on what if any proof we need to provide about her disability.

 

[karentots]

Hmm, I don't know for sure what the policy is now... I too have heard things have changed... but back in 2009 my sister was able to obtain some sort of pass for my nephew. He was 7 at the time is Autistic with ADHD. My sister was hesitant to use the pass because she felt "he looks normal and people will judge us for skipping the line". We used Fast pass when we could, We always started out waiting on the line... trying to distract him with silly games like "slap me high! Slap me low! (pulling away hands) You're too slow!" but we did encounter times where he'd just throw himself to the floor screaming & kicking... at that point we needed to get off the line, take a break, and re-approach the ride with our pass.
I would totally try to get a pass, for backup, from guest relations. You will need a doctors note that states the disability and its repercussions. I think if you entered a conversation with guest relations that you have every intention to use FP & wait online to the best of your ability & only use the pass in a screaming/kicking situation they would be likely to give you one... just my opion, not experience.... Ultimately, I think that not only for you & your child but people online, would appreciate not having to deal with an uncontrolable screaming & kicking child online... IMHO...but perhaps I'm biased?

 

[ratlenhum]

They can't ask you for a doctor's note. It violates HIPPA laws

 

[karentots]

They can't ask you for a doctor's note. It violates HIPPA laws

You are right ratlenhum, but if you are able & willing to get a doctors note & present it, wouldn't it increase your odds on getting a much needed pass? Especially in the case of ADHD or Autism.... If you approach guest services with a seeminly "Typical" looking child I would think they'd be less likely to offer some sort of relief... just my opinion again....

 

[livndisney]

My daughter has ADHD. We are going to Disney in March 2011. Our Doctors have told us to avoid lines as much as possible. I have heard about a guest relations card which may or may not help us with that. I am hearing differing things even from people at Disney. Anyone have any thoughts?

I also have heard differeing things on what if any proof we need to provide about her disability.

The only "pass" to avoid lines is a Fastpass. That and a good touring plan is the best way to avoid lines.

Disney does have a Guest Assistance Card for those who require assitance for non visible disabilities. It states right on it, not intended to shorten wait times. You can find more information on the GAC in the sticky at the beginning of this thread.

 

[livndisney]

You are right ratlenhum, but if you are able & willing to get a doctors note & present it, wouldn't it increase your odds on getting a much needed pass? Especially in the case of ADHD or Autism.... If you approach guest services with a seeminly "Typical" looking child I would think they'd be less likely to offer some sort of relief... just my opinion again....

No, actually it would not as most CM's will not look at the note. A note does nothing other than give a diagnosis. (CM's are not Drs, nor are they able to verify the note.) For a GAC you need to verbalize the needs. Not waiting in line is not assitance that WDW provides (outside of FP).

 

[MomofSixinSC]

Slightly off-topic, but given the recent studies showing petroleum-based additives in food cause neurological changes similar to ADHD symptoms, I removed all those additives from my son's diett and his symptoms diisappeared. His doctor was amazed, and then removed them form his child's diet with the same results!

You can read more about it at www.ADHDdiet.org.

 

[karentots]

Thank you Livendisney... Like I said, I'm no expert, I'm just reporting my experience... I can only speak for my party (which included a 7 year old, Autistic, ADHD boy) that we did have a "pass" and were not trying to cheat the system... we used FP when available, & waited on the standby line (many times successfully, with our own learned distractions). Again, I'm sure I'm biased BUT..... If I had the choice to receive a "pass" from Disney to skip a line in a troubled circumstance (like my child falling to the floor kicking & screaming, making everyone else around me miserable... [& please don't get into the whole parenting/dicipline thing... sometimes there are legitimate disorders that parents, at times, have no control]

I'm sure if you asked ANY parent raising a child who has a behavioral disorder if they'd like to deal with the disorder with a "Disney Pass" or wait on a 2 hour Disney line and have a "typical" child.... they'd choose to wait on a 2-4 hour line! JUST SAYING!!!

 

[ratlenhum]

You are right ratlenhum, but if you are able & willing to get a doctors note & present it, wouldn't it increase your odds on getting a much needed pass? Especially in the case of ADHD or Autism.... If you approach guest services with a seeminly "Typical" looking child I would think they'd be less likely to offer some sort of relief... just my opinion again....

You can have one in hand, and even hand it to them, but they cannot read it. My son has moderate functioning autism and while standing there at the counter also appears very typical. It's during other moments when his autism shows. They can't judge by 5 minutes how your child is going to act all week. I explain his difficulties, tell them he's good for about a 15-20 minute wait early in the day and not at all near the end of the day. We let him practice waiting in line for the early part of the day and when lines are shorter, but at 4pm when he MUST go on something NOW or a day ending meltdown will occur, we use the GAC. Usually by the last few days of our trip we use the GAC for everything because he's at the end of his patience. We like the alternate waiting areas and lines because we can walk a bit slower (keeping him in motion), the people don't pack in as tightly (less anxiety), and if people walk up behind us while we are taking our sweet time we let them go ahead of us.

 

[livndisney]

Thank you Livendisney... Like I said, I'm no expert, I'm just reporting my experience... I can only speak for my party (which included a 7 year old, Autistic, ADHD boy) that we did have a "pass" and were not trying to cheat the system... we used FP when available, & waited on the standby line (many times successfully, with our own learned distractions). Again, I'm sure I'm biased BUT..... If I had the choice to receive a "pass" from Disney to skip a line in a troubled circumstance (like my child falling to the floor kicking & screaming, making everyone else around me miserable... [& please don't get into the whole parenting/dicipline thing... sometimes there are legitimate disorders that parents, at times, have no control]

I'm sure if you asked ANY parent raising a child who has a behavioral disorder if they'd like to deal with the disorder with a "Disney Pass" or wait on a 2 hour Disney line and have a "typical" child.... they'd choose to wait on a 2-4 hour line! JUST SAYING!!!

I understand, and I am just sharing my experience, as someone who spends a lot of time in the park and has a GAC. My experience is not limited to a one time event awhile ago. I deal with Disney every week..

There is not a "pass". And the GAC actually says right on it "not intended provide immediate access". It also says for guest with disabilties and 5 members of their party and then goes on to say "At attractions offering Disney's FASTPASS service, Guests should obtain a Disney's Fastpass return ticket."

A lot of people have the wrong idea about assistance that WDW provides. Some believe there is "pass" giving their child the ability to not to have to wait in line and then they are disappointed to find the only children who get that access on kids on their MAW trip.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. Post #6 discusses the Guest Assistance CArd.

Or, if you want an easier route to the FAQs, click on the link in my signature.

 

[Jonell]

Just go to guest relations and explain your childs needs. Your child will be issued a GAC that will help with his needs.

 

[karentots]

Thanks Cheshire Figment... That's the way to do it ! Thank you so much for posting links to info.... Vs. So many attacks on newbies & their questions...

There are many GREAT resources in the links suggested by Cheshire Figment...

As a newbie, I know it's hard to search & read through everything but it's worth it... lots of reports of experiences like you will soon encounter...

But, having a nephew with Autism & ADHD, I'm sure reading & research are not foreign to you .

I hope you have a WONDERFUL trip!

 

[LockShockBarrel]

Personally I think FPs used well should be fine for someone with ADHD. Unless your ADHD kid has complete meltdown freak outs while waiting, you could consider it a good lesson for them. I'm not trying to be cruel, but I have ADHD as well, and wasn't diagnosed until I was 17. I was always labeled easily distracted and fidgety and I still am, but sometimes you just have to learn to deal with it. There's a lot at Disney a GAC would not help you with anyway, such as lines for buses/monorails/boats, any of the shows, lines for character meet and greets, and waiting at restaurants. I say get together a good touring plan, make use of the FPs, and figure out good distractions. If you find these aren't enough, then go and try to get a GAC. A doctor's note isn't likely to help you, as they usually are very simple "This person has X and cannot wait in line", and that won't help you. GACs are based on what accomdations you'd need to provide equal service as any other guest. The only people who don't wait in lines are Make a Wish kids. You honestly, and again, not trying to be mean here, will have to wait in lines at some point and it's smart to prepare for that.

 

[danielle782001]

Slightly off-topic, but given the recent studies showing petroleum-based additives in food cause neurological changes similar to ADHD symptoms, I removed all those additives from my son's diett and his symptoms diisappeared. His doctor was amazed, and then removed them form his child's diet with the same results!

You can read more about it at www.ADHDdiet.org.

Sorry...This makes me so sad...We were introduced to this diet...Promised great results...Did not work for my son and in fact lost too much weight with it and behavior did not change...He is classic ADHD and autism....Food is not the cause at all...Many people have ADHD symptoms because they in fact have ADHD and diet won't change that...Different things work for different people...My son has repsonded very well to behavior training, social group work, PT, OT, change in vitamins, and a very organzied schedule...Its lots of work...When I see this type of advise it is....Just painful....

On topic:
We get a GAC for our son....Just go to Guest Relations at the front of the park...Tell them your son's needs...You should be issued a pass without a problem...Disney CMs are very kind and compassionate...We always travel with a note but we have never had a reason to show it...Try to FastPass rides on your own when ever possible and have a good touring plan to avoid large crowds...Use the pass on the FastPass lines when your child is having difficulties or in shows that you may find you need special seating...Just show the pass to the CM at the attraction and tell them what you need...They should be more than helpful...That has been our experience...

BTW, we ask for special assistance on the plane also...DS is a high anxiety kid...He panics...Really panics about the plane leaving without us even though we ALWAYS give us plenty of time and have never missed any thing....We fly SW...We get a special (blue) card that gives us first boarding call...This way he can get in his seat in a calm manner...Very helpful for our kid...Keep it in mind if you have a similar type of child...

Good luck!

 

[KPeveler]

As others have stated, there is NO "Disability Pass." There is also no pass to reduce wait times. There is a Guest Assistance Card, which can help alert CMs to invisible disabilities.

As someone who has ADHD (combined type, diagnosed age 15), and uses a GAC, I can honestly say that good planning and use of FP is going to be more useful. GACs cannot be used for shows (you have to wait for the next show, which can be 35 minutes in the case of Ellen), parades, fireworks, buses, restaurants, stores, anything in DTD, or anything at the resort. And even a lot of the attractions that are rides, I wait as long or longer for the rides. Often times the waiting areas that can be provided are in full sunlight (thinking of the wheelchair line for BTMRR here).

Definitely go and talk to Guest Relations about a GAC! Having one is a life saver for me, but honestly it only helps so much with the ADHD parts. How old is your DD? There are different coping strategies depending.

Also you are going at a very crowded time (spring break). things will be very crowded aside from the ride lines. In fact this might be some of the easiest to handle from a ADHD perspective.

 

[livndisney]

As others have stated, there is NO "Disability Pass." There is also no pass to reduce wait times. There is a Guest Assistance Card, which can help alert CMs to invisible disabilities.

As someone who has ADHD (combined type, diagnosed age 15), and uses a GAC, I can honestly say that good planning and use of FP is going to be more useful. GACs cannot be used for shows (you have to wait for the next show, which can be 35 minutes in the case of Ellen), parades, fireworks, buses, restaurants, stores, anything in DTD, or anything at the resort. And even a lot of the attractions that are rides, I wait as long or longer for the rides. Often times the waiting areas that can be provided are in full sunlight (thinking of the wheelchair line for BTMRR here).

Definitely go and talk to Guest Relations about a GAC! Having one is a life saver for me, but honestly it only helps so much with the ADHD parts. How old is your DD? There are different coping strategies depending.

Also you are going at a very crowded time (spring break). things will be very crowded aside from the ride lines. In fact this might be some of the easiest to handle from a ADHD perspective.

I wish I had said that

 

[dclfun]

Yes...those of us who visit regularly cringe a bit at the word "Pass", since there are no passes other than Fast Passes. One thing you may want to consider which has worked well for some children is to rent a wheelchair which will give her some personal space and a buffer zone from other Guests who might bump into her or get too close for comfort. If she's small you can also bring a stroller and ask for accommodations to use the stroller as a wheelchair, which means you can take it into the queue lines. Others have used earplugs or earphones with music as a distraction or to soothe someone who can't tolerate lots of noise from crowds. Maybe bring a handheld game to use in lines ( esp. if she's sitting in a w/c). She will have to go through queue lines to get to an attraction, some are much longer than they appear at the beginning, and there are really few alternate entrances or places to wait away from crowds. Consider a rest in first aid if she gets overstimulated, or if you're staying at WDW, make use of the Extra Magic Hours and take a daytime break- either napping or swimming, or just watching familiar TV shows. If you're at MK and want a nice break, you can take the boat to Ft. Wilderness where there is lots of open space, a playground right off the boat dock, and pony rides/ horse stable not too far away. It's peaceful there and the boat ride is relaxing as well. A little planning will go a long way to help you make the most of your trip, and then having a few backup plans will help too. ---Kathy

 

[KPeveler]

I wish I had said that

Thats ok - I go to Disneyland about 3 times a week in all crowd levels (I have been there when entire Lands were empty, and on the days when only my Premium annual pass got me in), so I have gotten pretty good at figuring out what a GAC helps with and what takes other planning.

CMs really do a lot to help out in all situations, but there is little they can do if there is a 30 minute wait at a CS restaurant. I found planning helped me more than anything else.

 

[jjatwdw]

I have a friend with a child on the autism spectrum. They just return from WDW and had a GAC. She said it was a life saver.

My DS has Asperbergers. He is very high functioning and generally does well at WDW. I have never requested a GAC. We just use FP for the really long waits or avoid the ride. The only time I have ever asked for special accomadations was on the plane ride back last year. I checked in an hour after our allowable time and received boarding numbers in the high Bs. I was worried that we couldn't sit together. DS would get really anxious about something like that so I spoke to the agent, who allowed us to board early. I volunteered that DH, DS and DD would wait in line for their turn but I needed to sit with my little guy.