Another GAC question

[dpaine]

How do you explain Asperger's syndrome to a CM to get a GAC. My son loves Disney, but the crowds, lines, long waits and heat exacerbate his sensitity levels (as it does with "normal" children too) but he starts his usual incessant running in circles or just meltdown. I have gotten use to the stares from people who just don't realize this is not an unruly child. Once this starts our day is pretty much over, so if it is 10:00 in the morning, then we are done. We are leaving in 39 more days. I want this to be a really nice trip for my son. He lives and breathes disney. Any suggestions from Aspie parents? I would truly appreciate any advice.

Thanks,
Deb

 

[Talking Hands]

Just tell them that your son has an autistic spectum disorder. Explain what you need to make your trip more comfortable and the behaviors that cause this need. Most will understand the term Autistic. And if they don't ask to speak to a supervisor.

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree with Lisa. They might not have heard of Aspergers, but the CMs in Guest Services should be very aware of autism.
Then, you just think of all the things that he might do to disrupt other people in line (like the ones you mention in your post). Tell them that he will have "x, y and z problem" during waits in line and under what circumstances he will have those things happen.

 

[teri]

Lisa is right, you don't need to explain a diagnosis to the CMs. You only need to advocate for the need as it relates to the visit. There is more information about the GAC, and tips for helping sensitive kids cope, on the Disabilities FAQ .

Sometimes we (parents of kids with special needs) get wrapped up in defining our child's needs and advocating for them so much that it becomes a habit, and we tend to have that "fight" on top when we are on vacation, too. This is not an IEP, or an assessment. It is a vacation! Relax, enjoy.

You do need to be aware that the GAC is not a Front-of-line pass, and that you will be required to wait, especially at busy attractions. Sometimes your wait in an alternate waiting area may be longer than it would be if you were going through the regular queue, and other times it will be shorter. And from long experience, I can tell you, getting the GAC and using it will not protect your child from stares or meltdowns. Many attractions do not have an alternate entrance -- you need to ask for assistance and direction from the CM at the entrance.

Another caveat... you need to be very nice to the CMs and follow directions. Sorry to say, there are people who do abuse the system, and it causes terrible resentment when it appears that people are trying to get special treatment, with or without a legitimate reason. Many CMs are on the defensive. You need to be prepared to wait, to distract your child while waiting, to pace yourselves. Never try to ride a busy ride twice in a row using the GAC, or even twice in a short period of time. And if the standby lines are manageable, please use them.

We worked very hard to get our son to be able to tolerate waiting in the queues -- it is a life skill. But we have no guilt about using the GAC when necessary, to prevent the kinds of meltdowns that can ruin your day.

 

[Poohnatic]

Hi! I was at WDW 6/16-23 and we learned of the GAC just before this trip.

I had no trouble at all getting the GAC. Our first night there, I went right into City Hall and had no trouble at all. I was prepared for that fight, tho! Neil really doesn't seem all that different to the most casual observer. I explained that he has Asperger's, a form of autism.

We were stamped for alternate entrances/Fastpass entry. We actually used the card incorrectly, but were never corrected. After hearing others tell of difficulties, we were a little worried, but things went smoothly. If a wait was posted for less than 15 minutes, we did go that route. As you are well aware, sometimes you can tell when your child can handle it.

My son was recently diagnosed, and we'd had the trip from hell last Sept/Oct. Now that we know what we're dealing with, we made it a point to read Neil's cues...we left the parks in the middle of the day all but one day(the day we seemed to breeze thru MK).

I don't know how old your son is, but at 6, Neil's meltdowns are exacerbated by fatigue, so he got a stroller. He likes having one, too. It was always easier to get him to stay in it than my almost 3 year old!

Good luck. If you've got questions, please feel free to PM.

ENJOY your trip!!!

Suzanne