attention defecit

[DisneyDude10171]

I just returned from a visit with my HS marching band. While i was there, we stayed in groups of 4 kids from the HS. One guy in my group had ADD and had a physicians note to proove it. When he brought it to guest relations, they gave him a diability pass, which essentially eliminated our wait time for most rides. Now, is this right, or should these things be reserved for other disabled persons? I suppose the reasoning behind the pass is that due to the ADD, waiting for long periods of time could aggrivate the condition. Also, when we boarded BTMRR- he essentially received criticism from the CM working the line who apparently thought that since she could not see a disability, he must have obtained the pass illegitemaly, she had said something along the lines of, "Oh, I love seeing you kids from the marching band saying you have a disability." I personally did not find this comment to conform to the "Disney standards."

 

[buzz2400]

With ADD waiting does not aggravate the situation. Children with ADD have low attention spans. This just means a lot of figeting. I would also think that if he got a note from a doctor that he also must be on medication which would help the child keep a higher attention span. I have a child diagnosed with ADD. He does not take medication. He is only 11. We have gone to WDW and Universal many times, as well as other amusement parks where we live and yes he is sometimes a handful in the line, complaining many times that he is bored. I would never think of getting a disability pass for him. They should be reserved for people who really need them. Sounds to me just another person who abuses the system.

 

[momof2OH]

I strongly believe that it depends on the specific individual. You can have 10 people with the same disorder/medical condition and they all be completely different. I have two children, 1 with ADD and 1 with ADHD among other disorders. They both are on medication , but my son is more severe and I have thought about getting a disability pass on our next visit. He can change from situation to situation sometimes and you never know when it can occur or how he will react. you also never know what you can incounter when amongst that many people.

DisneyDude10171 ~ I agree with you that the CM acted in a way that she never should have. Many people have disablities that you cannot see and should not be judged because you can't see them. Unfortunately, in todays world this is not the case.

buzz2400~It's your opinion and choice if you decide your son does not need a disability pass, but I think it is unfair of you to say that a person who has the same disability is just abusing the system because they choose to get a disablity pass. No one should be judging this person because we don't know the extent of the disability and how it affects them.

Please keep in mind that this has been my opinion and not meant to cause an argument.

 

[Alice Sr.]

Haven't you ever been stuck in line with a party where a member simply cannot settle down? It can be very disruptive to an already uncomfortable situation. I say let them go and thank you.

 

[Puffy2]

If a question like this one is posted it will certainly get a wide range of comments.

In my opinion, from the information given in the original post, it sounds as if in this case that the pass was misused.

If the young man is able to fully participate in a marching band, with practices, foot ball games, and the like, he should have been able to stand in a few lines.

But cast members shouldn't be put in the position to question whether a Guest Assistance Pass should be issued or not - and now that it's in the past - it's in the past. We can debate it all we want but it won't change anything - the passes are a good idea and help many people who otherwise would not be able to go to the parks at all due to severe medical conditions and physical limitations.

Now if only there was a "wife assistance pass" for pain in the a@@ husbands who complain to no end if they have to wait for 10 minutes.

 

[brunoflipper]

As a board certified pediatrician (who will be in the park next week with 4 children under the age of 5) I think this is absurd... ADD/ADHD is disease that is is characterized by poor ability to attend to a task, motor overactivity, and impulsivity and has a a prevelance of 3-5% (and some would argue as high as 20%)... It can be exacerbated by overstimulation and fatigue, which would imply that DisneyWorld (and any vacation for that matter)... However, I do not feel that labeling ADD/ADHD as a disability and allowing a child/family special consideration in this manner is appropriate... Many patients with truly debilitating mental and physical illnesses want little, if any, special considerations in such situations (Except where the logistics of participating simply require them i.e. a different seat, a loading area that would accomodate a wheelchair, etc.)...

I don't want to get off on a rant here but will he carry that note with him his entire life to avoid ever waiting in a line?... He better hang onto that note for his trip to the DMV when he turns 16... Many of my families, involved in parenting programs and behavioral modification techniques, do not medicate their children when they are not in school... Simply put when they don't need to have an attention span, the parents do not medicate their children.... But, If the parent's would feel that DisneyWorld would be too difficult for their child to handle and thus they need special consideration, my reply would be to simply continue the medication... I would attempt to reassure them that standing in line for 30 minutes in DisneyWorld will require far less from the child than the obstacles that will surely await him in his life...

This disease is a cultural phenomenon... It is real and legitimate... However, most children have been inappropriately diagnosed and do not meet DSM-IV criteria for diagnosis of ADD/ADHD... Many of them are victims of poor parenting, other behavioral/mood disorders (ODD, Depression, Passive-Aggressive Disorders, Conduct Disorder, etc.), a multitude of learning disabilities or societal demands for what is deemed appropriate behavior... Often the demand for the diagnosis and, thus, the perceived "quick fix" of medication, comes from insistent teachers, family, and other parties...

In conclusion, I think using the diagnosis of ADD/ADHD as an excuse to avoid lines at Disney World is bunk...

Of course this is just my opinion...

That should stoke the fire nicely...

 

[punky'smom]

My son's also ADD. Last year while waiting in line there was a bee. The bee landed on this elderly gentleman's shoulder. My son without giving it a thought slapped the man in the shoulder to kill the bee. My DH & I were totally floored by the action. And we couldn't have apologized enough. But we have to remember most children with ADD do not think quickly-they react. A disability pass would have helped in that situation for sure.

 

[CrzyforPiglet]

Rudeness from the CM is unacceptable - they should be able to handle themselves in all situations. That being said I think I agree with Puffy2 that if the information is correct that the pass was misused. From what I remember our HS marching band took a lot on concentration to focus on notes, different marches and such and that there was also waiting to perform at games and such. If he could get through that and performs in parades and such with waiting and standing then it stands to reason he could have waited in a line or done what others do and get fastpasses and whatnot.

Everyone does have differenct experiences with ADD & ADHD but it sounds as if he is able to overcome to portions of it to perform with the band. As an example, I work with a woman who has ADHD and seems mildly hyper at times but for the most part is fine and you wouldn't know anything was wrong. Her son has ADHD as well and you can most definitely tell something is different. He has head ticks and cannot concentrate on anything - he would never be able to join a team or group that required direction b/c he just can't focus that way. I can see him not doing well in a line without driving everyone else around him nuts.

JMHO

 

[n2mm]

I have an ADD son and would have never thought of doing that. But on a separate issue, people need to remember that all disabilities are not seen. I remind my husband of this when he sees someone get out of a car in a handicap spot and comments negatively about it. If you have a heart condition or a pulmonary condition that is a disability not seen and people shouldn't be so quick to judge. It was not the CMs place to judge why he was there.

 

[Mattsmom]

I'm going to put my 2 cents in.

I have 2 DSs in Marching Band. A child with ADD so severe he can't stand in line for a ride, couldn't fully particapate in the Band my kids are in. Practices and performances require long peroids of standing in formation!!!!

Two years ago our band went to Disneyland. I hate to admit this, but during the time we were touring the park, I ran into a couple of our band students using wheelchairs. I know for a fact there was NOTHING wrong with these kids! One tried to tell me he sprained his ankle. Funny he walked on it fine after leaving the park! I said something to his Mother. She thought it was a cute prank.

Not excusing the CM, but I think it's behavior like the above that caused the comment.

 

[benebire]

Boy, I really hate to get sucked into this one but ........
I have 2 kids with ADD. One with ADHD and one with ADD. I personally wouldnt get the pass for my kids, as they have done Disney just fine but, I dont see anything wrong with it being used by kids with ADHD if they truly have problems standing in line and this could encompass a large variety of reasons, not just because they dont want to stand in line. I was amazed by the comments of the Pediatrician on this board, I'm glad youre not my pediatrician, you didnt sound particularly understanding. I differ with your opinion, I do believe ADD is a disability and yes they will deal with it for the rest of their lives! It can and does affect their social skills as well as impulse control, attention span. I can't comment on whether this particular case justified needing a pass as we dont have enough information to do so. How about we give him the benefit of the doubt? Rudeness on the CM's part was unacceptable but they are human and make mistakes too. Unfortunately they probably do see alot of abuse of the passes.

 

[gepetto]

A disability pass for ADD? Since when is ADD a "disability"?

Dosen't marching band require that you stand still for over 30 minutes at a time lined up for parades, football games, band competitions? And yet he can't stand in line at WDW for 30 minutes or get a FP? Is this kid expecting to get FOTL access for everything the rest of his life?

 

[punkin]

As a total aside, I'm just shocked that so many people on this board seem to have children with ADD or ADHD. I did not realize it was so prevalent.

 

[brunoflipper]

benebire: If you think, based upon my explanation for not being willing to write a note regarding ADD/ADHD as a disability allowance for DisneyWorld, that I am not very understanding then, I am happy not to be your pediatrician... I have a huge practice, 3,800 active charts... I have about 200 kids with ADD/ADHD... My patients/families are very satisified with me... I provide superior care and am deeply concerned for my patients... The unfortunate thing is that sometimes my patients' parents don't care enough for them... We all want someone/thing to blame and a pill to fix it all... I stand by my original conviction... I wish the best to your family and hope that your childrens' disorders do not lead them into that 50% of patients that have significant problems during adolescence/adulthood... Have a magical day...

 

[nativetxn]

Since this topic does not actually pertain to planning a trip to WDW I'm going to move it to our Community Board. You can continue this conversation there.

Katholyn

 

[aahmom1]

Originally posted by punky'smom
My son's also ADD. Last year while waiting in line there was a bee. The bee landed on this elderly gentleman's shoulder. My son without giving it a thought slapped the man in the shoulder to kill the bee. My DH & I were totally floored by the action. And we couldn't have apologized enough. But we have to remember most children with ADD do not think quickly-they react. A disability pass would have helped in that situation for sure.

Or you could explain to him that he's not allowed to hit total strangers standing in line. Not everything can be blamed on ADD.

 

[mamajoan]

Whew.. this is gonna be one wild ride!!!

JMHO.. but the attitude from the CM was unacceptable. It is fear of this type of attitude that makes it hard for people like me who need to use a w/c or ecv (which is a horrid name for a necessity)
to utililze a GAC without worry of judgement.
CM's are not trained to judge who needs a GAC and who does not. There are autistic kids who may look perfectly fine one minute and balistic the next > a comment from a CM like the one above would make life harder for a parent utilizing a GAC for this child.

Now.. did the kid with the ADD need the GAC..I am not sure, but those in his party sure took advantage of the GAC by joining him.
I too have children with ADD and ADHD DX and we did not utilize the system. and Doc.. we do use pills along with our best parenting skills....please avoid waving such wide judgements regarding ADHD there are many of us out here trying really hard to deal with our kids the best way we can. I am sure you are a fine physician,wise, talented and skilled.

oh and btw.. GAC DOES not necessarily mean FRONT OF THE LINE PRIVILEDGES!!! I suggest you take a trip with someone who needs to utilize a GAC before you make a statement such as this.. There are MANY times the GAC user will wait LONGER than the regular line... try it.. you really will not like it....

oh ya.. this thread is gonna be a wild one! Hang on tight!

 

[welovedis]

Oh boy! Here's another can of worms....the GAC does not guarantee front of the line, no waiting priviledges as mamajoan has already stated.

While I can't comment on the actions, abilities or behavior of this young man in your group since I have never met him or seen his behavior, I think if a doctor feel a note is appropriate, then who am I to judge? ADD can be very severe in some cases and other problems can be at play in a person who has been diagnosed with this.

Here's a great link to some info on GACs from SueM in MN )co-mod of the disABILITIES) board here on the DIS:
http://pixiedustinn.com/disabilitiesfaq/GACFAQ.html

HTH to clear up some misconceptions!

 

[dgaston]

I have a son with ADHD, and a daughter with ADD (and an ADHD husband of course), and remember how my son's waiting in line behavior was interpreted by the person next to us at Dueling Dragons at Universal as "wow, he must be really scared." All of the fidgiting and restlessness was about the ADD. It gave me another window into how others can view the behaviors of AD/HD.

By the way, of my two children, my daughter experiences far more impairment in daily activities (she has trouble organizing herself), and the hyperactive son actually has better skills. You can't always see how a condition may affect a person.

 

[phamton]

Originally posted by aahmom1
Or you could explain to him that he's not allowed to hit total strangers standing in line. Not everything can be blamed on ADD.

I hope this was a tongue in cheek comment. ADHD children are very impulsive. One of the most difficult things to deal with is they do not always weigh the consequences of their actions. The child sees the bee and hits it without thinking, "Hey, this is a stranger and he might not appreciate my hitting the bee on his shoulder." You and I would realize the social implications of hitting a stranger but that reasoning does not always come into play with an ADHD child. It doesn't matter how many times he has been told not to touch strangers all those rules go right out the window.

I am the mother of 5 children and my youngest is 14 years old and ADHD. He was on medications only when at school from 2nd grade until last year. He is off medications now as he is better able to control his impulses now that he is older. I am also an Elementary teacher and have taught many students with ADHD, both medicated and not, both severe and mild.

My son was in gifted classes and was not a behavior problem in school except that he did talk fast and non-stop in the classroom when he was younger. We choice medication because of his impulsiveness; his impulsiveness was a danger to himself. He climbed trees and if he saw something on the ground, he would jump out without judging his distance from the ground and many more dangerous things that I do not want to mention for fear I would be judged as a neglectful parent. He was fearless and never seemed to worry if something was dangerous or would cause him pain. He didn't seem to have those self-preservation boundaries that most of us were born with.

Bev