Autism and GAC advice

[Mommaof3]

My DD is 19 and has Asperger's. We had a late diagnosis with her so I have gotten good over the years at trying to avoid problems in public places. I did not know that there was such a thing as a GAC. The last trip the WDW was a litle over a year ago and she had a major "meltdown" in the middle of MGM. She was overstimulated and had been in too many lines, in too many "small places", etc. I was wondering if the GAC could help us with our trip in Dec. I schedule for the first of Dec. because it is ususally lower crowds and therefor less waiting in lines etc. I use FP as much as possible, even skipping rides myself so I can go get the next FP's and keep us on schedule. (not really like "park Commados", just she needs to know ahead of time what we are doing) I was thinking that being able to use FP without running around and getting them might help her to not have a meltdown again. Would that be possible? Thanks for any help. Melissa

 

[robin09]

My DD is 19 and has Asperger's. We had a late diagnosis with her so I have gotten good over the years at trying to avoid problems in public places. I did not know that there was such a thing as a GAC. The last trip the WDW was a litle over a year ago and she had a major "meltdown" in the middle of MGM. She was overstimulated and had been in too many lines, in too many "small places", etc. I was wondering if the GAC could help us with our trip in Dec. I schedule for the first of Dec. because it is ususally lower crowds and therefor less waiting in lines etc. I use FP as much as possible, even skipping rides myself so I can go get the next FP's and keep us on schedule. (not really like "park Commados", just she needs to know ahead of time what we are doing) I was thinking that being able to use FP without running around and getting them might help her to not have a meltdown again. Would that be possible? Thanks for any help. Melissa

DD8 has aspergers. Definitely get the GAC, it's easy to do and without it I would never even attempt WdW. I understand totally on overstimulation. DD also touches everyone and talks to everyone to an extreme, so by getting the pass it also helps others out!

 

[SueM in MN]

If you haven't already checked it out, the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of the board has a section about GACs (Guest Assistance Cards).

You might find with low crowd levels in early December will help enough with lines that your DD doesn't need to use a GAC, but if you think of it like 'insurance' it makes sense to request one. If things are going well, you don'r need to use it.

Another thing to do is check into timing for things you want to go to. There are some attractions that have long lines at one time in the day and those same attractions can be walked right on later in the day. One good example of this is Spaceship Earth, which usually has waits of an hour early in the day. Because it's the first attraction people come to, they get into the line. By mid to late afternoon, it's typically a 'walk right on as fast as you can' attraction.

Also, since you have been there before, you probably already know what attractions have waiting areas that are 'triggers' for her.

 

[Mommaof3]

If you haven't already checked it out, the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of the board has a section about GACs (Guest Assistance Cards).

You might find with low crowd levels in early December will help enough with lines that your DD doesn't need to use a GAC, but if you think of it like 'insurance' it makes sense to request one. If things are going well, you don'r need to use it.

Another thing to do is check into timing for things you want to go to. There are some attractions that have long lines at one time in the day and those same attractions can be walked right on later in the day. One good example of this is Spaceship Earth, which usually has waits of an hour early in the day. Because it's the first attraction people come to, they get into the line. By mid to late afternoon, it's typically a 'walk right on as fast as you can' attraction.

Also, since you have been there before, you probably already know what attractions have waiting areas that are 'triggers' for her.

I did try to read through the info on the sticky. I understand (I think) that I just need to explain what problems she has and they will decide what to do for her??!! We have always gone in Dec. or Jan. to avoid large crowds and long waits. It was in Jan that we had the last, big meltdown. I also get everyone up and go to early entry and try to get as much in during that time. When crowds build during the day, we head back to the hotel. Fast passes work so well because it gets her through the line faster and away from groups. She can manage it for a bit, but then as the day wears on, she begins to go over the edge. We have always just vacationed according to her needs totally. It would be nice for the other children if I could find a way to get her through the parks longer. Then everyone could stay together and stay longer. If this is not what it is all about, just tell me. We can always continue on the way we are. We are a family and we will get through it together. I was just hoping!!!!!! Melissa

 

[SueM in MN]

If this is not what it is all about, just tell me. We can always continue on the way we are. We are a family and we will get through it together. I was just hoping!!!!!! Melissa

It is what it's about.
You can PM me if you want more info.