Autism--passes?

[50sjayne]

I was reading on Mice chat you can get special passes if you have autism to avoid long waits in line, the poster said you have to have a note from your psychologist (my son doesn't have one) but when I checked on the disability thread here which is mostly for Disney World I think they said you don't have to have a note. My son is autistic and yes, the lines have always been hard on him. The one year we went that I had a sprained ankle and was using a wheelchair to get around was actually one of the more enjoyable times we had there. I was just wondering if anyone here had any more info on that sort of thing since I seem to be in the posting mood today. I am planning on doing the best I can with the fast passes but we are going spring break so any help would be great.

Well, I just did a little quick google research and while they say it's against the law to ask for any kind of note, some do say to get a note from his psychologist. I think I can get a note from his special ed teacher who is also the school psychiatrist. It sure would help. He is high functioning but has little patience for lines. Crowds and noise can also be overwhelming to him also and he won't have much to do with my commando styling.. He is going to be 18 and we have decided to let him go at his own pace and run around by himself to and from the room if he wants-- with a cell phone of course.

 

[LavenderPeach]

I don't have any answers to your questions but the people on the DISabilites board might have some more help for you. Even though the DISabilities board is under the WDW area there are also DLR people who visit there and a lot of stuff is true for both resorts. I asked a couple of questions over there and got some good answers.

 

[cccdisney]

I was reading on Mice chat you can get special passes if you have autism to avoid long waits in line, the poster said you have to have a note from your psychologist (my son doesn't have one) but when I checked on the disability thread here which is mostly for Disney World I think they said you don't have to have a note. My son is autistic and yes, the lines have always been hard on him. The one year we went that I had a sprained ankle and was using a wheelchair to get around was actually one of the more enjoyable times we had there. I was just wondering if anyone here had any more info on that sort of thing since I seem to be in the posting mood today. I am planning on doing the best I can with the fast passes but we are going spring break so any help would be great.

Well, I just did a little quick google research and while they say it's against the law to ask for any kind of note, some do say to get a note from his psychologist. I think I can get a note from his special ed teacher who is also the school psychiatrist. It sure would help. He is high functioning but has little patience for lines. Crowds and noise can also be overwhelming to him also and he won't have much to do with my commando styling.. He is going to be 18 and we have decided to let him go at his own pace and run around by himself to and from the room if he wants-- with a cell phone of course.

My 5 year old son has autism and we have gotten a pass (GAC or Guest Assistance Card) for him in recent trips. It is not a front of the line pass but can shorten the wait. When you request the GAC they will ask what he needs "help" with. In our case we get a stroller=wheelchair stamp on the card because our son is non-verbal and a flight risk. That way we can use our stroller as a wheelchair and not have to take him out of it at shows such as Playhouse Disney.
You are right that they are not allowed to ask for a dr's note, and I have not ever been asked for it. The first time I did bring some paperwork with me that stated his dx - just in case.
If your son is high functioning and you think they might question it, just bring a dr's note (ANY Doctor - not just a psychiatrist). AGAIN, legally they are not suppose to ask for it!
The DisAbilities board is great help and any policies at WDW should be the same at DLR.

 

[Judy from Boise]

I know DL has worked hard to integarte their disabled system into the normal systems, for example making many of their queues wheel chair firendly, I beleive on rides that have the FP option, they are encouraging people to use that.
However i second posting this question on the DISabilites board.

 

[bumbershoot]

I know DL has worked hard to integarte their disabled system into the normal systems, for example making many of their queues wheel chair firendly,...

Are you sure? So many of the queues are incredibly narrow b/c they were built ages ago and grandfathered in. DCA of course is different, but DL has some pretty narrow lines!

 

[DahliaRW]

Most of the rides have wheelchair entrances, but they aren't always with the regular line. I know for BTMRR and SM you go through where the exit is and around.

When I was there in September there was a family with an autistic son (about 12 I'd guess) and they had a disability type pass that let them get in the handicap line and have a much shorter wait.

 

[minniefaye]

My son is autistic and we always get the pass! We do take a doctors note but they have never asked to see it. All of the castmembers are familiar with the pass and it makes a huge difference for my son. It does not put you at the front of the line but pretty close to it which is a lifesaver as my son can't stand standing in line!!!! The pass even works for the autograph lines. In Fantasyland they have you enter through the wheelchair access gate or door, just ask the castmembers and they will help you out.

 

[jory29]

If your son is going to be 18, and is high functioning enough to be able to handle a cell phone, and going from the park to the hotel room on his own, you will likely be very pleased at what he can handle as far as line ups go, in the park.

We have a soon to be 12 year old son, who now has a severe anxiety disorder, who normally does not handle lines or waits very well, but who does *Super* in the Disneyland parks. Why? (I dunno - maybe it's the magic? of Disneyland.) I honestly think it's because the lines KEEP moving... not quite as standstill as anywhere else.

And our son is borderline Asperger's - he's lucky to be able to enjoy socializing with people, so although he exhibits AS characteristic, his outgoing, friendly, (gregarious, not shy!) nature is a little 'off' from the AS 'norm.' Crowds and lights do bother him - but Disneyland and the rides are an absolute thrill-seeker's paradise, and he apparently is a thrill-seeker, as is his little sister, 6 years old, who also love the CS ride.

My advice would be to obtain the pass if you feel it to be neccessary - but play it by ear, and use it only on certain rides if needed. In most cases, the pass will not get him on faster, but will apparently help him to be in an area where it is easier to wait. Now, you and I both know, these kids will not be comfortable as long as there is any wait -so usually waiting it out in the regular line up will be a little bit faster, thus, likely easier on those with HFA, etc. (From what I have read, the pass does not always mean you will get onto the ride more quickly.. please correct me, DIS'ers, if I'm wrong.) In other words, sitting in a room may not please these children, there may not be room to pace, but in a line up, there is likely more movement which is a little more natural and appealing to those with HFA, etc.

Good luck, and I totally see why you're asking about this... we considered seeking assistance and receiving a pass, but decided to play it by ear before doing so, and our son did o.k. Turned out, giving him Sprite with every meal was our huge downfall -exactly one hour later, you could watch the hyped-up show within him begin. Mind you, it was no walk in the park for us, his parents....









Of COURSE it was a walk in the park... Disneyland Park. Who could want for more. Sigh. I miss it sooooo much.

 

[tink2dw]

I know some are able to use Distraction in the lines like, game boy, of course now I think it is call the DS Lite, small Dollar Store goodies, little books, little pocket size Etchisketch you know it is red and silver and you turn the knobs to make a drawing, things like that.

 

[rszdtrvl]

We got the pass for our son last trip.

He has Aspergers and ADHD.

We didn't have to use it even one time!!

Our pass gave us a quieter place to wait.

I was so thrilled that he had no problems at the parks at all!! Maybe it was the magic. But I like to believe that he is really starting to adapt more.

He is very high functioning, in fact, if you didn't know what to look for, you would think he is a normal child.

 

[50sjayne]

Thanks for all your help I think I will get the pass, he is high functioning, but he is also overweight (the food he eats) and I think it will be much easier on him from what you have described. I'm all about the fast pass thing but a little confused about it just reading about it. I'm sure when we get there it'll all clear up. There wasn't even California Adventures last time we were there lol. I'm also going to get us back on our walk schedule, we were doing really well over the summer then started slacking. He does have a psp- I'm just afraid it might get stolen. He's pretty careful with his stuff though, takes good care of things.

 

[jory29]

Thanks for all your help I think I will get the pass, he is high functioning, but he is also overweight (the food he eats) and I think it will be much easier on him from what you have described. I'm all about the fast pass thing but a little confused about it just reading about it. I'm sure when we get there it'll all clear up. There wasn't even California Adventures last time we were there lol. I'm also going to get us back on our walk schedule, we were doing really well over the summer then started slacking. He does have a psp- I'm just afraid it might get stolen. He's pretty careful with his stuff though, takes good care of things.

If he's overweight, and he finds walking to be a problem, he may find that taking advil on a fairly regular basis when in the parks will help any problems with really sore feet/legs/knees. I was told to try advil, on these boards, and WOW did it ever make a difference. I was a totally different person on this trip compared to the last trip. Watch the PSP screen - one of ours broke from a simple drop - I had no idea the screen was so delicate. I would still take it if I were him, but I would be sure to have a well padded case, to protect it. You can buy some really inexpensive psp cases from dealextreme.com
Walking now to get used to it will help - good stuff!!
I also wanted to say - you know your son better than anyone - and I know from experience that though our son can do many things, at an age appropriate level, there are things that he sometimes does not do at an age appropriate level. I was just sharing with you that for some weird reason (Disney magic? ) our son does super when in the parks.
I can see where it can't hurt to have a pass, to use as needed.

Have fun, and enjoy your trip!

P.S. Make sure your son has a sticker on his PSP with hotel info. on it, as well as contact info., etc. We did that with all of our digital items. And, a waist pack is just the right thing to use for him to carry things. It leaves his arms free.

 

[SueM in MN]

If you follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread, you will find information about GACs (Guest Assistance Cards) in post #3 of that thread. Although it was written for WDW, DIS posters who work in Guest Relations at Disneyland have confirmed that the information is correct and applies to DL too.
As was already mentioned, the GAC is not a pass and is not meant to provide immediate access. It is meant to provide information to CMs so that they have some idea of what type of assistance you need.

You do not need a doctor's note (the Americans with Disabilities Act says that no one can be required to provide proof of disability in order to get accommodation for needs related to their disability). If it makes you feel more secure to have a note, go ahead, but be aware that the CMs may not want to look at it.

ALSO, JUST FOR CLARIFICATION, if someone tells you there is an "Autism Pass", they are mistaken. There is no 'pass' or GAC for autism or any other condition. The ADA does NOT provide accomodation for
autism,
ADD,
ADHD,
asthma,
blindness,
cerebral palsy,
diabetes,
epilepsy,
paralysis,
MS
or any other condition anyone cares to name.

The ADA provides accomodation for needs related to disability (which may be due to one of the things listed above.)
Whatever condition is being referred to, some people with that conditions may have needs that are accomodated by something that everyone has access too (for example, some people mentioned using touring plans, bringing GameBoys in line, using Fastpass). They would not need a GAC.

Some people with that same condition might not have their needs accomodated by those things, but might only need some slight assistance, such as being able to bring a stroller into line. They may need a GAC with a few accomodations.

Some might have more needs and require a GAC with more accomodation.

Some might have more needs, but may not have a problem with those needs at certain times (for example, during slow seasons or slow times at the park, when the wait in line might be less than 10 minutes). They may need a GAC at busier times, but not when it is quiet.

Not everyone, even with the same condition, has the same needs.

 

[tink2dw]

 

[50sjayne]

If he's overweight, and he finds walking to be a problem, he may find that taking advil on a fairly regular basis when in the parks will help any problems with really sore feet/legs/knees. I was told to try advil, on these boards, and WOW did it ever make a difference. I was a totally different person on this trip compared to the last trip. Watch the PSP screen - one of ours broke from a simple drop - I had no idea the screen was so delicate. I would still take it if I were him, but I would be sure to have a well padded case, to protect it. You can buy some really inexpensive psp cases from dealextreme.com
Walking now to get used to it will help - good stuff!!
I also wanted to say - you know your son better than anyone - and I know from experience that though our son can do many things, at an age appropriate level, there are things that he sometimes does not do at an age appropriate level. I was just sharing with you that for some weird reason (Disney magic? ) our son does super when in the parks.
I can see where it can't hurt to have a pass, to use as needed.

Have fun, and enjoy your trip!

P.S. Make sure your son has a sticker on his PSP with hotel info. on it, as well as contact info., etc. We did that with all of our digital items. And, a waist pack is just the right thing to use for him to carry things. It leaves his arms free.

I just put your entire post in my tips column...thanks.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

Just be aware that many people are not kind and understanding about this sort of thing. We've experienced that both online and at DL with my brother, who is in a wheelchair. But for reasons as you know does NOT handle lines either. People aren't understanding of that and believe they are being cheated if they go ahead of them. Just be prepared for that!

We'll be taking my brother back in May, and "cheating" lots of people in line anyway!

 

[CoolPool]

I have a high-functioning young man (6yo) and I had brought a note with me the first time I went (he was a new 5 then). I fully expected meltdowns in the lines...I remembered earlier school fair meltdowns and pony ride line meltdowns and waiting-to-buy-popcorn-at-the-movies meltdowns...and none happened at Disney. He "got" the waiting thing almost immediately there which floored me. I never bothered to get the pass. I decided being able to stand in line with him and feeling the pride swell was just right what the doctor ordered.

Just wanted to throw out a positive experience...that "magic" thing cannot be denied.