Autism-Temp Handicap Parking Pass

[Rekenna]

Hi All! We recently came back from a successful trip with DS3 who has autism. We requested a temp handicap park pass since we were driving. This worked really well for DS3-he sometimes has a hard time with transitions. Especially at the end of the day going back to the TTC-leaving the park, riding the monorail or boat and then having to ride a tram to find the car-that's hard for him.

We requested a temp pass from the Dr., we made sure to get to the parks relatively early and were able to park closer. This worked really well for DS3 and he never had one meltdown when leaving the park. It helped too that our Dr. is familiar with WDW and also has a special needs child, so she understood why a temp parking pass would be a good idea.

I also wanted to note DS3 did not need a GAC (the lines weren't bad and he was a cool cucumber from our relazing trip into the parks), but I was prepared to get one if needed. DS3 liked the rides (the Barnstormer especially) but, made us cover his eyes if he was nervous-he would open our fingers and peek through every once in a while! We also used the saftey tats with my cell # and the monkey back-pack leash and we had a stroller.

For anyone nervous about taking a special needs child I just want to let you know that DS3 did well-if that helps-all of our kiddos are different as we well know! And that a temp handicap park pass worked really well for DS3 and helped him enjoy his vacation!

Have fun everyone!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

It seems to me that in most states the requirements for getting a Disability Parking Pass are very strict and specific. I don't know what state you are in, but your doctor may have violated a law when he prepared the form.

 

[Chicogirl]

I know in California you can get a handicap pass for your car if your child has Autism. I have one. We only use it in large places, like parks and such. Autism is a disability. You can not get the handicap license plate in less you are the one handicap.

 

[SueM in MN]

There are several reasons for handicapped parking permits.
One is to shorten the distance someone with a mobility disability walks (many would go into a store, for example, and then get a wheelchair or ECV in the store. The handicapped parking permit would allow them to not have to walk too far to get the wheelchair).

Another reason is that some people need extra space for parking that you can't get in a regular parking spot - such as someone who has a wheelchair accessible van and needs room for a ramp to be put down or someone who needs space next to their vehicle to transfer into a wheelchair. A regular spot is not usually big enough for that.

A third reason is to get the person with a disability out of traffic as quickly and safely as possible. I know of people who are blind or deaf who have handicapped parking permits for that reason. I also know of people whose children have autism who were able to get a handicapped parking permit for that reason because of the danger of the child bolting into traffic. The shorter the time people in this category have to travel to get out of traffic paths, the safer it is for them and the drivers.

Glad you had a good time and I agree about the GAC. Many times (depending on the person's needs) a GAC is not necessary. Knowing where to be to avoid crowds is more useful, especially since a GAC is not always handled exactly the same at each attraction or even at the same attraction at a later time.