Autistic son

[malya2006]

Sorry if I made it sound complicated. The pass really isn't complicated but as I pointed out they are not meant to shorten wait times. They are meant to provide you service to meet your needs so waiting in a quieter place or in an area with less stimulation. They also are not suppose to work like fast passes.

If the wait is the big issue then fast passes are the best option especially if using and iPod or other device to keep him focused on something besides the noise of the parks works to keep melt downs at bay.

The most important thing is to have a plan for the what ifs. Even with a GAC melt downs are possible so knowing what you are going to do if one happens is the best plan.

First aid and Baby Care are your friends. If he needs to rest and get out of the stimulating environment instead if going to the hotel you can go to baby care or even first aid. Just let them know you just need a quite moment to help reset and then you'll be about your day. Each park has one and the staff has always been super friendly when ever I go in.

Don't be sorry, you have been extremely helpful! First aid and baby care are great alternatives that I didn't even know that was an option, thanks! Fast passes work great for us, the only place my son had a meltdown was in the line waiting to see a show at Hollywood studios. It was just too hot and there were too many people. We probably won't need the gac at all but it's nice to know that it's available. Thanks again!

 

[malya2006]

Malya2006
Your right on with this! I feel the same. As a parent of a beautiful DD with autism simple details always work best for us. My best advice would be to try and go when it is less crowded and take cues from your child as to what rides, events etc they will enjoy. I know it can be much more complicated when you have other children and you all want to enjoy everything together as a family. Sometimes it makes sense to split up for short periods of time or switch off to keep all the kiddos entertained and happy. We found that there were some events such as parades, shows, fireworks, meals that we could attend together. However, certain rides that we way to over stimulating for DD meant that DH or I would take the boys on those and the other would take DD for an ice cream or just relax a bit etc. Some days I would return back to the resort mid afternoon, so DD could swim in the pool. To be honest, I enjoyed the break as much as she did. I just play it by ear. Hope I've been helpful.

Romamom you have been super helpful! I told this to my significant other before our trip. I told him that we may have to split up if my son is near meltdown. My daughter had an appt at the bibbidi boppiti boutique (sp?) and the wait was too long and he couldn't handle it. It was also raining and just a disaster. They left to go back to the hotel and when my daughter and I got back, they were playing on their phones and Nintendo ds! Lol of all things to do on vacation. But I guess that helps him cope and reminds him of home.