DAS and adult child

[lauritagoddess]

My son has HFA. We've been going to WDW since he was 3. We never got DAS though because with judicious use of FP, we were able to manage waiting on lines. But without FP, I think it will be very hard for him. My son is 18 now though, and I assume would have to explain to Guest Relations on his own why he needs the DAS. What kind of questions would they ask him? He knows he has a lot of trouble waiting on lines and with dealing with sensory input, but he also doesn't like to identify himself as having autism. It was really hard to get him to request accommodations for college because he never likes to think his issues are that bad or that he has a disability. I've read that the CMs don't actually want to know what the medical condition is that requires the accommodations, so would he be able to request accommodations without actually saying he has autism? Has anyone had an adult child or other adult family member in this situation, where they really need the DAS, but would have trouble advocating this? Thanks.

 

[gap2368]

they will ask you something like "what are your concerns for the lines are" you are he needs to explain his needs a

 

[SueM in MN]

Since he is an adult, he can speak for himself, but you can speak for him if he would rather.
The CMs (Cast Members) won’t read a doctor’s note, but people have written notes themselves. Some people just use the note as a way to focus and help them talk to the CM. Others tell the CM that they feel uncomfortable talking and ask the CM to read what they wrote.

He DOESN’T have to disclose that he has autism. The CMs don‘t need or want to know the diagnosis. He should be prepared to briefly discuss his concerns with waiting in the regular line - what issues waiting In line causes him.

 

[lauritagoddess]

Since he is an adult, he can speak for himself, but you can speak for him if he would rather.
The CMs (Cast Members) won’t read a doctor’s note, but people have written notes themselves. Some people just use the note as a way to focus and help them talk to the CM. Others tell the CM that they feel uncomfortable talking and ask the CM to read what they wrote.

He DOESN’T have to disclose that he has autism. The CMs don‘t need or want to know the diagnosis. He should be prepared to briefly discuss his concerns with waiting in the regular line - what issues waiting In line causes him.

It is helpful to know he could write a note or have me advocate for/with him, if he needed it. Could he say something like waiting on longer lines, especially when there's a lot of noise/sensory input causes his anxiety to get very bad? Would he need to explain what happens when his anxiety gets bad?

Separate from the HFA, he also has major heat intolerance. This normally hasn't been an issue since most queues haven't been out in the sun, but with the longer lines now with social distancing, would this also be something he should mention?

 

[happily single]

Are you his legal guardian? I am my sons legal guardian. I encourage him to speak for himself whenever possible, but often begin the conversation such as with doctors he doesn’t have a relationship with : with “hi, I’m his legal guardian and can answer any questions you have”. It takes the burden off my son

 

[lauritagoddess]

Are you his legal guardian? I am my sons legal guardian. I encourage him to speak for himself whenever possible, but often begin the conversation such as with doctors he doesn’t have a relationship with : with “hi, I’m his legal guardian and can answer any questions you have”. It takes the burden off my son

No, I'm not his guardian. He does like me to speak for him in some situations, but I'd like him to be able to advocate for himself if he can. My concerns are that he'll have a hard time explaining himself, especially since he doesn't like to think he has a disability.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

No, I'm not his guardian. He does like me to speak for him in some situations, but I'd like him to be able to advocate for himself if he can. My concerns are that he'll have a hard time explaining himself, especially since he doesn't like to think he has a disability.

saying autism is not what they are looking for but are looking for why waiting is line is a problem. they are not looking for medical terms but more why he needs to wait other than in line. you can be beside him and answer if he wants you to even as adult. in fact you need to be there so your bands/tickets can be linked if granted

 

[gap2368]

It is helpful to know he could write a note or have me advocate for/with him, if he needed it. Could he say something like waiting on longer lines, especially when there's a lot of noise/sensory input causes his anxiety to get very bad? Would he need to explain what happens when his anxiety gets bad?

Separate from the HFA, he also has major heat intolerance. This normally hasn't been an issue since most queues haven't been out in the sun, but with the longer lines now with social distancing, would this also be something he should mention?

we can not tell you what to say in order to get the DAS so this is soemthing you or him needs to come up with

 

[gap2368]

No, I'm not his guardian. He does like me to speak for him in some situations, but I'd like him to be able to advocate for himself if he can. My concerns are that he'll have a hard time explaining himself, especially since he doesn't like to think he has a disability.

could you pratic before going to use services maybe he can start out by telling the CM his concerns for the lines and asking if there is something that they can do to help him with his problems with the line

 

[lauritagoddess]

we can not tell you what to say in order to get the DAS so this is soemthing you or him needs to come up with

I’m not looking for what to say, I was just wondering if that would be sufficient or if he’ll need to go into more specific detail.

 

[lauritagoddess]

could you pratic before going to use services maybe he can start out by telling the CM his concerns for the lines and asking if there is something that they can do to help him with his problems with the line

This is a good idea. We do that already with other situations.

 

[gap2368]

I’m not looking for what to say, I was just wondering if that would be sufficient or if he’ll need to go into more specific detail.

I can tell you the CM normily cut me off with just a few words. I they have questions after he said his first sententence or two maybe stop in then. the CM do not need a long story just why he can be in the normal line I hope this helped

 

[SueM in MN]

He won’t need to go into a lot of detail.
He will probably be good with 10 words or less that complete this sentence with what happens.

« I have trouble waiting in lines because .......... »

 

[Team Happy Haunts]

This is a great post, I am heading to Disney in 4 days and have a 21 year old with epilepsy and a 19 year old with Autism, and for her it's not always easy to explain herself either, I totally understand. I can come back to this post if i remember and let you know how it went for us as well if you'd like. If i forget feel free to send me a message. Our first park day is monday 3/22. My daughter also doesn't ever think of herself with disabilities either, so i get it 100 percent. There have been some very helpful responses here. Have a wonderful trip

 

[Disneyfan754321]

They wont ask much no worries.
My adult son has a invisible disability . Looks and acts normal
All they needed to know is that he is unable to stand in que lines for any great length.

 

[lauritagoddess]

This is a great post, I am heading to Disney in 4 days and have a 21 year old with epilepsy and a 19 year old with Autism, and for her it's not always easy to explain herself either, I totally understand. I can come back to this post if i remember and let you know how it went for us as well if you'd like. If i forget feel free to send me a message. Our first park day is monday 3/22. My daughter also doesn't ever think of herself with disabilities either, so i get it 100 percent. There have been some very helpful responses here. Have a wonderful trip

I’d love to know how it goes for your daughter. I hope she’s able to advocate. It’s so hard when they’re adults now. Have a great trip!

 

[heathernm6]

It's been a few years since I initially got my adult brother (mid-20s) registered for a DAS pass, but from what I remember our experience was similar to what's been stated above. They didn't need a long explanation, just why waiting in line would be an issue. He has Down syndrome, so a "visible" disability, but I (his sister, not guardian) was able to articulate the concerns on his behalf and they did not have any issue with it. Having the DAS pass has been such a blessing for us and makes our trips go much more smoothly, I hope you find the same!

 

[piperg14]

My son has HFA. We've been going to WDW since he was 3. We never got DAS though because with judicious use of FP, we were able to manage waiting on lines. But without FP, I think it will be very hard for him. My son is 18 now though, and I assume would have to explain to Guest Relations on his own why he needs the DAS. What kind of questions would they ask him? He knows he has a lot of trouble waiting on lines and with dealing with sensory input, but he also doesn't like to identify himself as having autism. It was really hard to get him to request accommodations for college because he never likes to think his issues are that bad or that he has a disability. I've read that the CMs don't actually want to know what the medical condition is that requires the accommodations, so would he be able to request accommodations without actually saying he has autism? Has anyone had an adult child or other adult family member in this situation, where they really need the DAS, but would have trouble advocating this? Thanks.

I signed up in DHS, and I brought files and forms stating my diagnosis. They will ask why you want a DAS, and you will just say ADD, Autism, etc, and thats it! I don't think you need to say "why" and I read that specific questions are against policy to ask.

 

[gap2368]

I signed up in DHS, and I brought files and forms stating my diagnosis. They will ask why you want a DAS, and you will just say ADD, Autism, etc, and thats it! I don't think you need to say "why" and I read that specific questions are against policy to ask.

They do not need to know your DX but can ask why you need a das I think you have it backwards

 

[lanejudy]

I signed up in DHS, and I brought files and forms stating my diagnosis. They will ask why you want a DAS, and you will just say ADD, Autism, etc, and thats it! I don't think you need to say "why" and I read that specific questions are against policy to ask.

I think you have it backwards -- they really don't want to know the diagnosis. These aren't medical professionals and there is no list of "approved conditions" or such. They want to know "why" a person cannot wait in a standard queue environment. Fairly simple answer will suffice.

And documentation is not only unneeded but they will probably refuse to look at it. They do not want your medical records or anything from the doctor.