Disney World & and a Child with Autism...

[DisneyMomma1216]

I'm a 21 year old with high functioning autism so I can help.

On the first day at the parks, your client and her DS will need to head to GR where they will talk to a cast member about why they're requesting the pass. I would recommend bringing a doctor's letter just to be safe.

Extra tips:

-Bring Earplugs!!!! Sometimes, WDW can be loud and if he is sensitive to the loud noises, he could wear them

-Show him videos of the rides on YouTube so he'll know what to expect.

-Where are they staying? I would recommend the Epcot or Magic Kingdom areas since some of them are easier to get back from those parks.

I'm a 21 year old with high functioning autism so I can help.

On the first day at the parks, your client and her DS will need to head to GR where they will talk to a cast member about why they're requesting the pass. I would recommend bringing a doctor's letter just to be safe.

Extra tips:

-Bring Earplugs!!!! Sometimes, WDW can be loud and if he is sensitive to the loud noises, he could wear them

-Show him videos of the rides on YouTube so he'll know what to expect.

-Where are they staying? I would recommend the Epcot or Magic Kingdom areas since some of them are easier to get back from those parks.

Thank you for your input! I have recommended that she bring a dr's note, as well as your other suggestions.

They are planning on staying at All Star Movies, or Art of Animation - their party keeps growing, and she is trying to be as economical as possible.

 

[aleksandr]

Thank you for your input! I have recommended that she bring a dr's note, as well as your other suggestions.

I don't usually disagree with advice on these boards, given as most people's situations are unique, but this is actually not helpful advice, and can lead to frustration (and extra work beforehand) for the parents.

Disney cannot ask for a doctor's note or even ask what the person's specific handicap is under the ADA regulations. They can only ask what accommodations they can make to meet specific needs. A person's diagnosis is confidential information between their doctors and themselves. While they can certainly share that they are on the Autism spectrum, or anything similar to that, Disney cannot and will not ask for a diagnosis or evidence of such. Even if you offer the note, the CM will absolutely refuse to look at it.

There is endless debate about how the ADA is structured can lead to abuse of the system (for example, the phony "service animal" epidemic) but these protections exist to protect the dignity and confidentiality of those with actual handicaps.

 

[cornflkgrl]

Suggest your client be aware about the bathrooms. Some kids on the spectrum have issues with bathrooms. I believe there is a thread somewhere on here with pictures of some of the bathrooms. Maybe it is my quirky kid, but the bathrooms are all autoflush. Something I always ask wherever we go. Maybe want to know where all the family restrooms are too.

 

[DisneyMomma1216]

I don't usually disagree with advice on these boards, given as most people's situations are unique, but this is actually not helpful advice, and can lead to frustration (and extra work beforehand) for the parents.

Disney cannot ask for a doctor's note or even ask what the person's specific handicap is under the ADA regulations. They can only ask what accommodations they can make to meet specific needs. A person's diagnosis is confidential information between their doctors and themselves. While they can certainly share that they are on the Autism spectrum, or anything similar to that, Disney cannot and will not ask for a diagnosis or evidence of such. Even if you offer the note, the CM will absolutely refuse to look at it.

There is endless debate about how the ADA is structured can lead to abuse of the system (for example, the phony "service animal" epidemic) but these protections exist to protect the dignity and confidentiality of those with actual handicaps.

I told her it wasn't necessary, but it's her call on whether or not she wants to provide a note. I was also told by a CM that they would never question anything, but she could always bring a note if she wanted.. nothing would ever get turned away.

 

[DisneyMomma1216]

Suggest your client be aware about the bathrooms. Some kids on the spectrum have issues with bathrooms. I believe there is a thread somewhere on here with pictures of some of the bathrooms. Maybe it is my quirky kid, but the bathrooms are all autoflush. Something I always ask wherever we go. Maybe want to know where all the family restrooms are too.

Will do..thank you!

 

[SirDuff]

I told her it wasn't necessary, but it's her call on whether or not she wants to provide a note. I was also told by a CM that they would never question anything, but she could always bring a note if she wanted.. nothing would ever get turned away.

As the person you quoted said, that is actually not sure. CMs can (and should) refuse to read doctor's notes.

 

[lanejudy]

I told her it wasn't necessary, but it's her call on whether or not she wants to provide a note. I was also told by a CM that they would never question anything, but she could always bring a note if she wanted.. nothing would ever get turned away.

Unfortunately, what you were told is not true. Guest Relations CMs at the parks can and do refuse to look at doctor's notes, and they do question for what reason(s) a person is requesting the DAS. They are the only CMs who can give a DAS, so possibly the CM you spoke with does not work that area and is unaware.

Again, your client is welcome to carry a note with her if she so desires. However, she should not rely on that note to get the DAS for her child. If so, she could be turned away. She should be prepared to discuss the child's needs specifically relating to waiting in a standard queue environment.

I hope they have an enjoyable vacation!

 

[aleksandr]

Indeed. Asking for, or even looking at or reading a doctor's note can be classified as an unlawful medical inquiry under the Americans with Disabilities Act. While I doubt anyone would go to those kinds of lengths to harass Disney over it, the CMs who work in Guest Relations should be trained enough to not expose Disney to any kind of liability in these situations.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Will do..thank you!

the "family bathrooms" are really handicapped bathrooms so it can take longer if someone is in before you arrive plus if you have younger child the toilet is higher than normal toilet plus an auto flush toilet. just a couple of things to remember about these toilets

 

[StirlingSilver83]

My older son is diagnosed as on the spectrum and my younger son also has some characteristics of being on the spectrum even though he hasn't been formally diagnosed yet. Disney is the only place we vacation now bc they really cater to the kids on the spectrum. Now I know every kid is different but my kids both HATE chaotic environments and do best with a set schedule...I always go over the schedule of the next day with my older son so he knows what we are doing and when we are doing it. Sometimes surprises can throw him off and he will go into a meltdown from that. The DAS is definitely a life saver! Also for my younger son who also happens to be a bolter we got the stroller as a wheelchair sticker from guest relations. It pretty much allowed us to take the stroller everywhere with in the parks where strollers weren't allowed. That was especially useful at Hollywood Studios with all the shows they have there. My family got to enjoy all the shows instead of having to chase him around everywhere. We also picked out quiet spots away from crowds that we could go to if my older son was having some sensory issues. Good places that we have found were in MK near Gaston's Tavern there is a gorgeous fountain and its kind of in its own corner of the Magic Kingdom, so even though it can get busy its not as busy and my son loved sitting at that fountain. It would calm his sensory issues down. Another good quiet place in Magic Kingdom is Tom Sawyers Island. The other 3 parks we didn't really need a "quiet" spot...Epcot has a ton of quiet spots though if you go into WS and Animal Kingdom is pretty relaxing with all the animals and stuff so we never really ran into a problem there. With HS we did a ton of shows so we didn't really have any issues with that park as well. Also what helped us out is we always ate table service restaurants. I know that might seem like a lot but the quick service locations can be hectic and loud and it just doesn't work for my boys. I know not everyone can do 3 TS meals a day, so maybe have them bring breakfast foods to eat at the resort, then get lunch in the form of a snack from 1 of those outdoor kiosks and find a nice quiet place to sit and then have a TS meal for dinner. That way you are avoiding the quick service locations...or if you want to do quick service maybe have someone wait with the child outside the location and then someone go in and buy the food and bring it out. Other than the things I have suggested I can't really think of anything else. Tell your client to just relax and enjoy the vacation...Disney is a magical place for kids on the spectrum and like I said before is the only place we vacation anymore