Face mask policy & children with autism

[eeyoreandtink]

I think the problem with the bandannas is that they aren’t securely fastened. They will come off on rides.

 

[Lilsia]

I think the problem with the bandannas is that they aren’t securely fastened. They will come off on rides.

That makes sense, not all "masks" are the same. One blogger tested the gaters, which are approved, and his came down on him on a ride so it seems nit picky. It also depends on the person's face what fits best. I think most people would be find switching to a tighter mask on the rides but walk around with the bandana style. Lots of people need to feel like they are not being smothered all the time. This whole thing really stinks.

 

[EveDallas]

Not Disney, but Universal put out guidelines for people that can't wear a mask for whatever reason. Those that can't can explain to guest services and get a special wristband to wear a face shield instead. However face shields are not allowed on some rides so that person must switch to a mask for the duration of the ride.

 

[fabfemmeboy]

Not Disney, but Universal put out guidelines for people that can't wear a mask for whatever reason. Those that can't can explain to guest services and get a special wristband to wear a face shield instead. However face shields are not allowed on some rides so that person must switch to a mask for the duration of the ride.

A couple articles/blog posts about the new policy for Universal here and here. It's not on the Universal website yet, but their site doesn't seem to have much in the way of detailed policy information anyway.

Note that you need to go to guest services and get a wristband to show that you don't need to wear the "regular" mask and are wearing a face shield instead. The requirement to switch for certain rides makes logical sense, given that a lot of the rides at Universal are on the wilder side and a face shield would be prone to flying off or creating a giant wind sail or whatnot. Keep in mind how many rides at Universal require you to put all belongings in a locker, some require you to empty your pockets entirely, so a face shield probably wouldn't be enough there. (I'm imagining how well it would fare on Hulk, which is a fun mental image but a really bad idea!) It does mean that if you can't tolerate a mask for long periods, you could still go to the park and either a) not ride the rides requiring a "regular" mask or b) only wear the mask for a few minutes instead of the whole day.

 

[racerkk]

I appreciate the feedback and honesty. We are going to get some of the cute face masks from Disney and have the boys try them out as the trip gets closer. Disney is such fun for them, they just might surprise us. We are DVC members, so we will just have to cancel in time to avoid losing our points. I hope everyone gets to enjoy Disney again soon!

Hi! I read through the responses but I did not see this (sorry if I missed it): Have you called the number for WDW Disability Services yet? They may be able to help you with your question.

 

[Nursejilly]

Hi! I read through the responses but I did not see this (sorry if I missed it): Have you called the number for WDW Disability Services yet? They may be able to help you with your question.

Hello. I did not call disability services. After much consideration, we cancelled our November 2020 trip and rescheduled to April 2021. Even April is a maybe but we are hoping the face mask policy might loosen up by then. Be safe everyone!

 

[Smittolis]

I don't recall what the brand was, but I saw a bandana that has a plastic 'clip' on the back, kind of like on a backpack strap, it allowed it to be worn as a regular bandana but also as a face mask with some security. Don't have one, not sure it would work but as it is being discussed as an option I think it would be good to look at?

I ran a socially distanced 'camp' for a small group of kids this week. The average temp each day was around 92 degrees, the 'real feel' temp was mid to upper 90's each day with moderate humidity. I have a dozen or so different mask so wanted to try them out. I personally prefer wearing the standard medical style masks so I can simply throw them away. They are light, comfortable and do a moderate job as designed. I also have a couple 'sports' masks with vents, a real N95 mask, a cooling neck gaiter style mask, and my latest purchase a 'purple' (bed manufacturer) mask. Kids also had to wear masks too and from the camp but not during it due to the social distancing that were observed and being outdoors.

The regular medical mask - felt light and nice on the ears, however, got hot quick and absorbed a lot of moisture. Had to change it at least once
Sports mask with vent - This had the 5 layer charcoal filter in it and vents, despite having vents this got really really hot and sweaty, would not be a good choice for those with sensitive skin
Starks Vacuum company mask - This wasn't bad at all, however, it did get very hot. This is a multi-layered fabric mask with extended nose flap, comfortable on the ears and face but just too warm.
Neck Gaiter - This was the most 'comfortable' from a face perspective but once dry it got pretty hot too. The bonus here is that it covered my neck from the sun too so gives good protection. The downside is that the level of protection is very low.
Purple mask - most comfortable on the face, although the ear loops put a little more pressure on than normal even though they are made of a cooling type gel material. This was my overall favorite based upon comfort, protection and functionality. However, it is very white and still gets warm.


I've ordered a couple of different ones as I have 2 of 3 kids who are very Sensory and ASD, they actually like wearing the kids medical style masks with Disney characters on but they seem to be out of stock everywhere. We are trying some 'crayola' ones next for them and will report back.

The short version is that based on the experience I had this week, being in Disney with a mask for an adult who can put up with it would be miserable from my perspective, for kids it would be fun I guess, but for those that cannot potentially grasp the concept as to why, it would be even more miserable. As per one of my other posts in a different thread, this is why we also rescheduled. Its a lot of money to be spending with so many unknowns and no idea how kids would react over the long term with masks and the heat. My little exposure to it was not a fun experience!

 

[kaytieeldr]

Neck Gaiter - This was the most 'comfortable' from a face perspective but once dry it got pretty hot too. The bonus here is that it covered my neck from the sun too so gives good protection. The downside is that the level of protection is very low.

This fabric - described somewhere as stretch chiffon (bring it to Joann to compare with actual stretch chiffon to be sure) is actually supposed to be one of the better options for protection. Still, not effective if the child can't or won't wear it.

Purple mask - most comfortable on the face, although the ear loops put a little more pressure on than normal even though they are made of a cooling type gel material. This was my overall favorite based upon comfort, protection and functionality.

Sold out

 

[Smittolis]

This is what I got:

https://www.mission.com/collections...oling-neck-gaiter-mask?variant=32332374573149
Sorry too hear about the Purple masks! Keep checking, it took me a couple of weeks to get one in the post but I ordered right when the advertised them simply by chance. Defo recommend them if they come back in stock.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Disney reiterated today all guests will be asked to put on a mask or leave.

 

[Disney Frenhines]

The simple answer is to test the child or adult with autism with different types of masks well before the trip. Don't wait until you get there hoping Disney will make an exception for your child or resort to threatening to sue Disney when he/she refuses to wear a mask.

 

[lanejudy]

It has been confirmed by a CM currently training on the new park rules: NO EXCEPTIONS to the mask rule. CMs have been told to be strict. There will be "no mask" zones where people can take a break if need be.
(https://www.disboards.com/threads/wdw-covid-19-operations-info-thread.3795738/page-392#post-62078085)

 

[DisneyElite4]

The simple answer is to test the child or adult with autism with different types of masks well before the trip. Don't wait until you get there hoping Disney will make an exception for your child or resort to threatening to sue Disney when he/she refuses to wear a mask.

We need to stop with this kind of language on here. NONE of us have implied we would be suing Disney or that we were planning to travel hoping Disney would make an exception for our kids. Let’s all take a step back here and remember this is a thread about autistic children and how to HELP them - a little kindness and caring never hurt anyone. Sheesh.

 

[DisneyElite4]

I’m going to turn this thread back to positive sharing and caring. I want to continue to encourage my fellow parents and caregivers. I was VERY skeptical and vocal on these boards about my DS’s ability to wear a mask. Working on him to wear it was hard in the beginning, I won’t lie - but he is already doing so well with it, I have every confidence he can go to Disney again someday and comply with this guideline. Sure he takes it off sometimes and we have to remind him to put it back on, but so would a typical 5 year old. He knows he has to wear it when we go out and doesn’t fight us on it, and it stays on for the most part.

I realize all autistic kiddos are different, and some may never be able to comply. Keep working on it when it makes sense, and don’t get disheartened if/when it doesn’t go well.

 

[Smittolis]

Ok this is going to look a little weird but bare with me....

I just got this in the mail from Etsy......

https://www.etsy.com/listing/802103111/mask-halo-adjustable-ear-saver-ear?ref=yr_purchases
This is so comfortable! No pressure on the ears, keeps a nice tension on the mask to keep it from sliding around without feeling like its gagging you. Not affiliated with them in anyway but just thought I would pass it on. It fits nicely under a hat / baseball cap and you can hardly feel it. Going to road test it at work!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

From the twitter feed of one of our DIS mods (this is regarding SWGE in WDW):
Note the mention of the Mask Relaxation Zone in SWGE -- the zone is said to hold about 80 people.

 

[jbehr12]

Hi everyone! It was great to hear that Disney plans to reopen in July. The restrictions they will implement weren’t a surprise at all. Our biggest question is whether or not there will be any exceptions to the face mask policy for ages 3 and up. My sister has 2 sons ages 10 & 12 who have autism and its doubtful they would be able to tolerate wearing a face mask all day at the parks. We’d hate to cancel our long awaited trip to Disney, but this may be a deal breaker for our family.

I would call Disney rather than ask a bunch of people here who are just going to passively attack you.

 

[Lilsia]

From the twitter feed of one of our DIS mods (this is regarding SWGE in WDW):
Note the mention of the Mask Relaxation Zone in SWGE -- the zone is said to hold about 80 people.

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This is interesting. So singles are going to have the ride to themselves? I am not mad at that at all. Kind of sick of being shoved onto rides next to strangers where they are so close to you that you touch. I am looking at you Expedition Everest and Mine Train.

 

[lanejudy]

I would call Disney rather than ask a bunch of people here who are just going to passively attack you.

I don't believe anyone is attacking the OP or anyone else. This thread is limited to discussion about options or alternatives for folks who have difficulty wearing a regular face mask.

 

[lanejudy]

There’s been clear passive aggressive responses.

I'm trying hard to keep the thread open for discussion of options or suggestions of alternatives for those who are unable to wear masks. For any reason - autism, asthma, etc. Discussion around the validity of wearing masks is not allowed. If you have nothing to share that is helpful to others, please move along. (And for the record, folks have contacted WDW directly and received different responses.)