First time to wdw with autism

[TheGringaWife]

Planning my first time to Disney for this summer. I have a 6 yo son that has ADHD and cognition issues, and 2 yo twins 1 on the spectrum and an other with motor delays and muscle issues.

We've gone to local amusement parks and the kids loved them last summer and fall but that is only because we have always been able to get "disability bracelets" everywhere. What does Disney offer for the kids with high functioning disabilities? Mainly my son on the spectrum has me nervous. He can't be in a crowd confined with out freaking out so lines will be horrible. Is there anything that could help him? Then my daughter can't walk long or sit up with out leaning so I'll be bringing the stroller everywhere, is there places to leave it while on rides?

 

[SueM in MN]

Planning my first time to Disney for this summer. I have a 6 yo son that has ADHD and cognition issues, and 2 yo twins 1 on the spectrum and an other with motor delays and muscle issues.

We've gone to local amusement parks and the kids loved them last summer and fall but that is only because we have always been able to get "disability bracelets" everywhere. What does Disney offer for the kids with high functioning disabilities? Mainly my son on the spectrum has me nervous. He can't be in a crowd confined with out freaking out so lines will be horrible. Is there anything that could help him? Then my daughter can't walk long or sit up with out leaning so I'll be bringing the stroller everywhere, is there places to leave it while on rides?

Check out post number 6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread, which is about Guest Assistance Cards. You can find that thread near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature.

That post also includes information about using a stroller as a wheelchair. Doing that allows a child with a disability affecting stamina to stay in the stroller for attractions where strollers are not usually allowed. The stroller can be used all the way to the boarding area. For those areas where the boarding area and the unload area are at different places, a CM will move the stroller so it is at the unload area when you get off.

All attractions havelaces nearby to park strollers. They are well marked or any CM at the area can tell you where to park.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

think of the GAC card as a bracelet that you use at the local park. remember you need to have kids with you at guest services, not outside waitng with dad. get the stroller tag for the lines. stroller gives you some thing between your child and others in line. without stroller as wheeelchair tag stroller woll have to be parked ouside all ride lines in stroller parking lot.

 

[bookwormde]

Just be prepared to describe your children's needs an how it would prevent them from having equal access to portions of the park. Your child does not have to be with you in line since under that law as guardian, you have the right to declare the disability to Disney. It is a good idea to have them "visible" to the CM at guest services.

Each of your children will have a separate GAC (and/or tag for the stroller) which with its stamp or other verbiage guides the CMs to provide accommodation which are appropriate.

The vast majority of the CMs do a good job with our children, and if you find one that does not just ask for a supervisor.

Have fun and the best other advice I can give is just to not push and enjoy as much of WDW as you children can manage without becoming overstressed.

Have a great time, WDW is magical for our kids.

bookwormde