For parents of autistic children

[dns2202]

Its so nice to hear your not alone. It is super nice to hear that you wanted to help out. Asking the parents if there is something you can do would definitely be the right thing to do.

I hate that people look at my son like he's a brat or he's just spoiled. A kind word or a "its going to be ok" look means the world to the parent who is just trying to help their child.

Thanks for asking.

 

[Gabrielsbigtrip]

I've just recently begun working at WDW. Today a family was checking in with an autistic child, who was very agitated. I wanted so much to go over and try to interact with him so his parents could check in more easily, but didn't really know what to do. I was afraid of agitating him further and doing more harm than good. Do any of you have any hints?

It is so nice to know with all the people who give the looks, roll the eyes, make the comments while us parents have our hands full, there are also people like you

My son has Autism and we will be coming to WDW in May. I hope we encounter your thoughtfullness during the trip and hopefully not during a meltdown (just in general ).

Because each and every child will be different there will not be a "right" answer. Your best bet would be to ask the parents if there is anything you can do to help them.

Thanks again for be so thoughful

 

[Disneylvr]

I just wanted to thank you for caring enough to ask this question. My dd, age 4, has autism. We had a wonderful Disney vacation last June and are planning another one for Sprink Break 2008 for her 5th birthday. It is CM's like you that make Disney such a wonderful place for our family to visit.

 

[LoveStitch]

I've been busy at work, with no time to check back on this post for awhile, but really appreciate all the comments you've left. I think I may print this out and pass it on to my managers. I had a small discussion with one of my lobby managers after I first received your comments back, and he was also really interested in learning more about what he could do to help.

In the meantime, I've been carrying my little toy to work with me each day! I will make a point of checking with the parents, though, before giving it to someone...some of you made a good point about fixations, and I wasn't even aware of that.

I guess I WAS able to help a little that day, because the gentleman I was checking in at the same time was beginning to get frustrated, and started rolling his eyes and making comments. I mentioned that I thought it was probable the boy had autism, and he immediately changed his attitude...I think a lot of people know that, but don't immediately realize it.

Thanks again to all of you...it's really cool that I have a resource to go to when I have a question! One of the many reasons I love this board.

 

[dzorn]

The best thing is to ask the parents if there is anything you can do to help. All children are different in how they handel situations. Often just knowing someone is willing to help means an awful lot to the parents.

Denise in MI

 

[BeckyScott]

Another thing, which has sort of been pointed out before... parents can tell if you're looking because you understand and want to help, or if you're looking because you think the kid is a brat. You could be there with a completely blank expression on your face and the parents can still tell if you understand or not.

We have that happen w/ Justin alot-- I suspect all of the parents do. If you just see him, and don't watch him for a few minutes, you can't tell anything is going on, depending on the situation he blends in perfectly well for a good chunk of time, until he decides (usually) to start flapping. So we will be in the store or out somewhere... and you can tell the moment that a stranger figures out that "something's wrong"... it's kinda funny to watch, if you have a sick sense of humor. The facial expression changes, but they're really trying not to let you notice.

Which, back to the OP, means that it's very likely that the parents did see you, and did notice that you noticed, and could tell that you weren't being judgemental. Right there is a big thing. It also means that if they needed assistance, you would have been the person they turned to. We can just tell, the people that understand and the people that don't, without them saying anything.

One thing that's come in really handy for us, is having a big-mouthed older brother. He'll tell anybody anything, and if someone is giving us the "evil eye" he's quick to point it out, loudly. Now, that's funny stuff. Nothing like a 9-year-old telling an adult that his brother "has autistic" and to quit looking mean.

 

[mickey squared]

We have two boys with autism and two typical girls and keep going back to dcl and wdw BECAUSE of the way we are treated. All of the cm's have been terrific wherever we go and my family appreciates them. We are even booked on this May's transatlantic to Barcelona because we can't get enough! Thank you to the OP and everyone else that makes our trips just a little more magical!

 

[KathyRN137]

It's incredibly caring and considerate Cast Members like you that keep us coming back to WDW year after year with our autistic son and typical daughter...kudos to you!

Perhaps you could act on your curiosity and drop a note in the suggestion box requesting more in-service training for CMs on "How to assist guests with invisible disabilities" or the like.

Thanks again!

Kathy

 

[fitzpa]

Thank you for caring! It is people like you that keeps us coming back to Disney. Just being aware and understanding how autism effects someone is a big help to us parents. If a child with autism is having behaviors, it's best to ask the parents if there is anything you can do to help. Every child is different. Thanks for caring.

 

[2angelsinheaven]

I have not seen it yet but Oprah had a special on Autism today and it will rerun at 9pm est on WRDQ. I have it set to tape, maybe the OP if you see this may want to watch.