For parents w/ASD kids- what 'type' of GAC accomodations to you use?

[disneyfool_1202]

DS is 4.5 and has ASD (PDD NOS) and this will be our 2nd trip to WDW with him. Last time he was 2.5 and just diagnosed so I got a GAC and to be honest, had no clue what I was asking for so I told them that I just needed a quiet place to wait in the event of long lines.

Now he's 4.5 and a completely different child. Depending on the day / time it can be a good day or a bad day. He has a lot of trouble with auditory stimuli so we got him headsets with noise cancellation to surpress some of the sounds that set him off. He's also very excitable around large crowds (so you're all thinking why Disney right?) - not excitable in a bad way, he just looses the ability to 'focus' and becomes very echolalic and not aware of the fact that someone is talking to him (so these are the time's he'll run off). He's also very "touchy" and has no problem just laying his hands on who ever is next to him, be it his parent or a complete stranger (we went to the children's museum yesterday and I appologized to at least 6 adults, both male and female, for my son's actions - which mostly centered around resting on someone's rear end because that's his height level...).

I know when you request a GAC you need to request specifics, but I am honestly not sure what type of specifics to request. He's such a different kid now than he was 2 yrs ago. I just want to be as prepared as possible so we don't get half way through out day / trip and end up with problems because I didn't think of something that I should have requested with our GAC.

 

[Talking Hands]

You are going to determine what kind of accommadations will work for your family. Diagnosis is not important, needs are. It is preferable that we do not discuss exactly what we ask for as it is different for each person with a disability. Also if we do discuss it online there are those ho would take the information and use it to "beat the system"
Perhaps their is someone in a similar circumstance who will talk with you via email so you can crystalize what your child will need.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I agree completely with Talking Hands.

Basically you go to Guest Services to explain what his needs are so the entire family can enjoy the park and attractions. If you find the assistance is not sufficient, you can go back and explain further.

Due to people trying to cheat the system (and we have even seen GACs listed for sale on eBay as "Unlimited Fast Passes" (which they are not)) we actively discourage posting specifics (and Sue or I will edit them out of posts) of what can be done with a GAC (other than the one which will allow use of a stroller as if it were a wheelchair).

And, by the way, to disABILITIES!

 

[disneyfool_1202]

If you find the assistance is not sufficient, you can go back and explain further.

That statement alone alleviates most of my fears. I know what I think his needs are, but putting him in the situation could yield things I'm not anticipating so I'm glad I can go back to guest services if necessary!! Thanks so much!

 

[Schmeck]

One mistake many people make when getting a GAC is to think that the GAC is a front-of-the-line pass, or a pass that will lessen the time spent waiting in line. I believe the GAC even comes with the info that it is not a front of the line pass, nor meant to be used to lessen anyone's wait. Another thing to remember is that at each attraction an accomodation may be done a certain way early in the day, and changed when it gets more crowded, etc.

Am I allowed to say that there is a GAC for using a stroller in line as a wheelchair, which might be just the right thing for the OP's son? If he was in his stroller, he would have his own space.

 

[SueM in MN]

One mistake many people make when getting a GAC is to think that the GAC is a front-of-the-line pass, or a pass that will lessen the time spent waiting in line. I believe the GAC even comes with the info that it is not a front of the line pass, nor meant to be used to lessen anyone's wait. Another thing to remember is that at each attraction an accomodation may be done a certain way early in the day, and changed when it gets more crowded, etc.

Am I allowed to say that there is a GAC for using a stroller in line as a wheelchair, which might be just the right thing for the OP's son? If he was in his stroller, he would have his own space.

that information is in the disABILITIES FAQs section about GACs.

One of the other reasons we don't list specifics is the problem the OP had - "did I remember to ask for the right thing?"
If you are explaining your child's needs to the CMs, they will be able to figure out what to offer you.
And, as Cheshire Figment mentioned, if it doesn't work, you can always go back. Just explain what was not working.

 

[mechurchlady]

Use a stroller as that makes a nice hidey spot for kids with sensory problems. As for the GAC tell them the condition and what specific problems you will encounter. "My son has downs syndrome. He cannot wait in lines without causing problems" or "I have arthritis so I cannot stand for long periods of time". the CM will give you a "Stroller as a Wheelchair" sticker so that CMs know.

You can make a business card up that states his diabilities, likes, dislikes and even an apolgy for him hugging them. Some recently posted that their trip was easier because they had labels on the head phones stating the kid was autistic and the kid had on t-shirts that said he was autistic, the sayings were witty. Informed people are less judgemental usually.

Fast Pass, Single Rider, and baby swapping are options instead of a fast pass. Because of his age and size he will not be let on some rides. The baby swopping is were dad stands in line, uses a GAC, does single rider or uses a fast pass then he takes over kid sitting and mom takes the baby swopping pass to the CM and gets in quickly.

 

[SueM in MN]

Use a stroller as that makes a nice hidey spot for kids with sensory problems. As for the GAC tell them the condition and what specific problems you will encounter. "My son has downs syndrome. He cannot wait in lines without causing problems" or "I have arthritis so I cannot stand for long periods of time". the CM will give you a "Stroller as a Wheelchair" sticker so that CMs know.

just to be clear, you don't need to tell the diagnosis and saying that someone can't wait in line is not enough information for the CMs to help you.

Because of his age and size he will not be let on some rides. The baby swopping is were dad stands in line, uses a GAC, does single rider or uses a fast pass then he takes over kid sitting and mom takes the baby swopping pass to the CM and gets in quickly.

Since the GAC is issued in the name of the person with a disability, it is meant to use for attractions that he will be going on.
For those he won't, you can get Fastpasses and have the other members of your party use those.

Another thing to think about is the general busy-ness of the park. The GAC will only help with attractions, but if the park is busy, it is busy all over, not just in the lines. Getting to the park as soon as possible after opening or using a service like TourGuide Mike (a Theme Park sponsor) can help you be in the park/area that is the least busy. THat might be a lot more helpful actually than the GAC.

 

[preschoolmom]

Another thing to think about is the general busy-ness of the park. The GAC will only help with attractions, but if the park is busy, it is busy all over, not just in the lines. Getting to the park as soon as possible after opening or using a service like TourGuide Mike (a Theme Park sponsor) can help you be in the park/area that is the least busy. THat might be a lot more helpful actually than the GAC.

This is what we did. We opted not to get a GAC at all. We used TGM for least crowded days and touring plans. We traveled during a slow time (February) - and made the most of the fairly empty parks. Using tour plans, we got on basically everything we wanted in each park with minimal waiting

TGM was the best $19 we could have spent! It taught us exactly how to use fast pass - so we would do an attraction, have an ice cream, do an attraction, have an ice cream (um, one of the things I told my son about ahead of time was the ice cream, LOL)... Anyway - we basically walked onto every ride with fast passes.

 

[momof3girls6712]

I am glad I read about the business cards and shirts. My daughter is is autisic and on our last trip she melted down while we were waiting for our lunch adr. We had several people come up to us and try to tell her how bad she was behaving. We did not know about the GAC last time and all she wanted to do was stay in the resort room or under tables where we ate. In May, I am thinking the stroller as a wheelchair will help alot plus all the other tips I have read here.

 

[preschoolmom]

We had several people come up to us and try to tell her how bad she was behaving.

Oh Yes, lots of people would say to my son, "There's no crying at Disney World!" I found that if I said, "Hey, this wasn't on the commercial" Most people backed off....

I found Mostly the people that commented were trying to help distract my son - but they didn't understand that just talking to him was making it worse. I did say to one lady in the Soarin' line, "Please Don't" and she backed off fast... I saw her later (I was standing right next to her after they cued us into our rows) and I said, "I don't want to seem rude, my son has Autism" and she said she figured it was something like that, her Daughter works with special needs kids...

Mostly, I found people to be... People at Disney. Many kind, most indifferent - a few starers and gawkers. It wouldn't prevent us from going back...

That said, my son spent quite a bit of time during meals hiding under the tables (especially when the characters showed up, LOL) and begging to go back to the resort. We made it through. He had a good time. I think (hope?) the next trip will be easier, because he will know more what to expect.

 

[ecki]

I love the idea of the T-shirts! I often put Kayla in an awareness T-shirt when we're out anyway. But I'll just have to stock up for our trip! Hmmm, hard to find DS/Autism shirts out there, though!

 

[SueM in MN]

I love the idea of the T-shirts! I often put Kayla in an awareness T-shirt when we're out anyway. But I'll just have to stock up for our trip! Hmmm, hard to find DS/Autism shirts out there, though!

This thread about autism hints had some Disney specific designs that you can copy and use on iron on transfer paper to make your own Disney autism awareness shirts.
They are on page 2 of the thread and some of them were really cute.

 

[ireland_nicole]

There are also great shirts, stickers, hats etc. at www.cafepress.com ; you just search under the disability you want; and you'd be amazed at how much great stuff comes up! Not all are to your taste, but I've found some pretty witty, positive and upbeat ones (enough that my husband has banned me from the site for a while ...
Nicole

 

[mechurchlady]

There are also great shirts, stickers, hats etc. at www.cafepress.com ; you just search under the disability you want; and you'd be amazed at how much great stuff comes up! Not all are to your taste, but I've found some pretty witty, positive and upbeat ones (enough that my husband has banned me from the site for a while ...
Nicole

That is the site I saw. They also have broad catergories such as disabled and mother of a disabled child. I need pants not shirts, tops, scarfs, or jackets, my closet, armoir, and under the bed box are full of top. I so want the celiac ones and loved the one
http://images.cafepress.com/product/33817420_240x240_Front.jpg
http://images.cafepress.com/product/143826493v1_150x150_Front.jpg
http://images.cafepress.com/product/100053386v4_150x150_Front_Color-Black.jpg
If I get one that would be it.

As for saying "My son has autism and needs ...", I recommend that as that way the CM will know the person's disability and may have some suggestions you would never have thought of. CM in guest services see a lot of people and deal with a lot of different disabilities. I do not work at the parks but for me "I cannot do this" and "he cannot do that" does not give the same information as Ausbergers, phobia, cancer, CP or arthritis. As Sue stated Disney will not need to know or ask for why you need a GAC.

 

[breezy1077]

My son also has pdd-nos and we went to WDW when he was the same age as your son. I'm new to this blog thing so be patient. I would also have you pm me but this is my first post.
The others are right - remember, especially pddnos, every ASD presents differently and you know what your son needs better than anyone. However, here are some tips that worked for us.
First, get a note from your child's pediatrician explaining his diagnosis and the challenges he might have at the park. Then go to guest relations and get the GAC (it is amazing how much this helps - we couldn't have done disney without it - we had attempted a trip to Busch Gardens earlier that year and it was a nightmare) Don't feel guilty about using the card! Use it! It is not only good for rides, but don't forget to present it during your dining experiences too. We didn't do this, but after reading the tip, I realize how much it could have helped. Before you're seated (mainly for character meals), present the card and explain what you need. eg. if your son is sensative to touch or can you be seated in a more quiet spot. Stroller tip - the umbrella stroller works great for my son because it's a little small and wraps around him to give him that "hug" feel (if your son responds to deep pressure-this works). Last tip - and it's a big one! - take breaks in the afternoon and just go to the pool and relax! Sensory overload is horrible for our kids. Hope you have a great time.

 

[breezy1077]

Oops - almost forgot one last tip (and this could help with any child but especially autistic kids). Our son became "obsessed" with our fannie pacs(and perseverated about them the entire trip - it was something new he had never seen us do before). Next time I'm going to buy a kid's sized one (I found them on amazon) and let him wear his own. Not sure, but it might help you too.

 

[SueM in MN]

M
First, get a note from your child's pediatrician explaining his diagnosis and the challenges he might have at the park. Then go to guest relations and get the GAC (it is amazing how much this helps - we couldn't have done disney without it - we had attempted a trip to Busch Gardens earlier that year and it was a nightmare) Don't feel guilty about using the card!

Thanks for sharing your experiences.
I just wanted to point out a few correction, so people realize some of the things you wrote are optional, not required:
You don't actually need a letter from your child's doctor. Some people feel more comfortable having one, but it is not required and the CMs may not look at it.
The important thing is to be able to explain your child's needs (you don't have to give the diagnosis. For some things, like autism, that information might be helpful to the CMs, but it still doesn't explain what your child with autism has problems with.

It is not only good for rides, but don't forget to present it during your dining experiences too. We didn't do this, but after reading the tip, I realize how much it could have helped. Before you're seated (mainly for character meals), present the card and explain what you need. eg. if your son is sensative to touch or can you be seated in a more quiet spot.

The GAC is actually just for attractions, not for restaurants and if you show it to the CMs when you check in, they may not know what it is/means.
If you need special seating, you should explain what you need to the CM checking you in so that they can assign an appropriate spot.

Rather than using the GAC, some people made a small card for the table so that the character handler who accompanies the characters would know how to approach. Some people have also posted that they asked to speak to the character handlers ahead of the character getting to the table.
Your server (or the CM seating you) can also tell you what direction the characters will be coming from, which table will be before yours and sometimes even what order they will come in. That can be helpful for preparation and also help with where you want your child to sit. Sometimes the way the table is arranged, you might get characters coming behind you. If that will be a problem for a particular person in your party, you can make sure they sit where that won't happen to them.

 

[disneyfool_1202]

Your server (or the CM seating you) can also tell you what direction the characters will be coming from, which table will be before yours and sometimes even what order they will come in. That can be helpful for preparation and also help with where you want your child to sit. Sometimes the way the table is arranged, you might get characters coming behind you. If that will be a problem for a particular person in your party, you can make sure they sit where that won't happen to them.

Thank you everyone so much for your advice. DS is our eldest child and only child w/PDD (Our 2.5 y/o DD is very typical) so as he ages, we just don't know what to expect. Some days he seems like any other kid his age, and other days- OMG I could bang my head off the walls! The last trip we went on we got a GAC but used it only when absolutely necessary (like a 1.5 hour wait for character meet and greet). As far a rides, we used fastpass and just took our time. If he acted up we just got out of line and skipped the ride- but again, he was only 2.5 then and not to much into rides to begin with.

The restaurant info quoted above- OMG I never would have thought of that! We have a character meal booked for 3 days in a row- Crystal Palace w/Pooh, Chef Mickey's, and 1900 Park Fair w/Cinderella (which is more for my daughter than my son).

All of your advice has been beyond helpful and greatly appreciated. Hopefully we'll have a semi-smooth vacation!

 

[SueM in MN]

The restaurant info quoted above- OMG I never would have thought of that! We have a character meal booked for 3 days in a row- Crystal Palace w/Pooh, Chef Mickey's, and 1900 Park Fair w/Cinderella (which is more for my daughter than my son).

My DD doesn't like the characters coming behind her, so it's pretty clear in my head.
Many of the restaurants have some seating along the walls, with possibly a bench seat along the wall. If you need to make sure your child has some distance, ask for one of those and then have that child sit along the wall, facing out. They will be able to see the characters as much or little as they want, but no chance of the character getting too close.