GAC for ADHD?

[madenon]

Just to make sure there are no misunderstandings; I'm not stating that "diagnoses A should always be treated like......" when I say I am pro same-treatment. I'm pro same-treatment where it concerns someone with a disability versus a "healthy" person. It's been advocated (rightly so!) for years now that just having a disability shouldn't lead to getting treated in a lesser way, but for me it's also an important factor that having a disability doesn't lead to being treated like being a Special Human Being. We're all human, none less or more special than the other, disability or not.

 

[HappyLawyer]

My ADHD son hates lines. He is the most hyper kid I have ever seen and I am a pediatric OT!
I gave him a choice -- get in the line or don't ride
SOemtimes he chose not to ride. As an only child we were able to select things he wanted to do alot of the time, However we also had things we wanted to do that weren't his first choice

We also gave him lots of opportunities to "chill"
We always took afternoons off to swim and even packed his bike so he could ride around OKW or FW.

In the parks good "chill spots" are
- tom sawyers island, Mgms' honey I shrunk the ... playground, epcot's innovations although less computers there now , dinoland playground, etc

He is now 19 and working so he wishes he had vacation time to stand in lines!!!

Linda

I agree, i am a parent of an ADHD kid, they may hate waiting in line but guess what they can do it, i think a GAC should be for more extreme cases, yes they are hyper but if it is something they want then they should learn to wait and tolerate, it is not that they are not able too, they just don't want too, i also think that gives them too much of a crutch to use their condition as an excuse for not waiting in the lines.

 

[HappyLawyer]

Harsh, perhaps, but I have become fed up with the sugar-coated, everything must be warm and fuzzy mentality that pervades much of this era. I'm all for reasonable accomodation, I'm all for providing as much treatment as possible for the wide variety of conditions and challenges that many of us encounter in our lives. The problem is the current propensity to label every condition that might be somewhat limiting or present a challenge to overcome as a "disability". Given the context of the current thread, I'll submit that ADD, ADHD and all its variants are way over-diagnosed, way over-accomodated, and definitely way over-medicated. Accomodating the portions of ADHD behavior that is unacceptable from the standpoint of functioning in society does nothing to help the ADHD sufferer. It simply prolongs an existing behavior pattern that is detrimental to the person's long term well being. Treat the patient - not society.

Holland, you say? Land of tulips and drugs? I seem to remember a certain canal district from years past as well... A most entertaining land for a young traveler.



I reread and rethought my original post and edited it as noted to better express my opinion. Isn't the entire point of accomodation one of equality - not special treatment?

You are just a direct person, no harm in that

 

[Bsbllmom]

My husband is an amputee (leg with prosthetic) and he gets a GAC. Well everytime we got into a line they would send us through a certain way and make us wait. We noticed that others were going right passed us with wheelchairs or just the card alone. We questioned this and they said that the had different limitations with every stamp. When we got our annual passes we asked at City Hall why groups of teens with wheel chairs go right past us to the front of the line and we have to wait. The whole purpose of getting the pass is my husband gets really sore since the prosthetic goes to the top of his thigh and his pelvis sits on it. Anyway they made a notation on his pass in the computer and now we have no problems at all. They should reconsider their policy and make sure that people that have a note from their doc get the pass. The others are the ones that ruin it for the people that need it.

 

[MarylandMom]

4eyed, your comments are indeed insensitive, however I believe they are made more out of ignorance than a desire to be mean. It is clear that you do not have a full understanding of the ADHD/ADD diagnosis. I can relate to this lack of understanding, as I too was not fully educated about this dx until I adopted my DD who has ADHD (and this was despite being a teacher for many years who taught ADD students and had done some research on the disorder!)

It is correct that their are many levels of ADD with corresponding conditions/behaviors. My neighbor's daughter, for example, has ADD and "waiting" has never been an issue for her. Thus, a GAC card would be inappropriate for her. She has completely different issues than my DD, yet they share the same dx.

You seem to understand that a GAC is necessary for some conditions, vision, mental issues, etc. However, you seem to not understand that ADD IS a neurological condition. It is not something that a person can control. A child can use a varity of interventions to help with ADD (changes in diet, medication, behavior modification, social training, etc..) that may help with the ADD, however it is not turned on and off by will power. The ability to "control" the effects of ADD is greatly affected by the severity of the ADD.

Many children with ADD have other condition that effect their behavior. My DD, for example, has sensory integration issues (which, again, compound her difficulty with being in close quarters, standing close to others for long periods of time). These conditions are complex, and should not be mistaken for lack of will power, laziness, or being given a sense of entitlement by a parent because of their disability.

The GAC has proven invaluable for our family. We do not simply go to the front of the line. We are often provided with a more secluded, quiet area to wait for a ride or a show. We are also allowed to use a stroller as a wheelchair to continue through a line. This greatly helps our DD and makes a trip to Disney doable. Without the GAC, my daughter's experiences (thus our family's experiences) would be severely limited.

We do not ask for a GAC card because we think our time is more valuable than another guest's time. We simply ask for an alternative to waiting in lines in the traditional sense. Again, we still wait but in an area better suited to meet the needs (not just desires) of our DD, and in a stroller as opposed to standing. I am also blessed with two sons who fortunately do not have any conditions that necessitate a GAC. They are expected to wait in lines just as anyone else does. Again, we do not view the GAC for our DD as a "front-of-the-line" pass, but as a means to an alternative method of waiting. We still wait for our turn.

I believe you mentioned that you have a son with ADD. I would highly recommend becoming involved with your local CHADD (Children and Adults with ADD) group if you have not already. Our group has provided me with a ton of information about the disorder and a much better understanding of the complexity of it. The national umbrella group has a wonderful website that lists many of the myths associated with ADD that I think it may dispel some of the beliefs you may hold regarding ADD. I know that it certainly helped me whan I began this journey with my DD.

I wish you the best of luck in your journey with your son.

 

[*love*2*shop]

OK, can I just say that you said this WONDERFULLY!@ we had a TERRIBLE time in Disney last year during our 4 day stay onsight due to my sons ADHD ( we thought staying onsite would help-it didn't) but its all he talks about and insists he wasnt disruptive..this is exactly how his mind works..I wish we too had known about this and again, we don't mind waiting in lines, BUT an alternative would have been great ( we have a non add child also)

again, well said..it makes me think we may be able to try Disney in the future!@
WELL SAID~

4eyed, your comments are indeed insensitive, however I believe they are made more out of ignorance than a desire to be mean. It is clear that you do not have a full understanding of the ADHD/ADD diagnosis. I can relate to this lack of understanding, as I too was not fully educated about this dx until I adopted my DD who has ADHD (and this was despite being a teacher for many years who taught ADD students and had done some research on the disorder!)

It is correct that their are many levels of ADD with corresponding conditions/behaviors. My neighbor's daughter, for example, has ADD and "waiting" has never been an issue for her. Thus, a GAC card would be inappropriate for her. She has completely different issues than my DD, yet they share the same dx.

You seem to understand that a GAC is necessary for some conditions, vision, mental issues, etc. However, you seem to not understand that ADD IS a neurological condition. It is not something that a person can control. A child can use a varity of interventions to help with ADD (changes in diet, medication, behavior modification, social training, etc..) that may help with the ADD, however it is not turned on and off by will power. The ability to "control" the effects of ADD is greatly affected by the severity of the ADD.

Many children with ADD have other condition that effect their behavior. My DD, for example, has sensory integration issues (which, again, compound her difficulty with being in close quarters, standing close to others for long periods of time). These conditions are complex, and should not be mistaken for lack of will power, laziness, or being given a sense of entitlement by a parent because of their disability.

The GAC has proven invaluable for our family. We do not simply go to the front of the line. We are often provided with a more secluded, quiet area to wait for a ride or a show. We are also allowed to use a stroller as a wheelchair to continue through a line. This greatly helps our DD and makes a trip to Disney doable. Without the GAC, my daughter's experiences (thus our family's experiences) would be severely limited.

We do not ask for a GAC card because we think our time is more valuable than another guest's time. We simply ask for an alternative to waiting in lines in the traditional sense. Again, we still wait but in an area better suited to meet the needs (not just desires) of our DD, and in a stroller as opposed to standing. I am also blessed with two sons who fortunately do not have any conditions that necessitate a GAC. They are expected to wait in lines just as anyone else does. Again, we do not view the GAC for our DD as a "front-of-the-line" pass, but as a means to an alternative method of waiting. We still wait for our turn.

I believe you mentioned that you have a son with ADD. I would highly recommend becoming involved with your local CHADD (Children and Adults with ADD) group if you have not already. Our group has provided me with a ton of information about the disorder and a much better understanding of the complexity of it. The national umbrella group has a wonderful website that lists many of the myths associated with ADD that I think it may dispel some of the beliefs you may hold regarding ADD. I know that it certainly helped me whan I began this journey with my DD.

I wish you the best of luck in your journey with your son.

 

[HappyLawyer]

there is no need to call anyone ignorant, everyone may not understand the full concept of ADHD or what it entails, but people are entitled to their thoughts, i did not completely read 4eyed's post but i do not believe anyone was called names or insulted in the post, i could be wrong but i don't believe it happened

 

[MarylandMom]

No one was called names. I simply stated that the poster made statements out of ignorance (definition - "being uneducated, unaware or uninformed". Amercan Heritage dictionary) regarding ADD. As you stated, some "may not understand the full concept of ADHD or what it entails," - this was exactly what I meant. As I said I do not believe that the poster made the comments to be malicious, but because of being "uneducated, unaware, or uninformed" about the complexities of ADHD. I also stated that I shared in this lack of knowledge prior to adopting my dd with ADD. I by no means meant to name call or hurt anyone's feelings. The intent of my post was to share my experiences, not upset anyone.

 

[Bsbllmom]

I'm sorry I just realized that I posted in the ADD forum. I work at a school and see all forms of ADD and ADHD and I can definetly see where some may need a GAC but not all. I know that there are some that will abuse it, which messes it up for everyone, and others that will respect the GAC and use it appropriately.

 

[WendyisDarling]

OP: It's hard to know exactly what severe ADHD is for your son or if he has comorbid conditions. You know your child and what he can or can't handle. IMO, if you believe his conditions warrants getting a GAC, then you should. But, use it sparingly, if possible. I think many of us try to do that.
The GAC won't eliminate waiting in line, but it is easier to be in a less hectic place to wait, if that makes any sense. I would use some of the touring methods as have been suggested to avoild long waits and utilize Fast Pass as much as possible. We got FP use down to an art our first trip.

I have one son with ADHD. He can wait in lines just fine and would never need an accomadation. But, I know that is not true of all. My younger son has classic autism and has extreme ADHD characteristics. I would have never known it could be this severe. He takes medication but cannot stand or sit still for more than a minute or two. He does a lot of flapping, running back and forth, mostly self-stimulation which is a sensory issue. When he gets worked up, he starts self-injury, esp. banging his head. His attention is so poor, but I won't get into that...We could never wait in some of the really long lines with him, never. Even short lines, he bothers most people around him, but it really can't be helped. As I wrote earlier, we use GAC as little as we can, but if it weren't for it we (at least DS and an adult) would be excluded from some attractions. For that reason, I believe we aren't getting "special" treatment, but equal access. (Note, regardless there are some attractions that DS can't handle regardless of the wait in line as I imagine is true for many with disabilites.)
I really do sympathize with you. And, btw, we never go to Wal-Mart because DS cannot wait in those lines. I tried it with him and it is absolutely terrible.
A few years ago there was a rumor that WDW was no longer going to provide GAC for autism. I thought it was true (didn't know about Dis nor knew to call--just beleived it). We canceled our trip. It is regrettable now, but so it goes.

I hope you have a wonderful trip. I was surprised by how well my son did. I went expecting the worst and while there is difficulty he is so happy there. I thought it would be a once in a lifetime trip, but seeing DS so happy (everyone remarks about our pics that they can't believe his expressions) that we now go yearly.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

They should reconsider their policy and make sure that people that have a note from their doc get the pass.

It is not policy. The American's With Disabilities Act specifically states that a person does not have to prove a disability, and it is a violation of Federal law to require proof.

 

[Bsbllmom]

Oh ok I miss understood, I thought I read that some people go with a letter and are denied the card. I know in my husband's case even when he walked in with shorts they would look at him funny like he didn't need the card.

 

[4eyedbuzzard]

4eyed, your comments are indeed insensitive, however I believe they are made more out of ignorance than a desire to be mean...

Just because I fail to agree with much of the philosophy and methodology currently employed in diagnosis and treatment of AD/HD patients does not necessarily mean my comments are from ignorance. Your belief[that my comments are from ignorance] may well be wrong. I am firmly against the use of psychotropic drugs in all but the most extreme cases as they lead to dependency and have adverse side-effects and risk, both short and long term. I am also against special treatment administered under the guise of accomodation when it goes beyond "leveling the field" and fosters dependency on an unrealistic and unsustainable environment for success in life - an environment that simply does not and never will exist in the everyday adult world.

On the specific subject of accomodation at theme and entertaiment parks, I simply don't feel that in 99% of cases AD/HD warrants accomodation under ADA that would allow children front of the line passes at a theme park.

The purpose of ADA is to provide reasonable accomodation to disabled persons for access and use so that a reasonable equality of experience can be obtained. It is not a guarantee of special treatment to necessarily ensure a completely pleasurable experience to people with recognized disabilities - only as much as possible an equal or equivalent experience, which on a hot day with long lines in a theme park is not always a completely pleasurable experience for anyone including the non-AD/HD kids. Lets remember that many non-AD/HD kids melt-down and throw fits when forced to wait as well. Impatience and acting out is hardly the exclusive behavioral domain of AD/HD children. The purpose is one of equality of experience - and not a guaranty that said experience must necessarily be enjoyable for every individual.

I'm reading posts from parents claiming that their AD/HD child simply CAN'T wait either in line or wait anywhere at all for anything, and are too uncontrollable to handle even with the parent present while on solid ground. Yet they can go on a ride that may break down, at elevation, in the water, in the dark, etc. and they are going to be controllable if they need to wait to be evacuated from a ride stalled for who knows how long midway through an attraction? Bluntly, if a person, child or adult, is that uncontrollable then from a safety standpoint they should probably not be going on theme park rides.

Let's also remember that we're talking about CHOOSING to go to a theme park here. It's not school, it's not work, it's not a healthcare facility, it's a GD themepark. It's anything but an essential need in life. It's a discretionary pleasure/entertainment activity. If it's that unpleasurable to either a parent and/or their AD/HD child, and I suspect at times it's often more the parent, they should use that discretion and choose a different, more suitable activity that is pleasurable and entertaining within the limits of the child's(and parent's) tolerance. I know lots of non-AD/HD kids and parents that choose to avoid crowded theme parks as they find that waiting in lines is very unpleasurable. Everyone has a choice. If you don't like lines, don't go to theme parks during crowded times. This goes for AD/HD sufferers and non-AD/HD suffers equally.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

OK Folks

This can be a bit of a touchy subject. This board is supposed to be for questions and advice related to disabilites and specifically to the Disney Parks and Resorts.

Each person is entitled to their opinions, especially if they state their reasoning. Even if the opinion goes against what a majority may think.

If you disagree with a person's opinion, you may discuss the reason you disagree, and why you think the person is not correct.

However, attacking a person, or making sarcastic remarks about the person or their opinion will not be tolerated, both because it is not a nice thing to do and also it is agains DisBoards rules.

 

[KPeveler]

I think there are degrees to every disability/illness/problem. I can give you a list of at least 10 different diagnoses (everything from ADD to EDS and back again) that I have, and I do not use a GAC. I will be visiting in a wheelchair from now on due to severe pain/fatigue issues, and I am STILL not using a GAC. For my purposes, I do not need it. However, I am not severly ADHD, which can actually lead to learning problems, language development, and a multitude of other problems.

While I agree that ADHD is greatly over-diagnosed (after all, what 5 year old isn't hyperactive), that does not mean that it is always an incorrect diagnosis. While I agree that a child with ADD/ADHD will have to learn to wait in line like everyone else (I learned), sometimes it is not possible at that point in time.

i will say I agree with the person who said that if your child is so severely ADHD that they cannot wait in line at all, and must go directly on a ride, you may need to consider the possibility that you could get stuck at the top of splash mountain for an hour if the ride breaks down. there are no seatbelts there, and that could prove dangerous.

there are degrees to everything, and i think as a whole, people need to give others the benefit of the doubt. I look perfectly healthy and work a full-time job. however, that does not mean i am "normal."

if you feel the need to ask about a GAC, then do so.

it is the happiest *freakin* place on earth people! i think people just need to lighten up. does one person getting on ahead of you really make a difference? karma will end up catching up with the "fakers" and you will still be in disney world!!!

 

[4eyedbuzzard]

No one was called names. I simply stated that the poster made statements out of ignorance (definition - "being uneducated, unaware or uninformed". Amercan Heritage dictionary) regarding ADD. As you stated, some "may not understand the full concept of ADHD or what it entails," - this was exactly what I meant. As I said I do not believe that the poster made the comments to be malicious, but because of being "uneducated, unaware, or uninformed" about the complexities of ADHD. I also stated that I shared in this lack of knowledge prior to adopting my dd with ADD. I by no means meant to name call or hurt anyone's feelings. The intent of my post was to share my experiences, not upset anyone.

Just wanted to be clear that no offense was inferred. We simply disagree to some degree on the nature of AD/HD, how best to treat it and those afflicted with it, and the degree of accomodation both necessary and/or legally required. Disagreement and conflict over issues isn't bad, silence is.

 

[Amy5000]

I decided to voluntarily delete my post. I got a warning for it (although no violation was intended) and decided it would not help the original poster in her search for assistance.

 

[SueM in MN]

This whole thread and some recent threads on this board are making me sad.
I have been active on the DIS Boards since 1999 and I have not seen so much fighting in the past as is occuring regularly now.
I've become reluctant to open some threads up (not only this one), afraid of what I will find.

So, the warning- COOL IT EVERYONE.

THIS IS A BOARD TO ASSIST OTHERS WITH PLANNING WDW TRIPS.
NOT A DEBATE BOARD.

A few years ago there was a rumor that WDW was no longer going to provide GAC for autism. I thought it was true (didn't know about Dis nor knew to call--just beleived it). We canceled our trip. It is regrettable now, but so it goes.

And, now to add some information.
There were several threads on this board at the time in 2004 that DisneyLAND changed their Special Assistance Pass to put in more in line with what WDW had been doing for a number of years already.

Here's a link to one thread when the change for Disneyland was announced.

One of the points that people often forget (or maybe never knew) is that the ADA does NOT provide accomodation for
autism,
ADD,
ADHD,
asthma,
blindness,
cerebral palsy,
diabetes,
epilepsy,
paralysis,
MS
or any other condition anyone cares to name.

The ADA provides accomodation for needs related to disability (which may be due to one of the things listed above.)
Whatever condition is being referred to, some people with that conditions may have needs that are accomodated by something that everyone has access too (for example, some people mentioned using touring plans, bringing GameBoys in line, using Fastpass). They would not need a GAC.

Some people with that same condition might not have their needs accomodated by those things, but might only need some slight assistance, such as being able to bring a stroller into line. They may need a GAC with a few accomodations.

Some might have more needs and require a GAC with more accomodation.

Some might have more needs, but may not have a problem with those needs at certain times (for example, during slow seasons or slow times at the park, when the wait in line might be less than 10 minutes). They may need a GAC at busier times, but not when it is quiet.

Not everyone, even with the same condition, has the same needs.

 

[Beccabunny]

Well, when you're the parent of a disabled child, part of planning a trip to WDW is learning about the accomodations available that will fir your child's needs. It has been my experience that Disney doesn't offer you anything unless you know what to ask for. But on this board we're not allowed to post anything specific about what to say when requesting certain accomodations. Then, some less-than-helpful posters decide to throw in their two cents about why our kids shouldn't have those accomodations. How are they helping anyone plan a trip to WDW? But, if we respond, we're told not to debate. Can you sense my frustration here?

 

[madenon]

Becca, I think your taking the warning to personal. As I read it, Sue warned everybody, no matter who or what, so she didn't take any side nor did she allow anything more than another thing.

I can agree with the not being allowed to publicly discuss "you'll have to use line such and such, to get GAC such and such". Why not? Because it is too open to abuse and will make any CM suspicious after a while. Think about it; if people come in there on a regular base with a learned line/text asking, or more demanding, what they want, wouldn't you start to get suspicious?

We are left very open to discuss how a GAC works and how it might or might not help. It is stated over and over that you go to GR and talk to them about needs the person in question have, and look together with the CM if those needs would require a GAC or can do fine with using allround available options. That is all we need to know if you ask me.

If there still are some questions about that, most are more than willing to help. Hopefully she doesn't mind me saying this, but I think Sue doesn't get fair treatment. She is very helpfull, also on this subject. She helped me out heaps with taking the time to answer some questions she must have seen a million times before. If you ask me, it's probably all in the tone, or as the french say; "c'est le ton qui fait la musique". You can say the same thing, but with two totally different ways of saying the same thing, you can get two very different responses. For instance if I would have asked Sue to tell me what to say to get a GAC, hopefully she will putt me straight, rightfully so. With me asking how things work when doing WDW with my needs and if I should make some extra arrangments to make things as easy as possible on the CM's, the tone is to-tal-ly different. For some the answer can be that a GAC is something to consider, for others the answer will be different.

I've had help of a couple of people on her about the GAC. I'm used to more hassle in public life than WDW will give me, with or without GAC. For me WDW will be 'relaxed" allready. However, I did have some concerns about how this would work out in reality, especially for the CM's. Would they benefit from being able to spot earlier that I will require some help? If that's the case, I would definately arrange what would help them. They're bending backwards to help me and allthough it is their job, I believe in showing some appreciation for a job well done. The help from these people has made me realize the CM's don't give a hoot, it wouldn't help them out. So no GC for me, period. The people on here are very helpfull, but I do think that with this topic they are more influenced by the tone of a posting. Which personally, I only can appreciate.