GAC for ADHD?

[Cheshire Figment]

Madenon - You have made some very good points.

One thing to realize is that all the moderators are volunteers. We do not get paid and we do not get any special privileges. When I took the job I was warned one thing that having a thick skin was sort of a requirement.

Sue has a family, and one of her children has multiple disabilities. She is a RN and is able to give a lot of assistance, both with her professional knowledge as well as dealing with a multi-disabled child at WDW.

I'm retired and widowed, living alone (but with two cats). I do work part time at WDW and recently had one hip replaced. I was invited to become a moderator because I have always been willing to help people and give good advice.

As you can see from my earlier post (#34) everybody is entitled to their opinions. Usually if everyone agrees 100% then it is probably a fact and not an opinion.

I work primarily at Typhoon Lagoon as a Turnstile Greeter, Ticket Seller, or Guest Relations depending on how I am assigned for a particular day. Since we don't issue (or use) GACs at the water parks I do not get directly involved with them.

Neither Sue nor I like to give out official warnings or infractions, but we have to from time to time. We would rather have the people, if not necessarily being friendly toward each other, at least be respectful toward each other. It takes a lot of time (that we could use for other things) to compose asking people to tone things down (as my Post #34 and Sue's Post #38) and even more time to issue warning and infractions. We would like to have things run smoothly.

And as we say about the GAC, you have to have the disabled person there to get it and explain the needs.

Mike

 

[Beccabunny]

No, madenon, I am not taking anything personally. I'm not the one needing help in getting a GAC. I know exactly how to advocate for my child. But I share the frustration of other parents who are constantly being shot down and then can't respond. And I don't remember anyone asking exactly what "lines" they should use to get a particular accomodation. That would be really obnoxious. Read what the OP asked. She wanted to know if a doctor's note would be sufficient. She apparently didn't know the ADA doesn't allow the CMs to look at the note (although they were two years ago when I was there). Now she knows. But not without a lot of flack from those who don't want her son to have a particular accomodation. And I stand by what I said about my experience at Guest Services. It was my experience, not yours. It still worked out fine for my daughter, so that's all I care about. Most CMs throughout the park were great, with just a few exceptions. As for the moderators, I certainly had no intention of offending any of them. I appreciate all the work that goes into these boards. I can't imagine what I said that could be offensive to them, but if I did, it was not my intention. I only expressed frustration that parents could not repond to some of these particularly nasty posts.

 

[dclfun]

I've been following this post as well as, I'm sure, some others who haven't written yet. I don't feel that anyone said the OP's child didn't "deserve" to have accomodations, however to state that your child "cannot tolerate any lines" and want a GAC to cover that need can be an unrealistic request. A trip to WDW does involve waiting, crowds, heat, etc. that is impossible to totally escape. What about the lines for quick service meals and snacks? What about waiting for a parade or the bus? It's not just the attractions, some of which are designed to make immediate access for anyone, regardless of need, an impossibility. We all need to be prepared for the realities.
I feel that those who participate on this board are very helpful in discussing the fact that WDW does work with people who have special needs to make their visit more enjoyable and in some cases, possible. The only requirement is that if you are asking for assistance, you are required to state what the need is, not the diagnosis or what a physician has said. Physicians, however wonderful at home, are not able to "order" something at WDW.
No one should hesitate to ask for what they need but many of us who are experienced in visiting WDW with a disability are aware of limitations in what can be provided. I'm not worried about someone getting in front of me, but I AM worried that abuse of GAC's and "demands" of people who visit will only further limit what is provided and to whom.
On a personal note, for those of you who don't know me, I am an adult with what is considered a terminal illness ( although I'm doing quite well and don't consider myself in that way ) who travels in a power wheelchair, on a ventilator 24/7, uses a feeding pump, and has a service dog. Last year I went to get my GAC renewed. I had been provided the year past with a GAC with the "expedite" stamp that is a different color. I renewed my GAC at MGM studios and presented it to the GS CM there. She reacted swiftly with shock and horror that I had been given that GAC. She told me I could be evicted from the park for trying to use it, that the CM who gave it to me could be fired, that only WISH children could have it, that I was obviously NOT a child, and basically "how dare I be requesting anything special such as expedited access to attractions that I certainly did not deserve". I explained to her that I had never requested the wording on the GAC and that it had been given to me by a CM at Epcot who felt I should have it due to all my medical equipment, my lack of stamina, and the fact that my batteries do not last a full day ( his comments, not mine, which he gave after taking one look at me). It was explained that it was given so that I could have the ability to enjoy the parks in a timeframe that was possible and also not putting me in jeopardy when travelling solo that another guest would bump into and dislodge my life support equipment, which had happened before. I had used the card ONE time in the past year, to avoid a crowd situation but since I cannot ride most attractions it wasn't necessary most days. I kept it, as many here have said, as insurance. Usually I returned to the resort to rest as even with that kind of GAC, I'd never tolerate a lengthy visit to the parks. From this experience I can only say that I appreciate the people who have felt humiliated or frustrated at GS. I didn't deserve to get a lecture, feel like I'm less worthy of accomodations because I'm an adult, or be told I was cheating and could be removed from the park for even holding that card. Did I feel as though this lecture and being chastised was a direct result of others who had demanded that acommodation ...you bet. I personally saw a guest at another time who had the same card stamp and wording who was arguing with a manager about his "need" to have an expedited visit because his knee hurt and he did not wish to use a wheelchair, and couldn't the manager see he had a knee brace due to an old injury?
Sorry to make this such a lengthy post, but there are ramifications in what we do that affect others. Think ahead for what you would need, ask for what you need... but don't demand something if it is not truly needed but instead is just wanted. Have realistic expectations and prepare for the experience, using a touring plan if possible. No one can see and do everything in one day so if you have a shorter visit, choose the things that are most important to each person in your party. Avoid the attractions that you know won't work for you or your child. Take breaks. Make use of the first aid station for cooling off and getting out of the crowds. If you get into a troubling situation, ask the nearest CM for some help and then take their advice. Keep smiling and realize that it's better to be at WDW than just about anyplace else. ---Kathy

 

[WendyisDarling]

No offense to the OP, but I wonder if her explanation may have been a bit, I hate to say exaggerated, but not an absolute explanation of her child's need. I hate to make assumptions, but I imagine that it may be very difficult for her child to wait in lines rahter than 100% intolerable. Her DS probably does wait in short lines at the school cafeteria, for the water fountain at school, in some stores, etc. He may well be quite disruptive when doing so or very agitated. Perhaps, she was thinking he would be better suited to waiting in an area that isn't super close to other people. No, she didn't write all of this. And I don't (nor do any of us) know if she expected that a GAC would allow her son to jump ahead of everyone else. Also, if she deals with the school systems sometimes you need to be pretty blunt and use terms that will get your child the modifications he or she needs. All of us with kids who have IEP's know you never ever say "I want" you always say "my child NEEDS"...kwim?

I think this thread would have been more productive had it just explained a bit about the system rather than turning into a debate over which disabilties warrant a GAC. As others have said, the disablity label doesn't even matter, it is the need of the individual. So had the OP said due to my child's disability he has great difficulty waiting in lines, can I get a GAC for him? The whole ADHD and invisible disabilty debate would not have been an issue.

Instead, posters could have explained...you don't need a note (I think this is a common misconception as I took a note our first visit, as well) and if you believe your child needs a GAC, she should go to Guest Relations and explain the need. They would then help with accomodations. We could have then just explained how many of us are able to avoid the long lines (touring guides and FP) and that many of us believe it is in the best interest of all to try that as many of us have been successful. We could have also explained a bit about the line wait...a decreased time isn't guaranteed but the conditions of the wait can be improved. For example, one place we find GAC useful is Its a Small World because that entrance is usually not crowded, it's shady, there is a bit more space and frankly, IMO, the other guests waiting are more tolerant of odd behaviors. ALSO, it has been my experience that CM's try pretty hard to not move the "GAC line" in front of everyone else. Yes, my son has trouble with lines, but he can move around a bit and flap and make his noises w/o "bothering" as many people.

We also could have suggested that she practice waiting in lines with her son using the fidget toys that others have mentioned. Try Wal-Mart one day and bring some distractions. (Although, I would personally rather pull my hair out strand by strand than take DS to Wal-Mart) or if that is overwhelming start with shorter lines, maybe the express at the grocery store. Get him accustomed to waiting a bit before their trip. Then explain that they may want to be prepared for a possible ride malfunction and waiting for it to restart. Develop a plan for it -- is there a certain person who should sit with him, if fidgets aren't available is there some sort of engaging game like "I Spy" they could use.

That's JMHO on the topic. The validity of the disabilty didn't need to come into question. It is a touchy subject and really isn't beneficial to debate it with those that have strong beliefs and life experiences. The thread needed to stay on topic of GAC and waiting in lines.
I'm glad moderators stepped in to remind others that this is a place for assistance and often support. I have been uncomfortable a few times, but overall have found this board to be very welcoming and informative.

 

[Beccabunny]

Sorry Wendy, I have to disagree with you on one thing. It's not the lack of clarity from the OP that caused the debate. She stated a need, which apparently her child's doctor backs up, she asked about GAC, a few people explained the ADA issues, gave some suggestions, explained how the GAC works, etc. That should have been the end of it. But as always, a few rude people had to assume they know her son's condition better than she or the doctor do. That's when the "debate" began. And Wendy, it's not right to even hint that the OP might be exaggerating, or say perhaps she meant her son has difficulty with lines rather than being unable to tolerate them. You made a lot of assumptions about her. There will always be people who abuse the system. Apparently Disney is dealing with those people. They don't give a GAC to everyone who asks either. But none of us know the OP. How can any of us assume anything about her or her son? Without any evidence, how can we do anything but give her the benefit of the doubt? it's been repeated ad nauseum, but apparently some people just don't get it. There are DEGREES of ADD and ADHD. My son, now 23, has ADD but never had any problem waiting in lines. Yet I know children with sever ADHD who are far more impaired than my daughter who has autism. And as for having to wait in line at Wal-Mart, etc., many of these kids can't wait in line there either, and their parents can't bring them to stores or anywhere else. I know several families in that situation. For some kids, "practicing" waiting in line is going to work, and for others it's never going to work. But if there's some way that these kids and their families can get accomodations that can give them a somewhat enjoyable vacation, I'm all for it. Why should being at Disney have to be like boot camp? And no, the inconveniences that healthy people experience at Disney doesn't even come close to what it's like when you're dealing with severe ADHD or autism.
I'm very thankful to the people on these boards who have offered helpful information. I recently learned of the "stroller as wheelchair" option. On our last trip, I clearly stated my daughter's needs, and that option was not offered to us. We often had to carry our daughter in lines and onto the attractions. She's getting heavier now and I can no longer do that. So it's good to know the kind of accomodations available so I can ask for it. It's also good to hear about the touring plans. This site has better info than most others out there. Hopefully we'll see lots more of this helpful info and less "debating."

 

[Michigan]

Ok if you look at other posts that the OP has posted you will see that her son is 4 1/2 not a teenager and at 4 1/2 most boys exhibit ADHD symptoms. She also states in other posts that they have attended other theme parks without any type of pass and her kids have had a great time.

I also think the poster that posted you have to wait in line to eat was right on target many times the wait to eat is longer then that of getting on a ride and the wait for a restroom can be even longer then that.

The op is also going the end of September for anyone who has been at that time you know that the wait time in lines is usually less then 10 minutes for anything.

As far as a doctor saying she could get front of the line access that is what any doctor will tell you even if you have a broken toe nail because somehow all doctors feel that Disney hands out front of the line access to all the time.

 

[WendyisDarling]

Sorry Wendy, I have to disagree with you on one thing. It's not the lack of clarity from the OP that caused the debate. She stated a need, which apparently her child's doctor backs up, she asked about GAC, a few people explained the ADA issues, gave some suggestions, explained how the GAC works, etc. That should have been the end of it. But as always, a few rude people had to assume they know her son's condition better than she or the doctor do. That's when the "debate" began. And Wendy, it's not right to even hint that the OP might be exaggerating, or say perhaps she meant her son has difficulty with lines rather than being unable to tolerate them. You made a lot of assumptions about her. There will always be people who abuse the system. Apparently Disney is dealing with those people. They don't give a GAC to everyone who asks either. But none of us know the OP. How can any of us assume anything about her or her son? Without any evidence, how can we do anything but give her the benefit of the doubt? it's been repeated ad nauseum, but apparently some people just don't get it. There are DEGREES of ADD and ADHD. My son, now 23, has ADD but never had any problem waiting in lines. Yet I know children with sever ADHD who are far more impaired than my daughter who has autism. And as for having to wait in line at Wal-Mart, etc., many of these kids can't wait in line there either, and their parents can't bring them to stores or anywhere else. I know several families in that situation. For some kids, "practicing" waiting in line is going to work, and for others it's never going to work. But if there's some way that these kids and their families can get accomodations that can give them a somewhat enjoyable vacation, I'm all for it. Why should being at Disney have to be like boot camp? And no, the inconveniences that healthy people experience at Disney doesn't even come close to what it's like when you're dealing with severe ADHD or autism.
I'm very thankful to the people on these boards who have offered helpful information. I recently learned of the "stroller as wheelchair" option. On our last trip, I clearly stated my daughter's needs, and that option was not offered to us. We often had to carry our daughter in lines and onto the attractions. She's getting heavier now and I can no longer do that. So it's good to know the kind of accomodations available so I can ask for it. It's also good to hear about the touring plans. This site has better info than most others out there. Hopefully we'll see lots more of this helpful info and less "debating."

ITA. I should not make assumptions. I deeply apologize for any offense taken. I know very well the scrunity that parents are placed under regarding these sorts of disabilities. I would not want someone to make assumptions about me and I should not have the OP. I guess I was thinking more along the lines of how sometimes things are stated to get a point across, but again, absolutely I should not suggest that her descripton of absolute intolerance of waits is out of line. I was trying to make a suggestion that it may still be extremly difficult and perhaps warrant a GAC, but be determined at Guest Realations based on need. But, I concede that suggesting (which may have been a better word choice) that extreme difficulty vs. complete intolerabilty was wrong for me to do. Again, I apologize and that's all I can really do.
The reason for my post was to hopefully demonstate how the thread could have been more productive. I absolutely did not want to get it going back to the questioning of need. I should have thought about my post more. Again, apologies to anyone who has been offended, whether it be the OP or anyone else reading.

I do feel compelled to speak up about the mention of all children exhibiting ADHD symptoms at age 4. There can be a huge difference between active boys and ADHD symptoms. Again, there are degrees as has been previously posted. My youngest DS has classic autims with attention and true hyperactivity symptoms was probably at his worst around 4. Maybe it was ADHD stuff added to normal little boy activity. I really could take him nowhere. I didn't attempt any sort of shopping or errands with him. It was a tremendous stress on our family. As I wrote in a pp, had I not experienced it first hand, I would have never believed behavior could be this extreme.

Going back to making a suggestion/assumption that intolerable may really be extremely difficult, thinking back on that time in our lives, yeah, I might say lines were intolerable. Honestly, it seemed that most everything was.

I don't know about the OP's previous posts. I haven't read them. I'm not going to. I'm out. I attempted to post in a way that would be helpful for the topic (as I see it, others with the same issue sometimes just read the threads). My attempt wasn't successful and to some made things worse. So, I shouldn't make further comment.

One final time -- apologies to anyone who was offended or hurt by my post. It was not my intent at all, but nonetheless, I am very sorry.

 

[kaytieeldr]

As far as a doctor saying she could get front of the line access that is what any doctor will tell you even if you have a broken toe nail because somehow all doctors feel that Disney hands out front of the line access to all the time.

Oh, well, okay - I wasn't planning to go to the doctor over my coincidentally just-broken toe... but if it'll get me a letter for front of the line access.... never mind that it's not really broken, but dislocated; or that I tape it up myself with no medical intervention... (kidding, folks!)

 

[Michigan]

Oh, well, okay - I wasn't planning to go to the doctor over my coincidentally just-broken toe... but if it'll get me a letter for front of the line access.... never mind that it's not really broken, but dislocated; or that I tape it up myself with no medical intervention... (kidding, folks!)

Hey you laugh but the funniest one I ever heard was the woman that had a note from her doctor saying her family should have front of the line access because she had twins toddlers and they napped at different times so her family would be limited on their ride time if they didn't have front of the line access.

 

[crazykids]

I am the one that originally posted this question. I haven't looked at this board for quite a while & when I read through everyones comments this morning, I have to say I couldn't believe what one question has turned into. If everyone would like to know, my son is 4 1/2 & he is diagnosed with mild PDD, ADHD, ODD, & sensory integration disorder. My son loves to go on rides & he loves everything Disney. We have been to other theme parks in the past & we have always gotten a disability pass for him w/ no problem. I'm not asking for a special "front of the line" pass, I am merely asking for a pass, that will allow him some assistance if the line is too long to where he can not tolerate it. He's good for maybe about 10 minutes on a good day. Maybe I was a little unclear with my original question, but that was no reason to go off on a debate as to whether I might be out to cheat the system. I was actually saddened at what people will say especially when they do not have all of the information.

In the end, express your opinions as you will. I will be going to Disney in September & I will be getting a GAC for my son & I'm sure we will have a wonderful vacation

 

[ducklite]

I am the one that originally posted this question. I haven't looked at this board for quite a while & when I read through everyones comments this morning, I have to say I couldn't believe what one question has turned into. If everyone would like to know, my son is 4 1/2 & he is diagnosed with mild PDD, ADHD, ODD, & senory integration disorder. My son loves to go on rides & he loves everything Disney. We have been to other theme parks in the past & we have always gotten a disability pass for him w/ no problem. I'm not asking for a special "front of the line" pass, I am merely asking for a pass, that will allow him some assistance if the line is too long to where he can not tolerate it. He's good for maybe about 10 minutes on a good day. Maybe I was a little unclear with my original question, but that was no reason to go off on a debate as to whether I might be out to cheat the system. I was actually saddened at what people will say especially when they do not have all of the information.

In the end, express your opinions as you will. I will be going to Disney in September & I will be getting a GAC for my son & I'm sure we will have a wonderful vacation

I'm sorry that this thread got ugly. My son was Dx with ADHD and ODD (subsequently changed to bi-polar when he was around 10) when he was about your sons age. He also exhibited PDD tendencies, and had moderate learning disabilities. We used to go during the off season, and frankly you shouldn't have a problem. The lines were usually non-existent, and now that they have the Fast pass system for the rides that can have longer lines, almost everything is a walk-on.

Unfortunately WDW doesn't issue a GAC for "shorter waits." The alternate entry stamp is generally reserved for people with mobility issues, and the waits with the alternate entry can actually be much longer. The lines that have a FP system will generally require you to use FP as opposed to an alternate entry. By utilizing FP you really shouldn't run into long lines. If a line looks long, pass the ride or attraction by and try again later. For example the line for Spaceship earth is often very long in the morning, but in the later afternoon it's usually a walk on.

A few tips that we found worked well:

1. Make sure you all get plenty of sleep. If you've got a late night planned one night, don't get up at the crack of dawn the next day.

2. Book all your ADR's in advance, and plan on eating at least 30 minutes prior to your normal meal times. (By the time you're seated, order, and begin eating it will be 30 minutes in most cases.)

3. Don't overdo it. Be flexible. You can always plan another trip and see/do things you might miss the first time.

4. If your son begins to get over stimulated, suggest some swim time back at your resort. Water was always a great soother for my son, and just jumping into the pool over and over burned off a LOT of energy.

5. Bring things that will entertain in lines. You'll find that you'll be waiting longer to be seated at resturants and for the bueses than you will for most rides that time of the year, so be prepared for that. Gameboy, small cars, whatever his "thing" is. My son had a "thing" for green army men. Perfect! They were small and could be carried in a pocket, and if they were lost there were plenty more. He would get very involved and entertain himself for 10-15 minutes easily with two "Joes" as he called them in a never ending battle for world domination. You'll also need things to keep him occupied in restaurants.

6. Have several discussions about spending money, souveniers, snacks, etc. before the trip. Make the rules very clear, and make very clear consequences for the "gimme's." Stick to the rules, and the consequences. Social stories can really, really help for this, even with non-spectrum kids.

I hope you have a great trip!

Anne

 

[BeckyScott]

What I have learned so far, from all the reading (both here and books) is that you have to plan, but not plan too much. It seems to be a tricky medium that you have to hit.

Usually the kid(s) will do better if they know what to expect. So you want to plan it out. Also, Disney seems to encourage planning ahead (dinner reservations, etc). Almost everyone recommends the Afternoon Break, or doing Off Days, or at least trading out late nights with sleeping in. So you want to have that as part of the plan.

At the same time, even those with "typical" kids know, that plans can go right out the window in a situation like Disney. And I would think, even more so if the kid isn't "typical". Disney isn't anything even close to real life, so it's hard to predict how your child will react.

The way I've figured it out thus far (subject to change) is to plan ahead which park/ which day, and so I can do dinner reservations accordingly. Do some as early mornings, some as late nights, and take the afternoon break, and have an off day too. I opted for as much down-time as was feasible while still seeing all the parks. But we'll have park tickets for the "off day" just in case, and I'll take along my cheat sheets of touring plans, knowing that those things might change. If my kids want to ride Buzz Lightyear 6 times, then so be it. Sigh. (this makes the Vacation Commando in me twitchy, but I will try my best to overcome)

If we are in a situation where I know DS will simply not tolerate the line- and there's not another option- then we'll have to punt. We are similar in that he will put up with about 10 minutes max on lines, although he does better if the line is constantly moving, it's when you're stopped that it bothers him. Disney seems pretty efficient in keeping lines moving, so we may not have a problem at all. The last place we went, we noticed he kinda had more of a problem using the disabled entrance, because we would be the only ones there and we were just standing. Yes he could move around, but he could easily see the ride, and see there wasn't anyone in front of us, so he couldn't understand why it wasn't his turn. And that makes sense! If we were in a moving line, he had a frame of reference. But every kid is going to be different, and he could change in a year, or in a week for that matter... and we're asking for a GAC just in case.

 

[SueM in MN]

We have had some threads that people felt have gotten 'ugly' lately.
A lot of it is because we posters and moderators are trying to balance on the fine line between giving enough information to be helpful and giving enough information to be too helpful to people who are planning to misuse the information.
I don't believe it was discussed in this thread, but one of the things that I am sure influenced people's comments on this thread were the sales of several GACs on ebay as "Permanent, Unlimited Fastpasses".

Some of the threads that 'got ugly' at around the same time were the inspiration for the Open Letter from SueM, currently a sticky at the top of this board.

I also invite people to read the GAC information in the disABILITIES FAQs thread. It is not official (Disney doesn't even mention GACs on their official website or written information). I am sure it is factual though.

As with any question asked in public, some of the answers will be helpful to the person who asked the question, some not.

 

[NeverBeen2DW]

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...................... <snip> I could not agree more!

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.

This is my son to a "T"

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.

I wish I knew about this sooner we have struggled through several disney trips with out one. However, my son enjoys himseld and makes progress with each trip. It took us 3 trips before he could watch fire works.

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.

To be honest I am quite sad to learn this is a parent of a child with ADD.

 

[NeverBeen2DW]

Opps! Sorry I did not realize this thread was so old. My apologies.

 

[SueM in MN]

Opps! Sorry I did not realize this thread was so old. My apologies.

That happens sometimes because the thread pops up as a 'related subject' in the box at the bottom of the page.
Since this thread had actually gotten kind of 'heated' at the time it was active, I'm going to close it so that it doesn't pop up again.