GAC for autism questions

[sleepingbeautymama]

I've posted before about some of my concerns about my dd4 and with 3 weeks left until our trip I'm starting to stress out. She has sensory issues and though not diagnosed we think she has mild Autism (Asperger's). I go back and forth about whether or not she needs a GAC. My main concern is her meltdowns. They are unpredictable and I don't always know what sets them off. Besides all the sensory things that could affect her, it could be a person standing next to her. So I'm wondering how could a GAC help her and would it help her? I guess I'm not sure what to tell the CM that she needs since I don't really know what they could do for her. Thanks

 

[SueM in MN]

if you haven't alrady, you might want to look at the disABILITIES FAQs thread - there is a part about GACs there.

If you have some ideas of her problems, you don't have to think of specific things to handle those problems. Try to think od some of her typical behaviors that would cause difficulty in lines. Or, if there are sensory things that set her off.
One of the big things that might be helpful with a 4 year old would be to bring a stroller into lines with you. For many kids with AS, the stroller is a 'safe haven' that helps them cope with the people and other stimulation in line. The firm plastic WDW strollers seem to be liked by a lot of kids with AS because they like the firm pressure and the solid sides cut down on stimulation.

 

[sleepingbeautymama]

Thanks I could see bringing the stroller in line as very helpful. It would definitely give her a place to feel safe. One of her issues is fear of strangers and I worry about her standing in the lines very close to others. She's unpredictable with this and one person she may be fine with and then the next person she will out of nowhere scream and start a meltdown and panic and usually I can never figure out what it was about the person. There are also the sensory issues with sounds, smells etc and again it's unpredictable and one day it will upset her the next day not.
I think I'm just stressed because I know these meltdowns WILL happen regardless and if I can avoid them as much as possible, I would like to. It's hard because people won't understand when they see it happen and I also don't want others around us to be put in an uncomfortable situation. If we were caught in the middle of long line , would I be able to move her somewhere else temporarily (I guess that's why I'd need the GAC right?)

 

[taximomfor4]

My dd has SID also. At age 8, we have seen little to no improvement in spite of all we have tried.

Since your dd is only 4yo, I would strongly recommend the stroller. Just let Guest Services at the parks know you want to use the stroller as a wheelchair. Definitely give her something to look at in the stroller in case she wants to avoid looking at the people around her, too. Try to get some of those soft earplugs, too...my sis who works construction got some for my dd. Many attractions are quite loud.

Find the little out-of-the-way places in the parks to relax. We go alongside the castle to where they sell the funnel cakes. Most of the time NOBODY is sitting at the back picnic tables there! My kids get a chance to just chill out. I would share my surprising quiet-spot in the World Showcase, but then I'd have to shoot you (j/k). Just look around for out-of-the-way spots! Take breaks to chat. We have done this, and with my 4 kids have never had to leave the parks mid-day since then! We also split up sometimes. I sit somewhere quiet with nearly-overwhelmed dd while dh takes the ready-yo-go kids on a couple of rides, then we meet up again.

We get our parade spot at least 1 or 1 1/2 hrs before the parade, set down our towels, and SIT there. DH goes on a snack run, we pull out the deck of cards from our bag, and play quietly for a while, peoplewatch, talk, etc.

I hope you have a wonderful time. I am jealous! We just got back 2 weeks ago, and we are all just itching to get back there!

 

[melomouse]

First of all, sleepingbeautymama......

Second of all, DD(10) and I will be at POR while you are at WL, and WL is my DD's favorite resort!!!!

This trip, I am leaving my Asperger's son, now 14, home. He justed started HS and is still recovering from major back surgery and can't do rides. Though he was in DL at 5 or 6, then WDW almost every year since 9, I got a GAC for the very 1st time on our trip last fall. Though it only gives you the FP line "at the CM's discretion", it's good to have. Mostly, we go off season to avoid lines and crowds - and thus the meltdowns - but between FP and the GAC, we did well.

Though the meltdown CAN be "unpredicatble", I find the longer I have my Aspie child - (LOL - ! - Guess I'm keeping him!) - the easier it is to anticipate meltdowns and the triggers. I have found - surprisingly enough, the DS is BETTER behaved in WDW than almost anywhere else, since there is nonstop movement.

I pace myself and try not to get overtired, hot or hungry. I rest him before I see him start to melt. I still use distraction when he gets over-focussed or insistent - "Stitch's Great Adventure - now!" was last year's cry!!! -

One of the greatest challenges has been to try and "let go" of the looks, remarks and embarassment by others. I DO remove him when I can, I don't "push" him, but with an AS kid, you just never really know! It's hard because he "looks" normal til he melts. I keep my cool and go on "autopilot" - talking him thru sometimes, but sometimes just talking MYSELF thru! As you know, in meltdowns, they cannot "hear"!!!


If it's any help, the meltdowns have become practically nonexistent since the start of puberty!!!!
I am praying for you, hope this helps, and if I can be of any more help, feel free to PM me!!! It's gonna be great!!!

 

[Lilacq]

Thanks, everyone. I was going to ask this question. It's great to already have the answer! I guess my next question is: When DS7 gets antsy in lines, he tends to poke and prod at other people, strangers or not. How can I cut down on this if we are in a long line? I'd hate to have to remove him and miss out. We are going on our first trip in less than 2 weeks (did I just type that out loud?).

 

[Forevryoung]

Thanks, everyone. I was going to ask this question. It's great to already have the answer! I guess my next question is: When DS7 gets antsy in lines, he tends to poke and prod at other people, strangers or not. How can I cut down on this if we are in a long line? I'd hate to have to remove him and miss out. We are going on our first trip in less than 2 weeks (did I just type that out loud?).

What about bringing something for him to play with his hands? playdoh, stress balls... Stuff that is cheap (in case it gets lost) and easy to carry

Or someone might suggest a gameboy (I personally wouldnt want to bring it or carry it)

Or make a cue to remind him that he's doing it if you think you can train him to stop with reminders. A cue like "Hands up" might be cute and evoke some giggles instead of a fight.

 

[disneygal66]

We have gotten a GAC for our children DS 6 Autistic and DS 11 ADHD & Anxiety both times we have gone to the World. My DS 6 can't wait in line very long and has meltdowns too. I have found the GAC to be a big help. We can usually go in the Fast Pass entrance or H/C and our wait time is minimal. We too take small toys for waiting for parades etc. My kids love the pipe cleaners and can play with them for quite a long time.

One of our friends said it best "At home, you deal with these kids 24-7 and at Disney, they can just be kids not special needs kids. Enjoy it!!