GAC for autistic child

[derocas]

Hi everyone! This is our first trip to disney and I have a question. I have a nine yaer old child who has PDD, a form of autism. He really can't handle waiting for too long and if he's in a crowd it's even worse. I'm going to ask for a GAC but I was just wondering what exactly that will entitle us to? Do you think we'll have to wait in a line longer then 15 minutes? I'm just so nervous that he'll have a meltdown in the middle of the line and not get to enjoy the ride.

 

[SueM in MN]

I'd suggest that you look at this thread and the information about GACs in the disABILITIES FAQs thread.

You will need to explain his needs to the CM at Guest Relations and what the GAC allows you to do will depend on his needs. WDW does generally end up assisting people quite well with their needs.

No one is going to be able to help tell you exactly what will happen at each attraction because there are a lot of variables. One variable is the attractions you are planning on going on - some are more popular than others.
Another variable is when you are going. Certain months are quieter than others and even during the busy months, certain days and times are busier than others.
If you are at the park during a quiet time, there may be only a 5 minute wait in the regular line, without using a GAC.

 

[Poppyqwn]

If I may piggy back on this thread, I read the FAQ and the linked thread. I somewhere am missing it. Do you need a doctor's note or no?

We may have some trouble getting one since we have moved and ds's records were lost and his new doctor has not dealt with any of his sensory or Asperger's issues. He does have a couple therapists, and I could easily have them write a note, but I am confused as to what really is needed.

 

[Forevryoung]

If I may piggy back on this thread, I read the FAQ and the linked thread. I somewhere am missing it. Do you need a doctor's note or no?

We may have some trouble getting one since we have moved and ds's records were lost and his new doctor has not dealt with any of his sensory or Asperger's issues. He does have a couple therapists, and I could easily have them write a note, but I am confused as to what really is needed.

Nope, no note needed. Disney doesn't care what a doctor writes because a stated diagnosis isn't necessary.

You walk up there, tell them what your son needs, they suggest things they can do to help you, provide you with a card to let other CMs know of your needs (without you repeating yourself at every attraction) and go on with your vacation.

It really is a much simplier process than many make it out to be. I think that parents are just so used to fighting "a system" that they figure there will be a fight for assistance in this situation as well. And some have expectations that will not/can not be met and are ready to fight for what they believe their children "deserve" (not need).

 

[Poppyqwn]

Thank you.

I am making a new wieghted vest for Ds right now, and we are going to our best to get him ready to go. Thankfully when he does well, he does really well, but on the flip side when he melts down there's no coming back from it.

I was so pleased to hear how accomadating the resteraunts are for allergies, (my youngest ds has a food dye allergy) I imagine that all of Disney really wants to make everyone as comfortable as possible.

Thanks again for your help.

 

[SueM in MN]

If I may piggy back on this thread, I read the FAQ and the linked thread. I somewhere am missing it. Do you need a doctor's note or no?

We may have some trouble getting one since we have moved and ds's records were lost and his new doctor has not dealt with any of his sensory or Asperger's issues. He does have a couple therapists, and I could easily have them write a note, but I am confused as to what really is needed.

Just wanted to add, the information is in the FAQ area about GACs, but it may not be easy for everyone to find because the GAC information is quite long and people skim it.
I was planning on re-writing it last weekend, but didn't get the chance to.

Forvryoung is right, you don't need a note.

 

[Tree]

We just came back and used GAC for our 5 yr old son with autism. No questions asked etc. It made the trip much more pleasant without the meltdowns. I did rent a stroller so he could veg out in between the attractions.

 

[rapisano]

Hi everyone! This is our first trip to disney and I have a question. I have a nine yaer old child who has PDD, a form of autism. He really can't handle waiting for too long and if he's in a crowd it's even worse. I'm going to ask for a GAC but I was just wondering what exactly that will entitle us to? Do you think we'll have to wait in a line longer then 15 minutes? I'm just so nervous that he'll have a meltdown in the middle of the line and not get to enjoy the ride.

My sister is there right now and the GAP is wonderful!! He is 9 years old and is Autistic as well. She also had many concerns about the wait in the long lines and they never had to wait more than 10mins. He did have many issues with loud noises on the rides and attractions so perhaps a pair of ear plugs may be better next time for her.

 

[pcparamedics01]

The GAC pass was wonderful in in Mk.. He had a wonderful time!!! Without the pass it would of been disasterous for us. Hands down to Disney for allowing our children to use this service!!!!

 

[leanan]

The GAC pass was wonderful in in Mk.. He had a wonderful time!!! Without the pass it would of been disasterous for us. Hands down to Disney for allowing our children to use this service!!!!

I did the Gac today with DD9( (aspie & SSD). It nade a real difference in the trip. No melt downs for her. She actually went on rides because she was not freaked out by the time we got to the ride.

The only thing that did not work well for us with the gac for her was POTC. It was 20 minutes siting in the sun or 40 minutes waiting in line in shade or AC. Thank goodness I had her game boy for that one. We blocked her in and handed her game boy. She was a bit frazzled even with all of that but in the end she enjoyed the ride once we got on. With my pregnancy so far along 20 minutes siting in the sun was impossible.

I did not think we could pull off a trip to MK after our last one. We did it. It was great. We did not do a full day by any means but we got lots done and got her safely home. Although tonight she is on the edge of melt down just due to the general stress of the parks. She is however better than I imagined.