Going to WDW w/chilld having a disability(not visual.)

[Christy729]

My 6 year old son has ADHD, as well as Anxiety (Obessive Compulsive). He has been professionally dx'ed. I have read in some guide books that we can request a pass so that he gets to wait in a seperate area.I feel a little uneasy requesting this, but I'm afraid of the meltdowns that may happen, mainly because of his OCD. Has anyone done this before for a disability that is not visually apparent?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. Post #6 deals with the Guest Assistance Card, which is what you are asking about. Post #3 may also give some information.

And look at some of the other threads in this forum for recent experiences.

Or, if you want an easier route, click on the link in my signature.

 

[SueM in MN]

If you haven't looked yet at the disABILITIES FAQs thread, I'd suggest you look at post #6 of that thread. It's about Guest Assistance Cards, which is what you have heard about. It is not a pass, it's a card that helps CMs at attractions to know what type of assistance people with invisible disabilities need.
Not all attractions have a separate place to wait. Most of the ones that do are shows and the separate place is usually a part of the regular waiting area that is separated out from the 'regular' line.
For avoiding waits in line, using Fastpass and tools like touring plans can help you to be where it's not busy. That can be even more helpful than a GAC because a GAC only helps in line; if it's busy, you will have to deal with all the stress that comes with navigating a busy park.

Also in the disABILITIES FAQs thread, you will find some links in post #3 that might be helpful.
There is a link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread or you can find it near the top of the thread list for this board.

EDITED TO ADD: I STARTED TO WRITE THIS ABOUT 9PM, BUT THEN HAD TO PUT MY DD TO BED. WHEN I FINISHED WRITING, I SEE THAT CHESHIRE FIGMENT BEAT ME TO POSTING>

 

[bookwormde]

Welcome,

I would suggest that you might find some help on some of the Asprergers/Autism past threads about WDW visits for information as to how to reduce meltdowns and to make your visit special for both your son and your family. They may be helpful in understanding your child in the broader sense also (particularly the discussion on the disabilities community boards).

If you have question there are lots of experiences non-visual disability parents on this board.

WDW is a wonderful place for our children.

bookwormde

 

[Christy729]

Thanks for the info. In our case, the Fastpass may be the best option, since the accomodations for the card are hit or miss. I just imagine that the Fastpass will have us touring at a frantic pace, and that is something I need to avoid! I will have to evaluate the situation once I see the crowds (President's Week, agh!)

 

[Terry2]

I'm in a similar situation, only I have 2 kids, ages 6 and 16 who both have anxiety, OCD and ADHD issues, and I'm wondering how either will hold up at WDW. (We've never been before). I can't figure out what will be best for them. Initially, I thought it would be best to plan on going slow and go back to the hotel for a break. But, now Im wondering if just getting back and forth from the park will be more traumatic (anxiety-wise) than just staying at the park and finding a place to take a break. Ugh...I can't get past the planning stages because I can't figure out what we need/don't need, and we're trying to do this on a budget! I also can't figure out how to explain our needs for a GAC card.

 

[mykidsintow]

I'm in a similar situation, only I have 2 kids, ages 6 and 16 who both have anxiety, OCD and ADHD issues, and I'm wondering how either will hold up at WDW. (We've never been before). I can't figure out what will be best for them. Initially, I thought it would be best to plan on going slow and go back to the hotel for a break. But, now Im wondering if just getting back and forth from the park will be more traumatic (anxiety-wise) than just staying at the park and finding a place to take a break. Ugh...I can't get past the planning stages because I can't figure out what we need/don't need, and we're trying to do this on a budget! I also can't figure out how to explain our needs for a GAC card.

Our situations are different, but I thought I would throw out a few ideas. My daughter has physical challenges. Its just exhausting navigating the crowds in a powered vessel, but doing it at 4 and 5 just wears her out. We don't tour Disney the way "most" families seem to, so I thought I would let you know how we tend to do it.

First, this is completely *not* for June/July/Aug (its too hot then... we did go then, but the "plan" was completely different). I find its too much to go to a park, back to the room to "rest" and back to the park. Its just more walking and more dragging kids around, I have never understood it, but surely not with an already over-tired little one navigating crowds.

We sleep in to our "normal" time, have breakfast in the room (cereal, muffins, bagels, toast, whatever you like). We dress and take our time heading out. Once we arrive at the park we usually hit a few rides and find a place to get lunch (usually by 11:30-11:45 before everyone else in the park realizes they are hungry too). Typically there will only be 3 or 4 other families at this time of day... it sure beats hunting for a table. As we finish up eating everyone else is starting to decide they are hungry and we are off to enjoy more rides. Usually by 1 we will begin riding rides going towards the first aid station. 2pm we take a 30-45 min "break" or nap in the first aid station. Its not much, but it recharges my little one and she is excited to head back out. We enjoy the rest of the day and usually finish off with fireworks or we will get reservations right before/after fireworks from a resort you can view them....

We don't do the mad sprint, try to fit everything in.... We take our time, enjoy each moment and know that whatever we miss will likely be there whenever we manage to make it back. No reason to stress over missing things.

So, thats our little "plan". If its summer... well scratch that. We sleep late, swim during the day and go to the park after dark for very very small amt of time, if at all. My daughter has a hard time regulating her body temp and it gets dangerous fast....

 

[Christine43]

Hi, my son is autistic and for the GAC our main concern is waiting in line because he becomes extremely overwhelmed. Let me preface this by adding that we still have to wait in line but usually in another area where he is not surrounded. So, that's speciifically what I have our dr. say in a letter to Disney. This keeps our meltdowns to a minimum so just think about what you really need. I know we don't have to get a letter from a dr. but I feel more comfortable doing it anyway. Have a wonderful trip.

 

[PrincessMom4]

what do u write in the letter?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I'm in a similar situation, only I have 2 kids, ages 6 and 16 who both have anxiety, OCD and ADHD issues, and I'm wondering how either will hold up at WDW. (We've never been before). I can't figure out what will be best for them. Initially, I thought it would be best to plan on going slow and go back to the hotel for a break. But, now Im wondering if just getting back and forth from the park will be more traumatic (anxiety-wise) than just staying at the park and finding a place to take a break. Ugh...I can't get past the planning stages because I can't figure out what we need/don't need, and we're trying to do this on a budget! I also can't figure out how to explain our needs for a GAC card.

Hi, my son is autistic and for the GAC our main concern is waiting in line because he becomes extremely overwhelmed. Let me preface this by adding that we still have to wait in line but usually in another area where he is not surrounded. So, that's speciifically what I have our dr. say in a letter to Disney. This keeps our meltdowns to a minimum so just think about what you really need. I know we don't have to get a letter from a dr. but I feel more comfortable doing it anyway. Have a wonderful trip.

what do u write in the letter?

This is a reminder that you do not need anything from a doctor. It is not only against Disney Policies for someone to ask for a note/letter, but also it is a violation of ADA.

There is nothing wrong, however, with you coming up with a list yourself of what the needs are and putting the needs down on paper so you are sure of what is needed. At that point the Host in Guest Relations will be able to give a GAC based on the needs. Later, if you find that it does not work and cover all the needs, you can go back (or even at a different Park's Guest Relations) explaining what problems still exist.

Most of the Guest Relations Hosts are very well trained and will work with you. If you feel you are not being properly served, just as for a supervisor.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Our son is 12 and also Autistic, he is non verbal and has learning difficulties.

We get the GAC card and use it when we have to, really we like to try and increase Joshua's patience by queueing for rides, if the wait time is relatively low.

I am sure you agree that where possible we like to do what everyone else does, it's a fine balance I guess knowing what your child can and cannot cope with.
There are many in a similar situation though so the advice here is always good.

I agree with Beth, take your time and enjoy the experience, it's a good idea to get to the parks early as you can at least beat the worst of the crowds for a couple of hours or so.