Heading to the world in 3 days with my DS 6 who has SPD/boarderline ASD

[Our3ps]

Hi Everyone,

We are returning to the world in just 3 days! My DS (6) has SPD with borderline autism spectrum disorder. We have gone to the world the last 2 years and each year his meltdowns have gotten worse. Summer time is bad anyway with the change in routine so this just makes it that much worse. We do things to avoid meltdowns but typically he will have 1-3 a day as some are very minor. I am much better with calming him and getting him back on track than my DH is. My other 2 children 4 & 9 show no symptoms of ASD or SPD. It really is a night and day difference between them and I can easily see parents of only 1 with ASD or SPD not realizing the differences. My other two keep me realistic about my DS's disabilities and allow me to truly grasp the differences between my children.

At Disney we typically only go on rides with FPs as he just freaks out too bad if we have to wait too long or he gets hot, or his clothes are bothering him, or on and on, for 100 different reasons. I would be more than willing for me and my other 2 to stand in line while my DH went off and kept my DS busy and would meet up with us at the front of the line if this were an option. Last year we went to go on Star Tours because the standby line said 10 minutes, okay cool I thought. Well I guess everyone had the same idea because our weight ended up being 45 minutes. After about 15 he started to have a meltdown, by 20 minutes I had to take him out. It took me another 15 minutes to calm him down. He always gets really loud (he is pretty much anytime) when he is having a meltdown. People were staring so bad. I don't think I have ever really been terribly embarrassed of my sons meltdowns but I was that day.

So my question is would the GAC be beneficial for us? Also do people really give you the stink eye when you use the card? Obviously if I can avoid meltdowns in a day over and above his typical ones at home I am gonna try anything and not care if people are throwing me eye daggers. This will make their experience more enjoyable as well.

Thanks for any feedback!

 

[Mrsjvb]

yes a GAC can help but you need to be very explicit about his needs( NOT his diagnosis, which they could care less about)

if he would chill out if he had a place to 'hide' like in a stroller where he could avoid the outside world, getting a Stroller as WC GAC is useful because you can bring the stroller into the line,

FP will be the suggestion if he doesn't do well with waiting. I am sure they have suggestions for those rides and attractions without FP.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

Yes the GAC card will help. When you get the GAC card, they will ask what assistance you need. Explain your sons difficulties with lines, crowds, overheating ect.

 

[wdw4rfam]

Yes, get it. We have gone with our son with autism every year since he was 2. Without it, probably wouldn't have gone back. It makes a huge difference.

 

[lanejudy]

I suggest you discuss his issues with Guest Relations, he will need to be with you at the time. See what they offer or suggest.

But you also need to have realistic expectations. A GAC is not a front-of-the-line pass, nor is it possible for some of you to wait in line while he meets you X minutes later at the front. There are alternative waiting areas, depending on crowd-levels at the park these may be fairly crowded as well and not usually any place to sit. You are going at a very busy, very hot time of year which will factor into your experience.

A PP suggested a stroller-as-wheelchair. We've found this to be lifesaver. You will need a GAC and tag to do to, but it provides a "safe-haven" retreat for a kid needing to get away from the stimulation and chill out. Maybe have a favorite hand-held electronic game or something he can do at that time. Another suggestion - have you tried noise-canceling headphones so he's not bombarded with all the stimuli around him?

I strongly suggest using a good touring plan. Even loosely following it, such as determining which park has lowest crowds and which area of the park has low crowds at what time of day. This will help. Also, I know you mentioned "Summer time is bad anyway with the change in routine" -- we have found that even on vacation we need to try as hard as possible to stick to a more normal routine - getting up, eating meals, bedtime, etc. all within close proximity to normal. It's hard, you want to enjoy vacation, but this really helps immensely. If necessary, maybe you can split up at times - one parent and the other kids go or continue doing something while the other parent and DS stick to routine. Then swap, so the same parent isn't always "stuck" with DS. You can still do most things together as a family, but think outside the box how to make it enjoyable for all.

Take frequent breaks, stay hydrated, enjoy time at the pool - and hopefully you'll enjoy vacation!

 

[vulnadia]

when you go to guest relations, explain what your child does in crowded/line situations...the LAST thing anyone wants is for him to have a serious meltdown in line - I have a son with asd, too & I always explain exactly what he does to guest relations & they have NO problem writing his gac for him- there isn't anything we can do about fight or flight reflex-unfortunately for the unitiated they never understand that we as parents cannot turn it "off" like they think-unexpected/unseen touch, strong smells (& lets face it in enclosed areas in the heat or even best a/c conditions people STILL smell & with autism that sense of smell/hearing is like a superpower & its amplified) & then sheer overstimulation can set off screaming hitting kicking throwing & outside advice/reaction doesnt help our parent diffusing situation by any means...we as parents know a meltdown is a potential danger to other patrons in an extreme case, why tempt fate? guest relations will usually understand this scenario-asd is one of the majors that cm's have to plan for anyways especially when working with characters & approach/addressing meet & greets etc- they will understand what it is you are saying & if you meet with a brick wall, there are always other cm's...should you for some reason NOT end up with a gac on your first request, you can always try a line & when it happens (& it usually is inevitable unless your child is just really having a stellar IDEAL day) the cm who has to let you out of line will most likely vouch for you with guest relations (they can always radio/send word) in some cases

 

[Our3ps]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I really appreciate it.

 

[jimmysmom74]

you can always try a line & when it happens (& it usually is inevitable unless your child is just really having a stellar IDEAL day) the cm who has to let you out of line will most likely vouch for you with guest relations (they can always radio/send word) in some cases

My DS has SPD. We went to WDWx2 without the GAC and even with the low season, good tour plan, and FP utilization we had so many meltdowns and sensory overload moments.
It was in DL last year that we had the above situation happen, and the CM at the ride stopped me and told me to go to guest relations and get the GAC. She gave me her name and told me to have them radio the ride if there was any issues. When I went there I explained the situation and his needs, they had no problem giving him the GAC. I can honestly say the rest of our trip was a night and day difference.
I still feel bad I didn't get it sooner, he loves Disney and the rides, but he just can't be enclosed and trapped in those queues. If he would have hurt himself or someone else, I would have never forgave myself. Getting the GAC is absolutely worth it. I would say your getting it for your son and all the ppl who would have stood next to him in line. It benefits everyone really.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

Well think of it this way, some people are going to give you the stink eye no matter what.

People just don't think of it but those who will judge you, given the choice I'm sure would rather see you get through the line a bit easier than standing in line with your child during a melt down. It's unfortunately unrealistic to expect everyone to assume that there might be a hidden issue. But really, I think people with GACs who feel that guilt or that self consciousness about using it think about it way more than anyone who complains. I guess what should be more important to you is getting through things in a way that doesn't stress your family out and helps you, not what a mom from Ohama might think about you that she'll forgot about tomorrow you know?

 

[Our3ps]

Thanks everyone you have made me feel much better about things. We leave tomorrow. He has been having a good week so I hope it continues.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

Thanks everyone you have made me feel much better about things. We leave tomorrow. He has been having a good week so I hope it continues.

Hope you have a wonderful trip! Be sure to come back and let us know how your trip was!