How do I know if we need a GAC? (Autism)

[preschoolmom]

My son is on the spectrum. Newly diagnosed. We've never done Disney World (as a family).

He is mild - and I think we will try to go the first day or two, and see how it goes...

If he needs a GAC, what do we ask for? The FAQ say they are all unique, based on needs.

Those of you that have kiddos on the Spectrum, what did you put on the GAC?

Thanks!

 

[leanan]

I have not done a GAC with my daughter yet but finding a quiet place for her to wait for our turn to ride would be the top priority. She hates lines and crowds. Each child is different. If your child is good at communicating their needs then they can tell you what bothers them about the parks and you use that. Nyssa has Aspergers so she is very vocal about what bothers her in the park. Her teachers have even said when it is time to line up for class that she gets upset at that.

 

[SueM in MN]

NOTE TO RESPONDERS: Please don't give specific information on what to say to get specific messages put onto the GAC.

If you are going at a time when it isn't really that busy, you may find that the waits in line are not that long and he doesn't have much problem.

You don't have to get a GAC the first day and many people who are undecided about whether or not they will need one wait a day or 2 to see what problems they encoounter. That way, when they do go to Guest Relations, they have a clearer idea of what the needs are.

One thing I maybe need to clarify in the GAC information in the FAQs thread is that you don't ask for any particular thing to be put on the GAC. You explain your/your child's needs and the CM chooses the stamp that they think will meet those needs. If you try it and it doesn't seem to fit (which doesn't really happen very often), you can always go back and say "This didn't work because ___________"

That said, a lot of people with children on the autism spectrum have said that being able to bring a stroller in lines and have it treated like a wheelchair is very helpful. Most lines do not allow strollers, but many kids with autism or other special needs do better if they have a 'safe haven' that a stroller can provide. It's also a good way to contain runners and provide some space between your child and others.
What else might be helpful to your child is going to depend on what things trigger problems for him. That's the part that is unique for each child.

The last advice I would give is that a GAC only helps for the attractions; it doesn't help with the general congestion or busy-ness of an area. If it's busy, you will still encounter waits for bathrooms, food, etc and just all the people who are trying to get from one place to another. So, knowing where to be and when to avoid the crowds may be even more helpful than having a GAC. There are services like Tourguide Mike (a sponsor of the Theme Parks Board) and tour books, or just asking questions on the different boards here that can help you plan a day to avoid the crowds. (In fact, I think I will add this to the GAC information in the FAQs thread).
My DD doesn't have autism, but she does have some visible and lots of invisible disabilities that make waiting in line and being in crowds difficult. But, even during Spring break, we are able to avoid using her GAC more than a couple of times a day because we know how to avoid crowds.

 

[preschoolmom]

We absolutely intend to try the parks for a day or two before determining if my son needs the GAC. I hope to not need one! (I see by re-reading my original post that this was not very clear - I intend to try the parks without a GAC - Then get one if it is necessary).

We've never really done a theme park of any type with him, so I don't know how he'll react. We're hoping he loves it (of course!).

We specifically planned our trip during value season and during a "slow" time to help with crowds and waiting. I'm planning to use TGM as well - I want to see as much as possible - and I love to have a plan.

Obviously, with three small children, we need to be flexible, too - but I wasn't sure how the GAC worked (with the wording). That's all.

Thanks for your info. We'll have to see how he does. I do think the strollers at MK will be perfect for him (we are bringing a double for our twins).

 

[SueM in MN]

We absolutely intend to try the parks for a day or two before determining if my son needs the GAC. I hope to not need one! (I see by re-reading my original post that this was not very clear - I intend to try the parks without a GAC - Then get one if it is necessary).

No, it wasn't offensive and your wording was very clear. One of the problems with boards like this is that all you had to go on was the words I typed; you couldn't see me nodding to myself and thinking that you are doing some good planning.

I was trying to assure you that lots of people do try a few days before trying to get a GAC (like you clearly stated you planned to do).
My warning was because sometimes people get a little too helpful in their really specific answers and I have heard from CMs that they sometimes are suspicious about people who have never been to the parks before and come in with very specific requests. Also, I know people have sometimes asked for a specific 'something' on their GAC when there is actually another 'something' that would meet their needs better.
Someone who can express to their/their child's needs to the the CMs has a better chance of getting what they need.
leanan gave some really good advice:
Look at other situations that have components that might be like things you could encounter at WDW. Is your child bothered by them (like waiting in line). If so, is the child able (or can you figure out) what it is about the situation that bothers them?

We specifically planned our trip during value season and during a "slow" time to help with crowds and waiting. I'm planning to use TGM as well - I want to see as much as possible - and I love to have a plan.

That should help a lot.
If you can get to the parks early, you can often see a LOT of things without waiting. My DD requires a lot of care in the morning, so there is no way that I can get her ready to get to the parks when they open. But, my DH has gone with other members of our party on almost every trip we make. By getting there early, he is always able to get on all the Fantasyland attractions without waiting more than a few minutes for any of them.

Thanks for your info. We'll have to see how he does. I do think the strollers at MK will be perfect for him (we are bringing a double for our twins).

A lot of people have posted in the past that their children on the autism spectrum liked those WDW park strollers. They are made of a firm plastic(not really hard, just firm - like the stuff Little Tikes products are made of). Many kids with autism like the firm pressure of sitting on a surface like that. They also have solid sides and a big canopy. I've seen more than one child with a thin blanket draped across the canopy to cut down on stimulation.

I'm sure you'll do well. You are doing a lot of pre-planning and that will really help in the long run.

To end on a postive note, many people with special needs children notice their children making positive gains after a WDW trip; frequently language related.

 

[preschoolmom]

I didn't want to start off my first post on this board by offending everyone!

I'm sure I'll be here frequently - asking more novice questions!



I am hoping that my son has a magical experience (my girls, too) - but I too have heard that kids on the spectrum really can blossom during/after trips to the World!

 

[Kriston]

My 7 yr old is autistic and we go to WDW annually. EVERY YEAR I take a notarized copy of his diagnosis papers on the letterhead from his doctor and signed by his Dr. with me. Therefore, if there is ever any question, I have what I need right there with me.
BTW, the reason we go back every year is because of how he blossoms after each trip! He was 3 the first time we went and we saw a remarkable difference during and after the trip.

 

[Bugsmom73]

WE opted to get my son one for our trip in December. His biggest need was an area to run wait in not so much for the crowd avoidance but for the fact that he can't sit still. He is moderate on the scale and had a great time.

 

[preschoolmom]

for your son?

We call our son Bug, too!

 

[irish_trip_mom]

We have two 5 years olds on the spectrum. They are identical boys, but oh-so-different in their needs! Our pediatrician had suggested we get two GACs in case we split up during the day. Guest services did not give us two, and it really wasn't necessary in our case in the end. Like you, we didn't know quite what to expect. In the end, only DS#2 was strongly affected by crowds and wait times, DS#1 had no issues or problems with them. At that point, we made a conscious decision that the GAC card would only be used if absolutely necessary (we went during a low crowd time on purpose.) So we never used the GAC for DS#1 (if DS#2 wasn't doing that ride, we used Fastpass, waited in line or didn't do that ride.)

Like other posters said, we found that Disney is where DS#2 blossomed. We are planning our next trip now! (Think we can deduct Disney as medical expenditures on our tax return?! Just kidding....I am a CPA and know that won't fly! But it's great therapy for the whole family!)

 

[LisaBi]

WE opted to get my son one for our trip in December. His biggest need was an area to run wait in not so much for the crowd avoidance but for the fact that he can't sit still. He is moderate on the scale and had a great time.

That is so funny to me. One time when DS was about 7 and was in a stroller, we stopped at Guest Services outside MK to register a few complaints (the only time we've ever done that - it was just one of those days where we encountered an unusual number of rude CM's).

Anyway, I'm talking to the CM, while DH and DS are behind me, and DS won't sit still, doesn't want to wait, won't listen, is trying to run away by making the stroller move with his feet, etc. The CM is noticing what is going on, and asks if we have a GAC (call SAP back then). I said yes, she asked to see it. She took it and said "Maam, this isn't what you need" and gave us a different one. I won't specify here what each was, but that made all the difference to us.

So - often the CM's seeing the kiddo in action speaks louder than a thousand words.

(BTW - This is the same kid I was able to go without a GAC last month as I posted before!)

 

[SueM in MN]

So - often the CM's seeing the kiddo in action speaks louder than a thousand words.

(BTW - This is the same kid I was able to go without a GAC last month as I posted before!)

 

[luvyawdw]

My 7 yr old is autistic and we go to WDW annually. EVERY YEAR I take a notarized copy of his diagnosis papers on the letterhead from his doctor and signed by his Dr. with me. Therefore, if there is ever any question, I have what I need right there with me.
BTW, the reason we go back every year is because of how he blossoms after each trip! He was 3 the first time we went and we saw a remarkable difference during and after the trip.

I agree with this approach. We take a letter from our duaghters Dr. also and as I have posted before, I can only speak from our experience, it has helped the CM to better understand our needs. I personally would not go without one.
Lisa

 

[luvyawdw]

We absolutely intend to try the parks for a day or two before determining if my son needs the GAC. I hope to not need one! (I see by re-reading my original post that this was not very clear - I intend to try the parks without a GAC - Then get one if it is necessary).

I think this is a good idea and you know you child best. I think you are really being responsible by asking others with similar needs what they have done. Since you have not ever been to Disney, you really do not know what to expect so asking others is a really great resource. Also, I just wanted to add that if you were to get a GAC the first day you could use it if you need it, and if you don't need it you could keep it for back up. At least you won't have to take a trip to GS in the middle of your day and wait for one. Its just something to think about, if you wait till your child is having a difficult time to get one, it may add alot of stress on your day. I hope you have a great time. I dont think your questions were offensive at all, I wish I had asked more questions many years ago when we first started taking our daughter, it would have been so helpful.
Lisa

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree with this approach. We take a letter from our duaghters Dr. also and as I have posted before, I can only speak from our experience, it has helped the CM to better understand our needs. I personally would not go without one.
Lisa

A lot of people who have received a GAC before take the old GAC with them and show it to the CMs in Guest Services. If the GAC worked for you, it's a good way to get the same accomidation.

Just to clarify, there is no requirement for a letter, but if someone feels it would be helpful for them to bring one, there is nothing wrong with that.
I just warn people that the CMs may not want to look at the letter. The reason I mention it is that in the early days of this board, people were posting they were upset about the CM not looking at the letter. Some people had paid for an extra doctors' visit or a fee to the doctor for preparing the letter, so we wanted to make sure people are aware that the letter is optional.
CMs who work in Guest Services (who read over the GAC information in the disABILITIES FAQs thread for me before it was posted) have said a letter with just a diagnosis is not very helpful in most cases. The accomidations are not given for the diagnosis, but for the needs the person has related to their disability. It is this way because that is the ADA is written. Some people with a particular diagnosis may have a lot of needs. Someone else with the same condition, may not have any needs for accomidation,

It may be more helpful for autism spectrum disabilities than in other disabilities because many people with autism have similar needs and having the diagnosis may be more helpful to the CM.
For other disabilities, letters with just diagnosis are not that helpful; CMs have told me that they often are handed letters or prescriptions with a list of diagnoses. The CMs are lay people, not medical people and the diagnosis may not mean much to them. Even if they do know what it means, people with the same diagnosis may have very different needs. If the letter just has a diagnosis and "provide my patient with any assistance possible", the CM is still going to ask some questions about what sorts of needs for assistance exist. I have seen people upset because they didn't understand this and thought a letter from the doctor listing diagnosis would avoid any questions.

So if people do bring letters, have the doctor write information about the person's particular needs related to their disability rather than just the diagnosis. Whether someone chooses to bring a letter of not is entirely up to them.

 

[Bugsmom73]

for your son?

We call our son Bug, too!

Nope, that is our nickname for our daughter. She answered more to bug than she did her given name of Meredith. Our son is Boo-Boo, like after Yogi Bear's little side kick. His name is Theodore but he goes by Teddy.

 

[Bugsmom73]

We say that he has 2 speeds, Sleep and Go. We did not need the GAC card for every ride. We did pull out when we needed it though.

 

[disneymom2one]

We never bring a letter from a doctor. I personally consider that private information and I don't share it with just anyone. We choose instead to simply bring last visit's GAC. This has always worked for us. I'm extremely happy with what the GAC says and like most others, we don't use it very much at all. But we're glad when we do need it.