Information on Autism for angry line-waiters

[jerseymom9]

We are headed to Disney at the end of the week. Last time we were there, three years ago, I got into many arguments with ignorant people who saw us use our Guest Assistance Card, my son is PDD-NOS.

I know there are business cards/post cards to hand out to non-understanding people, but I can not locate them. Anyone have any links?

And just an FYI....I would wait in a line for HOURS if my son could be "typical" and handle it......We are not looking for special treatment, just looking to enjoy our vacation, like every other family, with a sensory obnoxious child

 

[DisKim]

This link has cards you can print out for free http://www.bridges4kids.org/AutismCards.pdf

My son is 5 and has autism. I, like you, would wait for hours on end if it meant that my son did not have autism. We have even tried to wait on regular lines to see if he can handle it only to realize that there is a reason for the GAC pass.

Have a great trip!

 

[NaeNae]

This link has cards you can print out for free http://www.bridges4kids.org/AutismCards.pdf

My son is 5 and has autism. I, like you, would wait for hours on end if it meant that my son did not have autism. We have even tried to wait on regular lines to see if he can handle it only to realize that there is a reason for the GAC pass.

Have a great trip!

Do you know if they make a card like that for Sensory Processing Disorder? My DGD4 was recently diagnosed with SPD and we are making a trip to DW at the end of July. She is a sensory seeker so she tends to move (swing on chains, twirl, jump) a lot waiting in lines and others just stare at us like we can't make her mind. We usually try and hold her and contain her and that usually results in meltdowns. We will be getting a GAC for the first time to use with her but I thought it would be neat to be able to hand something to those that stare at us.

 

[renchick]

I had cards made a few years ago by a wonderful etsian which simply said:

My child has autism. What's your excuse?

I'm at a point where that is the level of civility I am willing to provide if someone is so rude as to stare or make comments. The cards have worked quite well so far.

 

[SueM in MN]

Do you know if they make a card like that for Sensory Processing Disorder? My DGD4 was recently diagnosed with SPD and we are making a trip to DW at the end of July. She is a sensory seeker so she tends to move (swing on chains, twirl, jump) a lot waiting in lines and others just stare at us like we can't make her mind. We usually try and hold her and contain her and that usually results in meltdowns. We will be getting a GAC for the first time to use with her but I thought it would be neat to be able to hand something to those that stare at us.

Many people with children on the autism spectrum or problems similar to your DGD have found 2 things helpful that you might want to consider.

1) A stroller to help contain them - even sensory seekers. You can get a Guest Assistance Card/tag for the stroller that will let you use the stroller as a wheelchair. There is more information about this in post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread.
A lot of children keep 'fidgets' or other things to keep them busy in the stroller and a child swinging a leg in a stroller is probably going to be less of an annoyance to everyone than one swinging on a chain.

2) A good touring plan to help you avoid the busiest places. A GAC only assists you in attractions. If it's busy, you will run into situations all over outside lines that are problematic. Knowing where to go and when to be there to avoid crowds will be very helpful. Many people who have used a GAC in the past have posted that a touring plan was more useful because it helped them avoid the situations that a GAC can't help with. Many have posted that a touring plan helped them to minimize their need for a GAC or even not need it at all.
TourGuide Mike and Ridemax are 2 touring plans people have reported good success with.

 

[SAGE]

Many people with children on the autism spectrum or problems similar to your DGD have found 2 things helpful that you might want to consider.

1) A stroller to help contain them - even sensory seekers. You can get a Guest Assistance Card/tag for the stroller that will let you use the stroller as a wheelchair. There is more information about this in post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread.
A lot of children keep 'fidgets' or other things to keep them busy in the stroller and a child swinging a leg in a stroller is probably going to be less of an annoyance to everyone than one swinging on a chain.

2) A good touring plan to help you avoid the busiest places. A GAC only assists you in attractions. If it's busy, you will run into situations all over outside lines that are problematic. Knowing where to go and when to be there to avoid crowds will be very helpful. Many people who have used a GAC in the past have posted that a touring plan was more useful because it helped them avoid the situations that a GAC can't help with. Many have posted that a touring plan helped them to minimize their need for a GAC or even not need it at all.
TourGuide Mike and Ridemax are 2 touring plans people have reported good success with.

I agree... having a good touring plan is so important. I always obtain a GAC for DS however I've found it wasn't necessary for most rides/attractions.
FASTPASS works very well for us.

After numerous visits I learned flexibility with your touring plans is also key.
If DS has had enough by 11:30AM, we leave!
(This would be harder with siblings who want to continue touring).

WDW is still the best for individuals with ASD.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

If possible we try and beat some of the queue's by getting to the theme park early.
For instance at Magic Kingdom we find we can get on the rides at Fantasyland with short wait times, therefore we encourage Joshua to be patient for a few minutes.

As we have a GAC too, it's just knowing when to use it as I am sure you understand. Parents with autistic children just want to enjoy themselves and where possible do what everyone else does.

Last year we had a couple of 'autism awareness' t shirts, that whilst getting the message across also were cute and not too overpowering if you see what I mean.

 

[DisKim]

This is a great board! What fantastic information!

I agree with the touring plan idea. I always just plan an itinerary myself. I know that my son cannot wake up early enough for EMH nor can he be out late enough for the evening EMH. If he does not have enough sleep, watch out ! So, I always plan to hit the park that had EMH the day before. Those parks tend to be slower to fill the next day, so it works for me. This summer, we will be there over 4th of July (not the time we would choose to go, but we are heading to Florida to see family before heading to Disney and had to work with their dates). I will be taking my son to AK on the 4th since they have no fireworks and staying out of the parks in the evening!

renchick - I LOVE that card! I wish I had thought of that myself! My son was having some issues in the mall the other day and a man said, "What's wrong with that kid. Is he retarded or something?" I could have really used that card! It was offensive in so many ways!

NaeNae - I agree with what others have said about using a stroller. My autistic son is a sensory seeker as well. To be honest, I don't tend to care what people think about him anymore though. They could only wish to get to know a child as wonderful as him. You'll never see these people again anyway.

My DH or I usually wear an autism t-shirt to the parks, so hopefully people get the hint. My favorite one says "If you think my hands are full, you should see my heart."

 

[Donna3271]

If possible we try and beat some of the queue's by getting to the theme park early.
For instance at Magic Kingdom we find we can get on the rides at Fantasyland with short wait times, therefore we encourage Joshua to be patient for a few minutes.

As we have a GAC too, it's just knowing when to use it as I am sure you understand. Parents with autistic children just want to enjoy themselves and where possible do what everyone else does.

Last year we had a couple of 'autism awareness' t shirts, that whilst getting the message across also were cute and not too overpowering if you see what I mean.

OMG! What a beautiful little boy. He has the face of an Angel!! Wearing the Autism Awareness shirts is brilliant!!! Thanks for the idea!

 

[JohnnySharp2]

OMG! What a beautiful little boy. He has the face of an Angel!! Wearing the Autism Awareness shirts is brilliant!!! Thanks for the idea!

Thanks Donna that's a lovely thing to say.

NaeNae - I agree with what others have said about using a stroller. My autistic son is a sensory seeker as well. To be honest, I don't tend to care what people think about him anymore though. They could only wish to get to know a child as wonderful as him. You'll never see these people again anyway.

I agree completely, just concentrate on having a good time. That's the main thing.

 

[Rekenna]

Wow, you guys, your stories made me cry and I'm at work!

Our DS2 is Autistic, b/c he is a little guy, and we go during Value season we haven't had the line issue just yet.

But, I double dog dare anyone to look or say something inappropriate to my baby-I'm sure you all feel the same.

The tips provided are great tips, I will keep them in mind for the future.

Bless you and the kiddos too!

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Wow, you guys, your stories made me cry and I'm at work!

Our DS2 is Autistic, b/c he is a little guy, and we go during Value season we haven't had the line issue just yet.

But, I double dog dare anyone to look or say something inappropriate to my baby-I'm sure you all feel the same.

The tips provided are great tips, I will keep them in mind for the future.

Bless you and the kiddos too!

It is common for people to get emotional on here.

 

[Schmeck]

Just a warning - handing out cards can be seen as a form of solicitation, which is not permitted on WDW property at any time. It can cause more trouble than it is intended to solve, although I can see how it is meant to help. But to hand something to someone who has already shown a negative interest is an example of instigation, which the courts frown on. Think of the teacup incident!

 

[DisKim]

schmeck - wow, good point! I never would have thought of handing out the cards as solicitation.

 

[irishtigger]

I am sorry that you even have to hand out cards to angry people. I really hope when you do they eat crow. It really is sad that people behave this way. I am sorry you even had to go through it.

 

[jerseymom9]

Thanks for all the nice replies and good advice. I didn't even consider it was against park policy to hand the ignorant bystanders something...Good point.

I guess he will wear a variation of Autism Awareness tee-shirts while we are there!

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Thanks for all the nice replies and good advice. I didn't even consider it was against park policy to hand the ignorant bystanders something...Good point.

I guess he will wear a variation of Autism Awareness tee-shirts while we are there!

Good idea, whatever happens enjoy the holiday.

 

[PatMcDuck]

My son with Autism, also has Down Syndrome, so we are "covered" with him. Although people I know are curious, because he does NOT act like most people with DS. (he is not really verbal, no conversational speech even with us). Sometimes people ask him questions (which is nice) and he does not make eye contact usually, and does not respond. They look at me questioningly, and I often say, "he has Autism, too". Sean is unaware of these conversations.

BUT I have a daughter (not autistic) who has had many serious health issues. What is still challenging her are orthopedic issues in her hips and knees.... she is 18 years old, and has had 4 double surgeries on her hips and knees. She still has dead bone in her knees, and severe arthritis in her knees. We have trouble all over the place...... she "looks" ok, if you do not see all the surgical scars, and stretch marks on her skin (courtesy of steroids). Sometimes she has to use a wheelchair of course.

People need to realize that there are serious "hidden" health issues all around, everywhere. My daughter gets harrassed using a handicapped parking placard...... it is HERS, registered to her. (she is accused of borrowing her grandparents placard, etc). Her knees are BAD, they need to be replaced (at age 18).

 

[3girlsfun]

Reading and thinking about this posting makes me sick. Not sick because you are posting it, but sick because people are so insensitive. I honestly don't think you should have to give them any type of info., or tell them anything, none of their business. I also dare someone to say something to me or my children. I do however, understand that most people are not like me. I would probably look them dead in the eye and just smile. If they say anything else, I would ask them if they would like to be educated on the disability known as autism......Probably don't, but if they do, then I would bore them to death with the facts while we waited in line.

I would honestly just do the best you can, and enjoy yourself!

 

[Schmeck]

I know, I wish people could walk in someone else's shoes for just a moment - people just don't 'get' some stuff until they experience it for themselves. While I feel I have been blessed by having relatively healthy children (they have issues, but not life altering ones) I have also been fortunate enough to get to know many children, teenagers, and young adults with an array of disabilities that have made their lives very difficult. And I do feel fortunate to have been able to get to know them, work with them, and help them learn to adapt and cope with the world. I feel like I have learned so much from them, maybe even more than they have learned from me!

Now, if you happened to cross paths with me in line at WDW, and you had a GAC, I'd know it was not for some 'instant line cut' - I'd be looking at you (politely, of course!) but only because I'd be curious about the hidden disability that the GAC was for - OK, maybe curious is not the word - what I'd want to know is what worked for the person with the disability, what assistance was needed, how parents helped the child adapt, etc.

Of course I'm not expecting an explanation, nor would I approach someone on vacation about it! But I try to learn new ways to assist my students wherever I can, and if I heard a sentence that helped a child understand a situation from a parent's perspective, I could use that information to better understand my students back at home, if that makes sense?

What I'm trying to say is that some people you might see 'staring' are like me - learning, but knowing not to invade on someone's vacation. So, please don't get mad at me!

Oh yes, and I have a tendency to be thinking while staring off into space, with a really 'frowny' look on my face - my kids ask me who I'm mad at, and I had no idea I was giving that impression!

Now, the people that make rude comments - that is just completely horrible and should not be allowed. But those are the people you need to stay clear of, not antagonize by giving them a card with info on it. If they already have loose boundaries, then crossing over that line to hand them something might set off their trigger, as they are already on the offensive by making the nasty comment to begin with. The court would see that as instigating, as you have approached the person and gotten into that person's space. Of course you are also risking getting seriously hurt by the angry person.