Is there ANYTHING here for me?

[TheCleverArachnid]

I've visited the forums a lot before, but haven't registered or posted before.

I love Disney World more than almost anything, and am trying to get myself back there next January-ish for another dream-come-true session with the Mouse. I have been diagnosed as being SOMEWHERE on the autism spectrum, most likely Aspergers... I hesitate to say it because it's become the 'trendy' diagnosis for people who are a little socially awkward, and when I say I have Aspergers a lot of people say it's not serious.

The problem is, last time I had some trouble when I was going there to play. I spent, like, ALL my time in the theme parks. Especially Tomorrowland (as you can tell by my nickname... ) but I ran into a lot of problems.

1) Certain rides were off-limits to me. Rides like Test Track, which had auditorily abusive queue areas. It was my favorite thrill ride ever (hate dips!) but I could only ride it if there was no line in the Single Rider area. I once waited in line with my family to show them how great it was and almost had a nervous breakdown.
Other rides, where the line area was just ridiculous. Or like Peter Pan's Flight, it's too crowded and the people are too close for my comfort.

2) I'm 19 years old but I still have, as it were, meltdowns. I don't have tantrums anymore like when I was younger, but sometimes I get so upset I loose my ability to communicate. I need to get to a quiet place, where there aren't any, or I need to ask for help, which I can't. Then I'm just standing there, panicking inside, but unable to say anything. So I just sit down on a bench for the rest of my life.

The bigger problem is, I'm going back on the College Program.

I went once before- it was a great job where I got to sit down all day and put my autistic talents to the test in a stockroom. The managers loved me and I loved my job. Now I'm going back to challange myself a bit further. I already know I can handle myself on the job. I did it for seven months. For some reason, I'm more likely to have problems during playtime than worktime. Go figure.

But when it comes for recreation, do they do anything for an off-duty cast member? Does it make a difference if you're not there on vacation? And would any of their acommodations be helpful anyway, based on my problems?

If the answers are no, yes, and no respectively, I can always just stay in the Starlight Lounge and have the time of my life, but still.

 

[Talking Hands]

sent link to a friend who may be able to help and answer your questions.

 

[TheCleverArachnid]

Well that was darn sweet of ya

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILTIES!

I can't answer it directly, but I would suggest that you go to one of the Guest Services locations. Ask about getting a GAC; if necessary talk to a manager. Just explain the situation as you have explained it here.

Mention that you will only use the GAC when there is a real need. You should be able to get one.

I have a neice who lives in South Florida who has had annual passes and one of her kids has autism and the other ADHD with tendency toward autism. When she got a GAC it was st as good for six months so she did not have to get one each trip up here. You should be able to get one that would be good for your length of stay in CP.

Just carry it with you and only use it if there is a real need.

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, including information about GACs

 

[TheCleverArachnid]

That's good to hear.

 

[SueM in MN]

2) I'm 19 years old but I still have, as it were, meltdowns. I don't have tantrums anymore like when I was younger, but sometimes I get so upset I loose my ability to communicate. I need to get to a quiet place, where there aren't any, or I need to ask for help, which I can't. Then I'm just standing there, panicking inside, but unable to say anything. So I just sit down on a bench for the rest of my life.

I know some people who have made a card up for situations like this. It said something about what the needs were. I'm not sure if you would be too panicked to get the card out, but having it might help you to handle your panic a little.

Now I'm going back to challange myself a bit further. I already know I can handle myself on the job. I did it for seven months. For some reason, I'm more likely to have problems during playtime than worktime. Go figure.

Good for you to go back.
I think it makes sense for you to have more problems during playtime.
During worktime, you have a much more controlled environment, schedule, routine. People I know who have Aspergers have much more trouble during playtime because there is more freedom and less control than they feel comfortable. Also, during work, the communication tends to be more predicatable than during playtime.

Good luck in your new challenge.

 

[Joanna71985]

I've visited the forums a lot before, but haven't registered or posted before.

I love Disney World more than almost anything, and am trying to get myself back there next January-ish for another dream-come-true session with the Mouse. I have been diagnosed as being SOMEWHERE on the autism spectrum, most likely Aspergers... I hesitate to say it because it's become the 'trendy' diagnosis for people who are a little socially awkward, and when I say I have Aspergers a lot of people say it's not serious.

The problem is, last time I had some trouble when I was going there to play. I spent, like, ALL my time in the theme parks. Especially Tomorrowland (as you can tell by my nickname... ) but I ran into a lot of problems.

1) Certain rides were off-limits to me. Rides like Test Track, which had auditorily abusive queue areas. It was my favorite thrill ride ever (hate dips!) but I could only ride it if there was no line in the Single Rider area. I once waited in line with my family to show them how great it was and almost had a nervous breakdown.
Other rides, where the line area was just ridiculous. Or like Peter Pan's Flight, it's too crowded and the people are too close for my comfort.

2) I'm 19 years old but I still have, as it were, meltdowns. I don't have tantrums anymore like when I was younger, but sometimes I get so upset I loose my ability to communicate. I need to get to a quiet place, where there aren't any, or I need to ask for help, which I can't. Then I'm just standing there, panicking inside, but unable to say anything. So I just sit down on a bench for the rest of my life.

The bigger problem is, I'm going back on the College Program.

I went once before- it was a great job where I got to sit down all day and put my autistic talents to the test in a stockroom. The managers loved me and I loved my job. Now I'm going back to challange myself a bit further. I already know I can handle myself on the job. I did it for seven months. For some reason, I'm more likely to have problems during playtime than worktime. Go figure.

But when it comes for recreation, do they do anything for an off-duty cast member? Does it make a difference if you're not there on vacation? And would any of their acommodations be helpful anyway, based on my problems?

If the answers are no, yes, and no respectively, I can always just stay in the Starlight Lounge and have the time of my life, but still.

Hey there. I can relate to you because I have Aspergers myself, and I have done (and currently am on) the CP as well. Let me see if I can answer your questions.

1) I would recommend doing FPs if you can, or look into the GAC. That would help out with queue problems and the crowds.

2) I feel the same way. I always have had issues communicating with people. Even now I consider myself somewhat of a loner, as I like to spend most of my time by myself. And I do get overwhelmed sometimes. Usually with loud noices, but also in big crowds. So the answer to #1 could also go here.

3) Congrats to doing the CP again. I have loved my time here on the CPs so far, and my goal is to come back and go FT here. What role would you like to do this time? And yes, it doesn't matter if you are not on vacation. When you are not working, you are still a guest. So I do hope you go back, and maybe I will see you next summer.

 

[Ms_Butterfly]

Yes, Test Track has horrid noises in the lines. Have you ever tried ear plugs or noise-cancelling headphones? If the sights are also a problem for you, try dark glasses and/or bringing something else to focus on, such as a book or magazine or toy or just something to fidget with/look at. For crowds, wear a big backpack on your back so ppl will have to stand back and not so close to you - you have the choice of how close to get to the person in front of you, of course.

Sensory overload and sensory defensiveness are real things, but they don't have to control your life. (And I say this as somebody who gets both, as I have Sensory Processing Disorder [pretty much the same sensory symptoms some Autistic ppl have].) There are lots of ways to try to deal with them, as well as try to prevent them. (Note that I said "try" - nothing works 100%!) Everybody is different, so you have to discover the ways that work for you.

And, of course, the GAC will help you.

 

[spotdog]

I can understand auditorily abusive. I find many Disney rides too loud and am not ashamed to use hearing protection headphones, when I need them. I also use them on airplanes to eliminate engine noise and "people noise".