Just back- GAC!-Autism related

[princesskenziesmom]

Tinkerbellmom, I would rethink this. Each ride has their own way of redirecting people with the GAC. Whether it's another entrance, or whatever, even if it is the FP lane, you have the right to go that way because you have a child with a disability and Disney says you can and they're the only ones who's opinion matters. If people do see you, they will probably just assume you're supposed to be in that line and if they don't, who cares? The only way Perry will see all of WDW is with that GAC and I don't consider it a privilege as much as a necessity that I desperately wish I didn't need. Don't let anyone else's uninformed comments or looks keep your family away, lives with family members w/any dx is far more complicated and heartbreaking than "normal" families and if this is what is takes to make this a happy vacation, I think it's terrific that Disney does this for us!! You're a great mom, don't let others rattle you

I totally agree, while we have never taken our 4 yr old son diagnosed with Autism we will be for his 5th bday and if people can't understand, than too bad. I am going to do everything I can and take advantage of the love Disneyland has for our children to make sure this is a magical vacation for him. If all of those people cast "dirty looks" at us, so what, than we can cast dirty looks at them when their kid is playing soccer and in a regular school..heheh..just joking. But really, enjoy and just savor every magical moment your child has and don't even think on it for a minute what others think of you.

 

[MBW]

Tinkerbellmom, I would rethink this. Each ride has their own way of redirecting people with the GAC. Whether it's another entrance, or whatever, even if it is the FP lane, you have the right to go that way because you have a child with a disability and Disney says you can and they're the only ones who's opinion matters. If people do see you, they will probably just assume you're supposed to be in that line and if they don't, who cares? The only way Perry will see all of WDW is with that GAC and I don't consider it a privilege as much as a necessity that I desperately wish I didn't need. Don't let anyone else's uninformed comments or looks keep your family away, lives with family members w/any dx is far more complicated and heartbreaking than "normal" families and if this is what is takes to make this a happy vacation, I think it's terrific that Disney does this for us!! You're a great mom, don't let others rattle you.

I completely agree. We had only one time this May at DL when, as we were being escorted by staff past the people waiting in the Standby and FastPass lines, that someone said jokingly, "what do we have to do to get in that treatment?", to which I gently replied, "have a child with profound autism." The man immediately lost his grin and said, "they deserve all the help Disney can give them" very kindly (and loud, too, and the people around him agreed.) So even if people innocently make stupid comments, most of them, when shown the facts, are completely supportive of whatever accommodations Disney makes, even the extensive ones our sons get.

However, it's not only our lives which are made better by those accommodations; for example, my son can become very agitated and vocal, even physically aggressive to us and strangers, if he hears a baby cry nearby. We clearly can't predict, or control, another child's behavior, and our son's reaction could be harmful to anyone standing in line nearby. The accommodations Disney makes prevents, for the most part, that situation from ever arising, so they don't have angry injured, as well as melting autistic, guests on their hands. So everybody's happy in the end.

Get the accommodations your child needs, and don't feel guilty, or worry about what anyone has to say about it. Frankly, I think most people are now familiar enough with autism that they understand the need for accommodation.

 

[lisadoll93]

Or as my ODD is fond of telling people about DS "he does not talk-soemthing is wrong with his brain. Its okay because he is my brother and I love him" I have never had anyone say anything after she says that.

 

[SueM in MN]

There are people who will make comments no matter what.

I've read lots of posts where people using Fastpasses have gotten snarky comments from people in the Standby line. The ones in the Standby line don't understand how Fastpass works, so they think anyone in the Fastpass line must be getting some special treatment.

So, it's not only people with GACs that get comments.

 

[nikki1978]

crazy for dis, my son's dr gave us a script for diastat for break through seizures with a sigh of relive we did not need it just his daily meds keppra disney let us use a stroller as a wheelchair gave us shaded waiting areas and one great CM made my sons day the line for mickey was long very long and she saw the red tag on the stroller and saw my son's face when i told him with no shade we could not wait to see him the CM pulled us i said and lead us to a court yard where the characters went into the A/C to we met all of the charaters in aboubt in hour and it was personal and private and they did not rush my son at all and he talked there ear of so that one CM made my son's year just with mickey but wow you name them my son met them

 

[pcparamedics01]

Hello everyone,

We are just back from the most amazing trip ever and I promise to write a trip report about our special day in the MK (you seriously won't believe it).

Now having been before I was familiar with the GAC but noticed a few things I would pass along:


I just got back from MK too. I have an ASD son 9. 4th of July.:

He did so well with the GAC too. Even at the Pirates of Carribean we went though the CM entance in the back and right onto the boats. It made my son and the rest of my family such more comfortable and an enjoyable experience. Hands down to Disney for helping us have a pleasureable experience!!!! I was not stressed at all in MK.

 

[Sabre2th]

Tinkerbellmom, I would rethink this. Each ride has their own way of redirecting people with the GAC. Whether it's another entrance, or whatever, even if it is the FP lane, you have the right to go that way because you have a child with a disability and Disney says you can and they're the only ones who's opinion matters. If people do see you, they will probably just assume you're supposed to be in that line and if they don't, who cares? The only way Perry will see all of WDW is with that GAC and I don't consider it a privilege as much as a necessity that I desperately wish I didn't need. Don't let anyone else's uninformed comments or looks keep your family away, lives with family members w/any dx is far more complicated and heartbreaking than "normal" families and if this is what is takes to make this a happy vacation, I think it's terrific that Disney does this for us!! You're a great mom, don't let others rattle you.

We took our boys to WDW in '03 and had a GAC for Alex who was only six at the time. (We have since learned that his younger brother Adam is also Autistic.)
At that time, Alex had NO concept of what lines were for; by the way he acted it was as if he believed all these people standing in his way were deliberately keeping him from going to his next destination.
Also, Alex was completely non-verbal and his only way of communicating was to scream, cry, yell and luckily laugh now and then.
Only once did people give us nasty looks but I really can't say I blame them. The line was l-o-n-g and it was v-e-r-y hot that day. I figure those people had waited at least 45-50 minutes and here we just walk through the handicap line and get in almost immediately. Now don't get me wrong, I didn't feel so bad for those people that I gave up the right to use the GAC, I know there's no way we could have gone on the ride if we didn't have the GAC, but I just ignored the huffy-sighs and glares of shock and anger as we boarded the ride.
BTW, it was the ride called DINOSAUR and after the ride was over I asked Alex if he thought the ride was scary. To my total shock and amazement he nodded his head and said "Ya,"
It was the first time in his life he EVER answered a question!
If Disney didn't offer the GAC, who knows how long it would have been before Alex discovered something exciting enough to speak about!
We are going again this fall, and now that we know we have TWO autistic children, I can't wait to see what break throughs the boys have this time!

 

[pcparamedics01]

That is awesome! A great break through!!!!!! I am crying myself. I have a child ASD 9 boy who is very high functioning. He had a great time in MK did not have a good time in MGM. My son is very verbal!!! I am soooo happy for you!! He too had a great time!

 

[Sabre2th]

That is awesome! A great break through!!!!!! I am crying myself. I have a child ASD 9 boy who is very high functioning. He had a great time in MK did not have a good time in MGM. My son is very verbal!!! I am soooo happy for you!! He too had a great time!

I sorry to hear you son didn't enjoy MGM. Were you able to go to EPCOT OR Animal Kingdom too?
I know I don't dare try to put either Alex or Adam on the Tower of Terror! I can just see Alex finding a way to get out of his seat the moment after the first drop!
Alex is much more verbal now, but is very difficult to understand, especially if you haven't been around him very much. His brother Adam has always been much more verbal, to the point it drives me nuts some times, but he too is very hard to understand.
I recall reading one of these posts where the person siad it was better to be able to explain to customer relations there at WDW why your child needs the GAC instead of just handing them a note from your doctor. I'm still not sure how to explain what Alex and Adam are like without going into a hour long discusion, so I've thought about just smiling and letting the boys speak for themselves.

 

[ss0414]

I recall reading one of these posts where the person siad it was better to be able to explain to customer relations there at WDW why your child needs the GAC instead of just handing them a note from your doctor. I'm still not sure how to explain what Alex and Adam are like without going into a hour long discusion, so I've thought about just smiling and letting the boys speak for themselves.

Not wanting to verbally discuss my medical issues to a complete stranger, I wrote a letter to Guest Relations that was very detailed, and listed how I felt a specific accomodation could help me and why. I simply handed the Cast Member at guest relations the letter, she asked me how many were in my party, and handed me a GAC. She stated that I should hand it to the first person I see at the rides, and if it wasn't working for me, then return and she would determine where to go from there. I believe specific accomodations are not to be listed here, but I would like to say that I applaud Disney for the accomodations to help make our trip so tolerable and enjoyable. Due to medical issues, my kids wouldn't have seen the parks without it (the GAC) during this trip.

I wanted to add regarding the stares and ugliness of others when using the GAC, we, too, experienced some not so kind remarks. In particular at the entrance to Space Mountain. A family complained to the CM rather loudly, wanting an explanation as to why we were being accomodated. I did felt awkward, but my daughter stated to me that those people had no idea what was in store for us when we returned to the hotel room (medically speaking.) It's like when someone who doesn't appear handicapped uses a handicap sticker in a parking space. People who look otherwise healthy can have a lot going on internally. Of course, posting that here is like preaching to the choir. Anyway, we just ignored them. I would gladly trade waiting in line for the medical issues.

 

[SueM in MN]

I believe specific accomodations are not to be listed here, but I would like to say that I applaud Disney for the accomodations to help make our trip so tolerable and enjoyable. Due to medical issues, my kids wouldn't have seen the parks without it (the GAC) during this trip.

Thank you.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Anyway, we just ignored them. I would gladly trade waiting in line for the medical issues.

You might respond (very sweetly, of course) something to the effect that there are medical problems which are none of your business. However, if you are willing to accept all of these problems in our stead we will be more than happy to wait in line while you go ahead.

I think that will embarrass the heck out of them.

I have told people that I will let them have my personally-owned ECV if they will accept all of the medical conditions which require my use of it.

 

[mrstbalt]

My DD5 has autism, both times with a GAC. I feel guilty for getting it, but I know I shouldn't. It's like when you call in "sick" to work for a mental health day you don't feel guilty, but when you really are sick you feel guilty for doing so. That is how I felt the first time. We didn't seem to need it much the first time we went, she was only 3 and did ok. But when we went in April we had more problems and had to get out of line. This time she seemed more aware of her surroundings and feelings. The trip this time wasn't as magical as the first time we went, it was only 1.5yrs between trips. I think we went too soon. The cruise was fabulous, we all LOVED it!!
That is why when my friends go to Disney I never mention this to them. Most of my friends wouldn't do it, there are people who abuse it and ruin it for everyone else. I don't want it ruined for us next time we need it.

 

[pcparamedics01]

II recall reading one of these posts where the person siad it was better to be able to explain to customer relations there at WDW why your child needs the GAC instead of just handing them a note from your doctor. I'm still not sure how to explain what Alex and Adam are like without going into a hour long discusion, so I've thought about just smiling and letting the boys speak for themselves.

I did not bring a Dr's note. I just told them my situation. She did glance and look at him and he did happen to be hand flapping a bit. They were very good. No hesitation I got it immediately.
I think if you go in with a Dr's note it gives a sense of "Hey Disney I better get a GAC pass". It is just my opinion.

 

[KPeveler]

Sometimes people write their own notes/letters explaining their needs, too, I have heard. They do not try to pass it off as a drs note, but I know I always explain things better in writing.

also (I do not have autistic children, much less a child with autism, so i am just guessing here) I would imagine if you have a fairly high-function child, who is now a teenager, he or she might be embarrassed to have their parent explaining in front of a whole group of strangers that they are autistic, or that they have tantrums, even at age 16. it may be less embarrassing or just easier to explain in writing. i know i would rather write it down than explain it all. in fact, i write down all my questions before going to a dr, so i know i do not forget something important.

(this also works when your medical condition may not be comfortable to discuss in public - such as a condition which causes the unforseen but immediate need for a restroom)

 

[pcparamedics01]

My DD5 has autism, both times with a GAC. I feel guilty for getting it, but I know I shouldn't. It's like when you call in "sick" to work for a mental health day you don't feel guilty, but when you really are sick you feel guilty for doing so. That is how I felt the first time. We didn't seem to need it much the first time we went, she was only 3 and did ok. But when we went in April we had more problems and had to get out of line. This time she seemed more aware of her surroundings and feelings. The trip this time wasn't as magical as the first time we went, it was only 1.5yrs between trips. I think we went too soon. The cruise was fabulous, we all LOVED it!!
That is why when my friends go to Disney I never mention this to them. Most of my friends wouldn't do it, there are people who abuse it and ruin it for everyone else. I don't want it ruined for us next time we need it.

a

If you can do without it by all means do so. It is what works best for your family. I would not feel guilty if you need to use it. The most important thing is that it is a pleasurable, enjoyable and comfortable experience for your daughter. In my personal situation we cannot do without GAC. It makes everything more comfortable and less stressful for my son, family and probably for the people that would of had to stand in line with us.

 

[SueM in MN]

I recall reading one of these posts where the person siad it was better to be able to explain to customer relations there at WDW why your child needs the GAC instead of just handing them a note from your doctor.

Many times the doctor letters just say something like "My patient, ----------,
has autism and can't wait in lines. Please extend him and his family every courtesy."
That kind of note doesn't tell the CM anything about what the child needs. Since even people with the same diagnosis, it is better to just explain the needs. You don't have go into a lot of detail, just think of the most important things to your child for the situation you will be in. Even though you may not have gone to WDW before, you probably do have experience with waiting in lines, going to movies, etc.

 

[Sabre2th]

Many times the doctor letters just say something like "My patient, ----------,
has autism and can't wait in lines. Please extend him and his family every courtesy."
That kind of note doesn't tell the CM anything about what the child needs. Since even people with the same diagnosis, it is better to just explain the needs. You don't have go into a lot of detail, just think of the most important things to your child for the situation you will be in. Even though you may not have gone to WDW before, you probably do have experience with waiting in lines, going to movies, etc.

Even so, I sure hope whatever details Alex and Adam's doctor puts in the note will be enough to explain most of their needs. But if I need to I can tell them what's wrong, I just don't want to come off soundling like I'm begging for something.

 

[pcparamedics01]

Many times the doctor letters just say something like "My patient, ----------,
has autism and can't wait in lines. Please extend him and his family every courtesy."
That kind of note doesn't tell the CM anything about what the child needs. Since even people with the same diagnosis, it is better to just explain the needs. You don't have go into a lot of detail, just think of the most important things to your child for the situation you will be in. Even though you may not have gone to WDW before, you probably do have experience with waiting in lines, going to movies, etc.

I agree Sue MN!

 

[Sabre2th]

Many times the doctor letters just say something like "My patient, ----------,
has autism and can't wait in lines. Please extend him and his family every courtesy."
That kind of note doesn't tell the CM anything about what the child needs.

I'm just wondering what sort of needs would the CMs be interested in?
Without a doubt, the most important thing I would like help with is if we get seperated from wither one of the boys.
Once I went to Silver Dollar City once, and just as we were exiting the park I lost grip of Adam's hand and in a split second there were throngs of people pushing us futher and further apart! I screamed out for him, like it was going to do any good. Thankfully a kindly woman had the sense to take Adam by the hand and hand him over to a security guard and I was just a feet away.
But when the guard asked Adam, "Is this your mother?" and Adam gave no reply, the guard acted like he wasn't sure if he was going to give me Adam. I explained that I had dozens of pictures of Adam on me to prove that he was mine, so he let have him, but the whole experience was scary!
At this point in time, niether Alex or Adam would be able to explain to anyone they were lost, or who or what their parents look like. If there is any kind of assurance I could get that if either of my sons were lost the CMs would be aware of their weaknesses that would be such a relief!