Looking to see if kids with ADHD qualify under new DAS rules?

[lanejudy]

Not sure we should be telling people what to say in order to be approved.

If you are referring to the mention of "AuDHD" -- that is an unofficial term used to describe individuals with both Autism and ADHD. Neither diagnosis in and of itself -- or combined -- is enough to qualify for DAS without explanation of needs.

 

[fairy8i8]

As it has been said before, it is about why your child has difficulty in lines, as diagnosis doesn't determine need. I have 3 children with ADHD. My oldest is one of them, and he has never had a problem with lines, even when we took him to WDW and DL at 4 and 5 years old. The other 2 do have issues with lines, and also other medical conditions. However, you can't separate out medical conditions in a person because they all are part of an individual and interrelated. Probably why AuDHD is a term. Both conditions in a person create a holistic effect on how they experience the world.

It doesn't hurt to talk to a CM and let them know your concerns with your child. I get how difficult it is to worry about the possibility of having to change how you do things if denied DAS, and how difficult it is in the parks with a child with extra needs. I really hope you find a way to make your visit wonderful with your family!

 

[TLSnell1981]

It's common knowledge though. The diagnosis means nothing, it's all based on if you can or cannot stand in line.
Everyone is getting all up in arms about this diagnosis being accepted or this diagnosis being denied but forgetting the point of DAS.
DAS is for those who can't stand in line and you need to be able to explain why your disability doesn't allow it.

It's all different now. I know someone there now in tears because this changed since this spring. Three small children, one on full time oxygen and a spouse with multiple health issues. The new remedy isn't feasible. The irony...their trip was a "mental health" weekend.

 

[wdw4rfam]

Not necessarily. It’s come out people were being approved sometimes with very little beyond “my kid has ADHD and can’t stand in lines” especially by the in park CMs trying to avoid confrontation. So people may not actually be familiar with what was supposed to have been the process of describing needs and not a diagnosis.

The days of saying “my kid has ADHD and can’t stand in lines” are definitely over now though. OP, be ready to go far, far deeper into their issues, and then be ready to do it again if they bring in a medical specialist to the interview. And have a plan for being denied.

I agree with this. I just got it for my son after getting it for 20 years under the old DAS and the previous GAC. We used to just say he has autism and trouble in crowded spaces and we’re cut off and given it. It gradually became explain his needs, and now I couldn’t believe just how deep they dug. Actually giving me scenario after scenario of how he would react to certain circumstances. I was actually quite pleased when I hung up with how they knew exactly what to ask and how it would be next to impossible to used scripted answers. They don’t even give you a chance to start with these scripted paragraphs that people have stated they found online, he started with his own questions before I could even start explaining. I was happy with it.

 

[TLSnell1981]

I agree with this. I just got it for my son after getting it for 20 years under the old DAS and the previous GAC. We used to just say he has autism and trouble in crowded spaces and we’re cut off and given it. It gradually became explain his needs, and now I couldn’t believe just how deep they dug. Actually giving me scenario after scenario of how he would react to certain circumstances. I was actually quite pleased when I hung up with how they knew exactly what to ask and how it would be next to impossible to used scripted answers. They don’t even give you a chance to start with these scripted paragraphs that people have stated they found online, he started with his own questions before I could even start explaining. I was happy with it.

It's difficult and at times humiliating to admit one's disabilities. I do not believe one needs to be denigrated and reduced to tears for a DAS. This is shameful and beyond the pale. Disney isn't worth it.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

It's difficult and at times humiliating to admit one's disabilities. I do not believe one needs to be denigrated and reduced to tears for a DAS. This is shameful and beyond the pale. Disney isn't worth it.

If CMs are denigrating guests then I would hope that the guests report that CM to Disney for additional training, reassignment, or termination. However most reports are fairly positive in terms of the level of professionalism shown on the part of CMs, so more likely than not it is guest behavior/attitudes that tend to be more variable.

 

[wdw4rfam]

It's difficult and at times humiliating to admit one's disabilities. I do not believe one needs to be denigrated and reduced to tears for a DAS. This is shameful and beyond the pale. Disney isn't worth it.

As I stated they were thorough but never felt they were being rude or intrusive. He was actually polite and friendly while being very detailed. Handled quite well. You can’t possibly think that they can just give DAS to anyone saying “I have a disability” without questioning further.

 

[DiznyDiva]

As I stated they were thorough but never felt they were being rude or intrusive. He was actually polite and friendly while being very detailed. Handled quite well. You can’t possibly think that they can just give DAS to anyone saying “I have a disability” without questioning further.

Unfortunately the biggest problem with reigning excess in is always how badly out of control the excess got. Disney let the DAS pass become something it was never supposed to be. It was not designed to be a catch all and NEVER designed to help mobility issues.

I think it's about to extreme now, but I also think that just saying I have anxiety should not be a reason to get it. We all have anxiety and if you are at Disney, the line for a ride is not the only the time it will show, so you need to be ready with other coping methods.

People started asking for it for the slightest issues, even if they were able to stand in stand by because of FOMO or just want over need. It was easier. It got abused. Easily. Now they have to explain why they need it over just wanting it. That is not insulting, it's asking for just the facts. We do it everyday when we apply or are asking for things that we decide we need in our life.

The CM for my Kiddo as friendly, but I Will admit I told her everything we do or don't do for kiddo, from school, to home, to shopping and other places in the park. At the end I asked if she needed anything and she just laughed and said nope you covered everything. Prepare without drama I think some are going to worst case scenario and that isn't what they are looking for, They are looking for typical. Because if worst case scenario is all the time, then that is a whole different discussion, IMO.

As for talking about ones disabilities, I can only speak for us, but we have always encouraged our daughter to be honest about what she can and can't do. It's part of who makes her. It's not a shortcoming, it individuality. She can do what she wants , just her way. So we taught her to speak up fro herself in her own way about her own issues. It has empowered her, especially this year in school, to be able to really see how far she can go and how much she can have her voice heard. She is proud to discuss her abilities.

 

[SueM in MN]

As I stated they were thorough but never felt they were being rude or intrusive. He was actually polite and friendly while being very detailed. Handled quite well. You can’t possibly think that they can just give DAS to anyone saying “I have a disability” without questioning further.

At least what I've seen on Facebook posts, many people are considering being asked any questions to be rude, invasive and 'an inquisition'. Many do seem to expect to say, 'I have ***** disability' and be given DAS without other questions

 

[OurBigTrip]

At least what I've seen on Facebook posts, many people are considering being asked any questions to be rude, invasive and 'an inquisition'. Many do seem to expect to say, 'I have ***** disability' and be given DAS without other questions

Yeah, it’s crazy.

 

[jennab]

At least what I've seen on Facebook posts, many people are considering being asked any questions to be rude, invasive and 'an inquisition'. Many do seem to expect to say, 'I have ***** disability' and be given DAS without other questions

Agreed. I’ve seen people post that because they are receiving disability they should qualify because they are disabled. There seems to be a disconnect for some people who think DAS is mean for ANYONE with a disability.

 

[DiznyDiva]

Agreed. I’ve seen people post that because they are receiving disability they should qualify because they are disabled. There seems to be a disconnect for some people who think DAS is mean for ANYONE with a disability.

Yes, I agree. It this EXACTLY!

This seems to be the biggest problem online right now. It is the basis that they(The crazy Facebook and tik toks) are screaming from the rooftop about. Anyone who says the have disability is being harasses by being asked to explain what it is about their disability that makes it hard to be in line. NO, that normal in all aspects of life to have to explain your need for something. But those CM.s are mean, rude and unfeeling for asking.

So many say I got this from Universal(who by the way accepts questionable things to prove disability and it's not like anyone has ever lied or had a doctor lied for them) or the state say. Then it progresses to fine I'll just have seizure, pass out or potentially have a fatal episode in line...once again if you are that bad..should you even be in line?

DAS could never continue they way it was going. Yes, it may change again.. but I doubt it will ever open up like it was. Unfortunately, that leaves many disabled trying to figure out how to navigate. I would think at that point that is when it comes down to a reality check of how bad is their healthy really and if this is the best place for then if their health is that bad.

Like many have said choices. Nothing is worth the meltdowns, nights of anxiety nd stress some of these people are putting they bodies through. Disney is a wonderful place but at the end of the day it IS an amusement park made to make money and not worth anyone's sanity.

 

[voxparse]

Yes, I agree. It this EXACTLY!

This seems to be the biggest problem online right now. It is the basis that they(The crazy Facebook and tik toks) are screaming from the rooftop about. Anyone who says the have disability is being harasses by being asked to explain what it is about their disability that makes it hard to be in line. NO, that normal in all aspects of life to have to explain your need for something. But those CM.s are mean, rude and unfeeling for asking.

So many say I got this from Universal(who by the way accepts questionable things to prove disability and it's not like anyone has ever lied or had a doctor lied for them) or the state say. Then it progresses to fine I'll just have seizure, pass out or potentially have a fatal episode in line...once again if you are that bad..should you even be in line?

DAS could never continue they way it was going. Yes, it may change again.. but I doubt it will ever open up like it was. Unfortunately, that leaves many disabled trying to figure out how to navigate. I would think at that point that is when it comes down to a reality check of how bad is their healthy really and if this is the best place for then if their health is that bad.

Like many have said choices. Nothing is worth the meltdowns, nights of anxiety nd stress some of these people are putting they bodies through. Disney is a wonderful place but at the end of the day it IS an amusement park made to make money and not worth anyone's sanity.

Insufferable people are going to be insufferable. If they weren't complaining about this, they would be complaining about something else. Some people treat being disabled like some kind of pass to be catered too while many of us have been fighting for decades just for equality instead. It hurts the cause, but will always be a problem.