Many Questions. Very confused.

[AFloridaMommy]

Our son (5yo) has ADHD and is crowd/noise sensitive. During events where there is a lot of stimulation/loud noises he can become quite impulsive and defiant. This can cause for extreme meltdowns (screaming, hitting, biting, etc.)


During our last trip to Disney, we brought a note from his therapist with proof of his difficulties - we didn't have a diagnosis at that point in time.


Now since then, I am quite lost what the changes to the disability cards are. We had in the past a RED GAC, where if there were long lines or too much stimulation, we would be guided to wait in a low crowded/low noise area. We requested the card at Guest Relations.

Where do we go now, and what exactly do we need to request? What is a DAS? How as the procedures changed since Feb '13?

 

[OurBigTrip]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3178976

The link above contains tons of info regarding the DAS, which is the replacement for the GAC, which is what it sounds like you used in 2013.

You still go to Guest Relations to request the DAS, and you must be able to describe your child's needs as they relate to waiting in line. Diagnosis means nothing to them, since ten people with the same diagnosis can have very different needs.

The biggest difference between the GAC and the DAS is that with the GAC, if you had the "alternate entrance" stamp, you could go straight into the Fast Pass line or exit. With the DAS, you will get return time that is the standby time minus 10 minutes. Anytime after your return time, you can enter the FP line for the attraction.

So for example, if the current time is 10:00 AM, you want to ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and the standby wait time is one hour, you would return at 10:50 and enter the FP line.

You can also use the DAS in conjunction with the FP+, using the DAS to fill in between FP+ rides.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

In addition to what OurBigTrip wrote above, I would suggest using noise-reducing earmuffs or earplugs to lessen sounds. That helps a lot with my DD. Another option would be to request the stroller as a wheelchair sticker. Many children with sensory sensitivities do better when they have their own space, sort of as a cocoon against the crowd around them. The sticker would allow you to bring the stoller into the line with you so your son could stay seated in it and have a buffer from the others in line.

 

[lanejudy]

PPs have given good advice. The link provided by OurBigTrip has all the details about DAS in the first post -- don't be scared off by the large number of posts following that; the info you need is at the front.

Since you mentioned previously bringing a note from his therapist I want to point out that a note is not and has not been required. In fact, more often than not Guest Relations may refuse to even look at a note from a medical professional. DAS is not diagnosis-based. You should be prepared to discuss his NEEDS as related to a standard queue environment, not his diagnosis.

Also, the DAS will only be helpful at attractions. There are crowds, noises and a lot of stimulation throughout WDW. So planning some coping strategies such as Maggie'sMom suggests can be quite helpful.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[cmsims]

We just returned from trip with our three children and our youngest--4 years old has autism (non-verbal, etc.). I was really nervous about the going in to ask about the DAS, but I just explained his needs and honestly it was not a big deal and we only used it 6 times in 6 days. The CM did suggest the stroller as a wheelchair pass for him and I was hesitant to get it, but did just in case--but that was actually the most helpful of all. He used the stroller for all of the shows--the live performances and the 3D shows (he refused to wear the glasses, so I do not know what he got out of these), at first I felt guilty keeping him in the stroller, so I took him out and he actually climbed back in. It was a safe spot for him--it made him happy. Also, in lines it kept him in a safe spot and we were able to avoid using the DAS a lot of times because of this pass and using a good touring plan. I hope this helps!

 

[zumbergc]

If you have a double stroller. Will they let you get the stroller as a wheel chair tag? only 1 needs the stroller for sensory issues, other is an infant.

 

[AFloridaMommy]

Yes, we used the stroller as wheelchair pass the last time we were there. They still have that option? Wonderful! We will definatley request it again. We also are planning on going to the park gate before rope drop and leaving before lunch, this way both kids could wind down take a break and then revisit the park for the night events.

The only thing I need to get is noise cancelling headphones, and an extra stroller for DD (12mo).

For DS, many sounds he could tolerate, like a firework show on the 4th. However, I think its more of a combo of a crowd and noise issue - because when we go to events where there are a lot of people in a small area, he gets overwhelmed.

 

[merina888]

Yes, you can a stroller as a wheelchair tag even with a double stroller. We had one the last time we went over the summer. We only used it once but boy did we need it! My daughter got very sick at MK while waiting in line.