May need DAS or not

[elainer]

My son has ADHD, a mood disorder and attachment problems. He is easily stressed and over stimulated and will meltdown and become aggressive. We manage his challenges/ symptoms with medication, behavior management, therapy, and theraputic parenting, and he is making very real progress. I'm really not sure if he will need a DAS card or if our normal interventions (plus a stroller as wheelchair sticker to address his physical special needs) will be enough.

Should I get a DAS card and not use it if he is handling things well, or should I wait and see if he needs it. I worry that if I wait it will be hard to regroup after he is already struggling.

Thanks!

 

[lanejudy]

That's really up to you...some people would get the GAC and hold it as insurance "just in case" while others would try the "wait and see" approach. If you think you would completely lose a day (and encounter a lot of stress/frustration) by putting off getting a DAS, then I would go to Guest Relations first and use it if needed. You will need to stop by Guest Relations for the stroller-as-wheelchair tag anyway, so you might as well request the DAS while there and save another stop.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[bookgirl]

I say get it and use it as needed. If you get it and never need it than great, if don't get it but you do need it then you'll wish you had it.

 

[elainer]

Thanks for the speedy replies. Because he is on the borderline I think I feel guilty for even considering asking for accommodations even though logically I know that this is a perfectly legit use of DAS.

 

[aaarcher86]

Thanks for the speedy replies. Because he is on the borderline I think I feel guilty for even considering asking for accommodations even though logically I know that this is a perfectly legit use of DAS.

It's available for a reason. I'd definitely get it on your first visit to GR and use then go with however you feel.

You're still waiting your turn, you're just doing it in a safe area for your child. Nothing to feel guilty about!

 

[tobikaye]

I have to agree with the others to just go ahead and get the DAS when you stop to get the tag for the stroller. Then you might want to try to go without using the DAS to see how he does. This way, if you do encounter an issue and you are on the other side of the park, you do not have the additional issue of going back to get the DAS.

This is probably going to be my strategy for the next time I take my sister, but in her case we will be using a either a wheelchair, ECV, or rollator. She has additional issues that are not always met by the mobility aid. Due to her mobility issues, and her mood when stressed, if we had to go back to GR especially somewhere like Animal Kingdom, we would be better off just leaving that park for the day. She would be wiped out mentally and physically.