Moral dilemma

[Nick and Angie]

We are travelling to Disney in August with our autistic son (plus one other). His behaviour can be pretty atrocious at times but he's actually very good in queues when he wants to get to what's at the end of them! No doubt we could easily get a GAC but should we? I'm reluctant. My wife say's we should. Who's right?

 

[chell]

It might be a good idea to get one just in case you need it. That way you wouldn't have to worry about it.

 

[teri]

Absolutely. Think of it this way... you are used to your child's behavior, if he throws a fit, falls on the floor, grabs toys from other kids, etc. etc. the way my son does sometimes when he is overwhelmed... to you it is just another day, but to people who don't know your child, who are on vacation, it is a child out of control with parents who are not using good discipline. If there is a "touchy" line, and you can avoid having your child melt down by using an alternate entrance, you are doing everyone a favor, especially your child. You and your child are both sensitive to how other people react to your child's behavior... if somebody else gets upset or worked up, it can send an autistic child over the emotional edge.

Another consideration... the GAC isn't just about the queues. It is a short-hand signal to CMs that you may need ASSISTANCE. If you need to get to a quiet place, need alternate seating away from a crowd, need to leave quickly, it is really helpful to be able to flash the GAC -- the CMs get it right away, you aren't just another parent with a cranky kid, your child has special needs and you need a break. If you are having to restrain your child, and people are making comments or giving you The Eye, most intelligent and sensitive CMs will cover for you, cool down intrusive guests, really smooth things over. I have had this happen, many, many, many times... many CMs are wonderful about helping calm things down. Not all, but many.

Click on the link in my signature for information about the GAC, and some tips about traveling with sensitive kids.

 

[SueM in MN]

Just because you have one, doesn't mean you have to use it all the time. If the line is short or you can use fastpass, and your DS is coping well, you won't need it then. If he's having a bad day, you can use it before he gets to the meltdown point.

 

[SandraM]

Absolutely get one. Whyever would you not? It's a vacation - do whatever is going to make it most enjoyable for you (and standing in line is NOT enjoyable), and you deserve to have the facilities of the GAC available to you.
Enjoy!

 

[Nick and Angie]

Sounds like we should get one then - and use it if we need to. My worry was about leading a well behaved, angelic looking child past a long line of malaevalent stares... I can imagine wishing that DS would have just a small tantrum!

 

[teri]

I know that feeling!!!! When they are doing well, it is a blessing, and the other people have no idea what they are missing.

Go read this thread I just bumped, constructive ways to deal with staring -- there might be some support in there for you.

 

[D L and K's Mom]

My thought on the subject is GET IT!!!! We were in a similar situation and we chose to get the GAC. Just having it in my pocket made me feel more relaxed. We used it 2 times the whole time we were in Disney. Both times were when the line was long and in the direct sun..I think one was Kali River Rapids and I can't recall the other. DS can't stay in the sun to long he has a problem overheating and dehydrating as well as a problem with crowds etc. . The other times we just waited in line like everyone else. As I have said above just knowing that we had it in case of a "meltdown" gave us all a calm sense and we were able to enjoy the trip.I hate to say this but...my DD who is not a special needs child was very happy that we had it just in case DS had a problem. She is very sensitive to people looking and staring if we have a problem. She liked the idea that if DS had a problem she could flash it and the CM's and others would understand better. The CM's were fantastic I may add. One time we did use it I overheard one of them start explaining what it was to a man who sort of started getting angry that we were using the fastpass entrance. I couldnt have done a better job myself. The CM was very kind and saved me the hassle of smiling and trying to explain myself. Better safe than sorry!! Have a great time!!!

 

[Poohnatic]

My recommendation is to get the GAC. My family went in October, before my son was diagnosed w/ Asperger's. We swore we'd never take him again because of all the meltdowns and drama. Now that we know this is normal with Autism Spectrum, it's easier to handle, but we're getting our paperwork in order to get the GAC for our trip in June.

You may have a fantastic time and not need the GAC, which would describe our first trip last May (I think the newness of the experience kept it in check), but the overload the second trip was just too much for him.

Good luck!

Suzanne

 

[teri]

Poohnatic... welcome to the board.

You won't need paperwork at Disney. If you plan to go to Universal, though, you will need a doctor's note. Take a look at the GAC information in the disABILITIES FAQ - just click on the link in my signature.

 

[Poohnatic]

I realized that after reading all the posts, LOL! I have to get it all together for Social Security, tho.


Suzanne

 

[SueM in MN]

Yes, Poohnatic. I see you haven't been here long. Welcome to the DIS and the disABILITIES Board.

 

[MEM]

FYI to save potential embarrassment. On both visits to WDW (August 2001 and January 2002), the CM at Guest Relations ASKED to see a copy of the note from our child's neurologist, showing the diagnosis of autism-PDD and need for special consideration in the form of the GAC. My husband and I each carried a copy of the letter.

 

[SueM in MN]

That's really interesting, MEM. no one has mentioned being asked for a letter from a neurologist before and, in fact, people have tried to show their letter and were told it was not necessary. We've even had CMs who work in Guest Services write that they don't need to see a letter.
Just to be on the safe side, it wouldn't hurt to carry a letter. If you don't need to show it, fine. If you do, it's there. It may be more of a concern with invisible disabilities that don't have a physical component.

 

[MEM]

That's why I wrote in, because it seems each CM does it differently. I don't know if its the CM's unspoken thought that "gee, he doesn't look disabled." My DH and I are not particularly shifty-eyed. either! On the first trip, the CM read the letter carefully before printing the card. On the second trip, we had brought our old GAC and showed that and the letter to the CM. The expired GAC seemed to interest her more than the letter, but she felt she had see both, for the record I suppose. On both occasions, it was Guest Relations at MK.

As careful as Disney is about keeping CMs informed, we ran across a few at attractions who needed us to explain the GAC to them! One CM refused to let us enter the FP line without a FP. When we went to get a FP, the CM at the machine politely escorted us to the FP queue and explained to the CM how the GAC worked.

 

[SueM in MN]

Most of the GACs say that you are expected to use fastpasses, so I think most of the CMs assume all the GACs are the same.
We usually go to Epcot for our GAC. Guest Services there is usually not as busy as MK and they seem to have more time. The one time we did it at MK, the CM looked at our old GAC, but the only stamp she put on said we could wait in shaded areas if the line was in the sun for a prolonged period of time (not at all what our old GAC had said).