Multiple children on autism spectrum question

[jvz82]

My oldest son is 7 and diagnosed as high functioning ASD. Our last Disney trip was when he was almost 5 and it was a tough one. It was before his diagnosis, and it was actually one of those moments where I realized that something was going on with him beyond just typical child behavior problems. Anyway, I'd like to make use of the disability services for him for our next trip.

My younger son, who is 3, does not have an ASD diagnosis but I have started to suspect that he will get one at some point because of his behaviors. He really struggles in large crowds and he does TERRIBLE waiting in lines. He will literally just scream the entire time. Our trip is still 6 months away and I hope he will get over some of that but I want to be prepared.

So I guess what I'm wondering is does he need an official diagnosis to access disability services? Do we even need to get him something separately if we're already doing it for his big brother? Also we have 6 people in our family (youngest will be just under 2 for our trip) and I think I've read something about the disability service only being for groups of 5? Is that true? I'd really like our family to stay together quite a bit.

Thanks!

 

[lanejudy]

There is more information about DAS in the sticky pinned near the top of this forum: http://www.disboards.com/threads/wd...15-digital-das-on-tickets-magicbands.3178976/

DAS is not diagnosed-based, it is need-based. So whether or not your child has a diagnosis doesn't matter. Be prepared to explain each child's needs as related to waiting in a standard queue environment.

If you think it is at all possible your family may split up for some rides (maybe big brother is tall enough for some the little ones can't do) -- then I recommend requesting a DAS for both children. You can all ride together if that is the situation, but it will give you the flexibility to split and do different attractions at the same time. Up to 5 plus the DAS holder (so total of 6) will be allowed to ride with 1 DAS; your family should be fine.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

DAS is not diagnosed-based, it is need-based. So whether or not your child has a diagnosis doesn't matter. Be prepared to explain each child's needs as related to waiting in a standard queue environment.

1) WDW is not allowed to ask for a diagnosis.
2) WDW does not accept ANY doctor's notes.
3) As mentioned, just tell them of the actions and/or needs from the child's condition.

 

[gap2368]

I would get a DAS for both children if you feel and disney feels they need one this way if you do go on two different things you can or if one child dose not want to do some thing last second the other one can. I would put the return time on both DAS for each ride so if one son dose not want to go on but the other one dose you will not have to worries

as fair as the DR note just about 99% of the time the CM will not look at them they do not care about DX ( I have 1 thing I have been DX with another the psycologetst was dragging her feet I never got a DX even thought the therapist said I had this the PA at the psycloigets office said I had this and another person said I had this I finally moved on form her office before the official DX came. some times when I am getting my DAS I say the thing I have the DX for some times I say the other. all disney really want to know is what kinds of help do you(r) family need in lines

als have you thought about using a stellar as a wheel chair for the youngest and maybe the oldest to give them a safely place. this could help you/ them a lot

 

[nikkislaght]

so knowing their triggers will help with some of the situations you will find yourself in.. practicing now to avert them, using tools to aid your boys. My son will use a hat and sunglasses to cut down on oral and visual noise. carrying a weighted backpack..if you have a weighted vest that could help. electronics can be used in line. plenty of breaks, crunchy food. my husband and I will have our son stand in between us so that we can leave him room to flap and hop if needed and not bump into anyone... my son has a sensory diet in place that is done every morning rain or shine..! finding a place ,for him it was Tom Sawyers Island to run around in was a necessity. reading his signs.. last time we were at DL I took my son back to the hotel early while the rest of our party stayed and we swam and watched TV and ate and chilled out. hope you have a great time

 

[dreiwhit]

As mentioned, just tell them of the actions and/or needs from the child's condition.

I was prepared to go into a long explanation and answer questions to get a DAS card for my 14 year old Aspie son, but they CM politely "interrupted" (for the lack of a better word) and told me they will give him a DAS card.

All I remember saying that he had a ASD that could make it difficult for him to wait in long line and we got the card.

 

[Baklava]

I was prepared to go into a long explanation and answer questions to get a DAS card for my 14 year old Aspie son, but they CM politely "interrupted" (for the lack of a better word) and told me they will give him a DAS card.

All I remember saying that he had a ASD that could make it difficult for him to wait in long line and we got the card.

Yes. Technically the card is given based on specific needs, not a diagnosis, but the minute I got, "autistic" out in regards to my daughter, the CM was issuing a DAS. They see a lot of this. They have a general idea of what autism means. The CM even encouraged us to get the stroller-as-wheelchair tag and noted that it was handy for sensory issues.

We had a very positive experience.