Need tips for Disney and Autistic child

[msunc]

Can anyone help with ideas on taking an autistic child to Disney?
It is extremely difficult for autistic children to wait.
Are there any passes for an autistic child that can be shown
at various attractions to possibly get seated quickly?

Thanks so much

 

[MinnieLovesMickey12]

There is no GAC that will help you skip the lines.

I think the most common stamp for kids on the spectrum is a stamp that allows you to wait in an alternate waiting area away from all the ppl/when available.

 

[cobright]

There is no GAC that will help you skip the lines.

I think the most common stamp for kids on the spectrum is a stamp that allows you to wait in an alternate waiting area away from all the ppl/when available.

Yep. It doesn't make your wait easier but it makes mine more pleasant.

 

[Mom2six]

Can anyone help with ideas on taking an autistic child to Disney?
It is extremely difficult for autistic children to wait.
Are there any passes for an autistic child that can be shown
at various attractions to possibly get seated quickly?

Thanks so much

I've taken my son (5 years old now, but 4 at his first visit) a couple of times. I'd love to give you some tips but need a little more info. How old is your child? Is this the first trip to such a big venue with so much stimulus? Does he or she have a lot of anxiety? Have any particularly favorite characters? Do you know if he/she is afraid of characters or loud noises. A lot of tips are geared to specific problems like ear plugs.

 

[ChelseaH225]

I go to Disney at least once a year with my autistic cousin, my aunt has his doctor write a note explaining his condition, then the first day we're there we go to guest services and give them the letter they then give us a pass with the number of people in our party. The pass allows you to go on either the fast pass line, or handicapped entrance, it definitely helps! Also definitely bring some earplugs or headphones for fireworks/loud shows/rides

 

[Piper]

I go to Disney at least once a year with my autistic cousin, my aunt has his doctor write a note explaining his condition, then the first day we're there we go to guest services and give them the letter they then give us a pass with the number of people in our party. The pass allows you to go on either the fast pass line, or handicapped entrance, it definitely helps! Also definitely bring some earplugs or headphones for fireworks/loud shows/rides

This is misinformation. GS will not look at a doctor's letter. Also, most rides at WDW do not have a HC entrance--they are mainstreamed. You must be prepared to explain your child's specific challenges and/or behaviors resulting from them.

 

[msunc]

This is great! I did this about 5 years ago and had forgotten. It definitely
made a huge difference. Thanks so much for reminding me.

I go to Disney at least once a year with my autistic cousin, my aunt has his doctor write a note explaining his condition, then the first day we're there we go to guest services and give them the letter they then give us a pass with the number of people in our party. The pass allows you to go on either the fast pass line, or handicapped entrance, it definitely helps! Also definitely bring some earplugs or headphones for fireworks/loud shows/rides

 

[KathyRN137]

There is a very helpful site called Autism at the Parks that may provide you with more information. Have a wonderful trip!

Kathy

 

[livndisney]

There is a very helpful site called Autism at the Parks that may provide you with more information. Have a wonderful trip!

Kathy

Or the Op could read the info posted here in the stickys. The info posted by Sue is actually correct.

 

[ratlenhum]

I go to Disney at least once a year with my autistic cousin, my aunt has his doctor write a note explaining his condition, then the first day we're there we go to guest services and give them the letter they then give us a pass with the number of people in our party. The pass allows you to go on either the fast pass line, or handicapped entrance, it definitely helps! Also definitely bring some earplugs or headphones for fireworks/loud shows/rides

They won't ask for a note or read one if you give one. It violates HIPPA laws. You describe your child's issues and your concerns and they stamp the pass with what accommodations they think will help.

That beings said, changes are in the works right now and nonknenis sure how the GAC will work in the near future.

How well does your child wait online at the grocery store? How does the child handle lines and crowds at home? That's something only a parent can tell.

 

[tmk0730]

Our DS who is 6 1/2 has Autism and we get stamped Alternate Entrance when available on the card and that his stroller can be used as a wheel chair. Usually the first leads us to a FP line or Handicapped line or a quiet place to wait. The second gives him a "safe" place to be during long waits, crowds, noise. We carry a light blanket for him to cover the hood of his stroller with and he "hides" in there when overwhelmed. We've also had CM's allow us to let one parent stand in line for a character while the other parent walks DS around. This doesn't work for all lines but is possible for the more open character lines. I also agree that earplugs are very helpful. Hope this helps!

 

[Nichols4]

Don't be discouraged from going. My son has ASD and we have gone 3 times. He was 10 the first time we went. I made sure to take "construction worker" headphones for loud rides/fireworks. I made a picture book of each park with pictures of each ride and what to expect at each (noisy, dark, fast, etc.). I also included a picture of the seat for each ride with the caption "you must remain seated" so he wouldn't stand up or try to jump off. We used the books every night 2 months prior to the trip. They worked great! Not one problem!! We went in the fall so it wasn't very busy and he was able to stand in all lines without one meltdown. His verbal and behavioral skills improved so much that his teachers said we needed to take him twice a year. We haven't had to use the books or headphones anymore because he knows what to expect.