Nervous about upcoming trip-ASD

[lifeisogood]

I have taken previous trips with my 2 autistic kids in tow, we got the special needs pass that met our needs well. This time around we are now at a stage with one of my children where he will say very alarming things, things such as "you pushed me!" or "gross you wiped a booger on me" or other untrue things that might make a person think we had just done something awful thing to him. There is not a lot of warning for this, something in his head just snaps and he says these things and the doctor has not been able to find any way to help this with us either. Our world has gotten smaller as these behaviors have increased. I hate to cancel our long ago planned trip, I have other kids that are typical as well, and this behavior could just be exchanged for a more difficult one down the road. Any ideas on some kind of information I can get on the GAC so the waits (and exposure) are less? I am thinking if there is a different place to wait for shows, I almost want the card to have some succinct way of saying these outbursts are part of his diability instead of having to explain it all if someone asks. We will be doing shorter days in the park if he is having a hard time and more time at the hotel swimming, etc.., but I do want to try to enjoy the park as much as possible.

 

[my3apsons]

I could have written what you did. We've never done Disney because of the 3 boys. My now 12 year old often says things that didn't happen but what it stems from is his anxiety. If he thinks it might happen, he often just blurts it out.
I know almost nothing about what Disney can do to help. I'm going to ask them and see what they say about it. We are down there in 2 weeks.

I'm sure your trip will go well. I understand your concern.

 

[lifeisogood]

We will be there at the same time and my son is the same age! It is so hard to deal with. When we are out to eat and my son screams "don't stab me with that fork!" lots of people turn and stare certain we just made a gestural threat to this poor kid! (I know I would have before being in this situation). I wish you lots of luck on your trip. Disney has always been such a good experience for us and I'm hoping this time will be too but as he gets older the challengs do get harder! I am hoping for the best!

 

[bookwormde]

If I could suggest if you are concerned wear an autism puzzle pin, Awareness is on the rise and anyone who understands about spectrum genetics will understand and be supportive.

bookwormde

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree that there is very little that Disney can help with this situation.

Whatever stamp is on the Guest Assistance Card, there will be times where you will be near to other people who may/will hear what is being said.
Many of the alternate waiting areas are off to the side of the ‘regular’ line, parallel to it, not in a separate area.
Here is an example of one of the alternate waiting areas - this one is in Laugh Floor at MK. The alternate line is to the right and will be less full than the ‘regular’ waiting area to the left side of the picture. But, as you can see, the alternate area is narrow (a little more than wide enough for a wheelchair) and it is very close to the regular line, so someone talking in it would be heard by people in the other part of the line.

There are some attractions that have a totally separate room/area for waiting, but you could be in there with a few people or a lot of people. We have been in the area for Turtle Talk when we were the only people in there (4 in our party), but we have also been there when there were over 25 in there.

I agree with bookwormed that the best option might be to have something on the child/other family members that references autism. There is a lot of awareness of autism, these days, so a pin or other item would alert people that there is more going on than it appears at first glance.

Reader who are looking for more information about Guest Assistance Cards (GACs) can find a section about GACs in post 6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread located near the top of this board. There is also a link to that thread in my signature.

 

[Napria]

My 14 year old son is autistic also and while he doesn't blurt out the same kinds of things, he does say very embarrassing things to total strangers. He also doesn't understand personal space and will get his face right up to a stranger's face when speaking, lay his hand on the closest part of their body (look out well-endowed women) and run. Or rather RUN when over stimulated.

Someone recommended Cafe Press tee shirts. They have a HUGE selection of autism shirts for children and adults, both for those who love autists and autists themselves. They're pricy, but we're getting him four different ones and he'll rotate wearing them. My daughter says we're putting a label on him, but he doesn't care (he actually picked out the ones he wants) and I think it will help us and him, and also help those around us understand.

 

[lifeisogood]

Thanks for the good suggestions and keep them coming if anyone has anymore. We do have some autism shirts lined up but will probably add a pin or something for the days we don't and check out cafe press too. I know what your daughter means about the label part but also I do think it helps in understanding not only the child but also maybe people will realize we didn't just do something bad to him to cause him to say these things.