question about GAC and Asperger's

[pigletforever]

DS4 has Asperger's. We have been told about the GAC to get for him. I keep reading about them stamping the card with what accomadations we need. I know that DS can't stand in regular lines because of not handling that many people around him. He also has issues with certain levels of noise. What are my options for accomadation stamps for him. And are there any others I am not thinking of that he might need? this is a new diagnosis and I am still learning the ropes.

 

[SueM in MN]

If you have not checked the FAQs thread, but it has a lot of information that should be helpful to you.
I'd suggest you try to not think about the particular stamps that are available, but what needs your chaild has. It could be that the stamp you are aware of would not be the best to meet his needs. Many people with children on the autism spectrum have posted that being able to bring a stroller in line and have it treated like a wheelchair is very helpful. It provides kind of a 'safe haven' and separation from all the other people/stimulation for your child. Also, many kids with ASD really like the WDW strollers; (except for the Studio) the strollers are made of a firm plastic and have large canopies and sides that cut down on stimulation. Many kids with ASD like the firm feel of them and the way they cut down on what you can see.

 

[melomouse]

Hi Piglet -

We are just back today from 6 days in WDW with my Asperger's son, who is now 14. I picked up the GAC at MGM - there were no crowds there at Guest Relations that morning. It's only the 2nd time in 6 trips I've gotten it for him.
I think you have to actually BE in the situation and see how your child deals with things. After closing time at MGM, and EMH, we got to the resort buses, only to find that POR had at least 4 busloads of people waiting. DS was obsessing about exact change for a vending machine, was very tired and his back was hurting after walking all day and his major surgery this summer. I knew we were about 10 minutes away from a major meltdown.
Took the GAC from my purse and went up to the front of the line as the next driver got off the bus - there were 2 busses now. The driver was already very apologetic to the waiting crowd. I showed him the GAC and told him my autistic kid was 10 minutes away from a major meltdown and we needed to board a bus right away. He put us right on the "new" bus with the 2 ECV's just loading.
After that, I had no problem using it to handle the sometimes terrible nighttime rides back to our resort.
I hope this helps a bit. My point is that until you see what the reactive variables are for your child, you just don't know exactly how a CM can help but if they CAN, they will..

 

[KathyRN137]

Hi Piglet!

We have been to WDW 3 times with our autistic son (now 8), and our typical daughter (10). We use the GAC, but quite frankly, we don't need to use it that often. Yes, long lines can be difficult for all kids, especially those on the autism spectrum, but there are lots of things you can do to avoid long lines.

For instance, we always plan our trips during the less crowded seasons. Summer and Christmastime are simply out of the question. There are also "tricks" to learning the least crowded parks for each day of your visit. May I suggest www.TourGuideMike.com.

Back to the GAC. Ours states that he may use an "alternate entrance, if available". Of course, its the "if available" that is the operative phrase. Usually this pertains to the FastPass queue on attractions that offer FP. For all other attractions, there really is no way to accommodate this request. That is why it is best to depend on sensible touring practices rather than on stamps and GACs.

Getting enough rest, arriving at the parks at opening and taking midday breaks to avoid fatique and irritability are key. Knowing what factors trigger meltdowns and making every attempt to avoid them is also very helpful. Providing your child with familiar foods, toys, and "loveys" can help to provide security. Keeping to as many routines as possible will also be very comforting; if you brush teeth, then read a bedtime story and then say prayers before bed at home, continue this while at WDW!

Does your child utilize social stories? Make some up ahead of time and go over them with your child before your trip so he has an idea of what to expect. My son likes to do things in a sequential way. He likes to have a list of attractions that he would like to see in hand so he knows what's coming next. i.e. 1)Dumbo, 2)Pooh, 3) Peter Pan, etc. We also address the possibility of deviating from the "schedule" :

"The rides at the Magic Kingdom are fun."
"I like to ride the rides in order."
"Sometimes, however, a ride needs to be cleaned or fixed."
"It's O.K. to feel sad when I cannot ride a ride.
"I will ride that ride another time."

Another thing I find particularly helpful is to use the GAC for handicapped seating at the big shows, like Fantasmic! It is a blessing to be able to procure seats just before showtime and avoid sitting for a half hour or so while he gets more and more antsy. He uses soft ear plugs to muffle the noise of the fireworks and loud music. (They really help!)

There are other ways that the Cast Members can help you. When we arrive at the podium of a TS restaurant, we let the hostess know that we are willing to wait for a quiet table, preferably against a wall or window. When queuing up to meet a character, we let the "handler" know about our son's autism. The characters are always very gentle and patient with him.

I agree with SueM. Try to think about what your child's needs are and adapt yourselves to them. Every ASD child is different and I want to reassure you that you can advocate for what he needs very successfully at WDW. I have found that most CMs are extremely helpful and kind.

Feel free to check out my Pre-trip report on the trip report board, "KathyRN Family: Adventures in Autism-WDW." We leave for WDW on Nov. 6th. I'm going to try to include as much as I can about the special needs of my autistic son and how we work our WDW vacation around them!

Kathy