Question about waiting in line/Aspeger's

[mcraft17]

We have been many times to Disney when we used to live in Florida, but we usually avoided summer and went in off times and this will be the first time back in almost 3 years. My question is my dd has Asperger's (recently diagnosed last year) and she has problems waiting in lines. If there is a line she will tell me it is too long and not want to wait in it, so we have to miss some good rides. Or if we do stand it line she will complain pretty loudly that everyone is taking too long and why don't they move. Which tends to upset others around us. We usually do the fast passes but on the rides without fast passes what does the GAC do when it says waiting in a quiet area or do they give you a pass to come back in the time the line would have taken? We don't mind waiting but I think it would be easier if dd didn't have to do it in a long line of people. She has anxiety as well and I wonder if that doesn't bother her as well. Thank you!

 

[bookwormde]

Your daughter is giving you some general information, which is typical for all younger children. What you need to figure out is if the level of anxiety is beyond what she is comfortable with and if that is the reason for the complaints and actions. This would not be unusual for someone who is Aspergers, possible from a sensory perspective or from fact that she has not yet developed the social skills to “deal with” the situation. Where an alternate waiting area is available the GAC will help with these issues. If it is just that the wait is to long then it probably not appropriate.

bookwormde

 

[JESW]

Does your dd use a gameboy? I know that many parents are against them, but it saves the rest of us when we allow ds13 (also aspergers) to use his gameboy in the parks or other times when he is having a hard time waiting. He is also into pin trading and the distraction of seeking out cm's with pins also works for us.

Jill

 

[Schmeck]

A GAC could give you a quiet area if available, but sometimes there are others waiting before you there as well, and she would still need to wait. Even using the accessible entrance could backfire, as there could be a party ahead of you waiting for an accessible vehicle, and you could be waiting longer than the regular queue.

One of the best things to do to avoid long lines and waits (besides Fastpass) is to get to the parks as early as possible, and have a gameplan of what you have to ride that day. Then, once the parks get crowded, go for a break at the resort, etc.

If your daughter is just being vocal about having to wait in line, she'll blend right in with the rest of us! We've all vocalized about the long wait, why so-and-so is just standing there when they have 8 feet of space in front of them, etc! When I start doing that, my kids and I start playing games, like I-spy and Disney ABC.

 

[mcraft17]

Thank you so much for the replies! I think that I will make sure to bring something for her to do in the line. She LOVES her Nintendo DS and I hadn't thought of bringing that in the line. Since we will have to wait in a seperate area I don't think the GAC will work for her. Since this will be the longest time we have been in WDW since she was little, (we are going 7 days instead of just 1) we are planning to take our time and take breaks in the afternoon, so that will hopefully help. When she is starting to have some meltdowns we can go back to the pool and chill awhile. Thanks again and if I have anymore questions I will be sure to ask.

Also is there a post with information about Asperger's and WDW?

 

[scojos]

there is an ace TR from someone with an asd child which i found very helpful and there are lots of posts about asd questions.
my ds has aspergers too so have found this board v helpful
also as i know you hang out on the disigners board rumblytumbly has done so FAB autism designs for tshirts, we are printing them for ds, so people might be a bit more considerate...
hope this helps
tracy

 

[SueM in MN]

Besides the very good info you got already, there are some links in the disABILITIES FAQs thread that may help you. That thread is near the top of the thread list for this board (or there is a link in my signature).
In post #3 of that thread, there are some links to past threads about ASD. Some of them have information that might be helpful to you, even if they are not quite the same situation as your DD. There is also a link in post #3 I just added this evening about touring hints for guests with anxiety issues.

There is also information on that thread about Guest Assistance Cards (GAC). As the others mentioned, sometimes what happens when using a GAC is not consistent.
Another thing that people have posted was very helpful to them was TourGuide Mike (he is a Theme Park Board sponsor and there is a link to his website at the top of that board). TourGuide Mike can help you to figure out when it is busy and when so that you can avoid those areas and go to the areas that are less busy.

 

[Ctsplaysinrain]

much for the replies! I think that I will make sure to bring something for her to do in the line. She LOVES her Nintendo DS and I hadn't thought of bringing that in the line. Since we will have to wait in a seperate area I ....

Just some thoughts about the DS... My Aspie loves his DS as well to the point of obsession. We can never bring in parks because then he wouldnt want to do anything else and there would be all sorts of meltdwons concerning turning off etc... Also, what happens if the DS gets lost or broken.. We had an accident w/ a DS and a toilet last year at a beach house and my child cried inconsolable all night... Also, even though we did replace that machine, there were still many tears because he couldnt replace the lost data and level etc he was on...

 

[SueM in MN]

Just some thoughts about the DS... My Aspie loves his DS as well to the point of obsession. We can never bring in parks because then he wouldnt want to do anything else and there would be all sorts of meltdwons concerning turning off etc... Also, what happens if the DS gets lost or broken.. We had an accident w/ a DS and a toilet last year at a beach house and my child cried inconsolable all night... Also, even though we did replace that machine, there were still many tears because he couldnt replace the lost data and level etc he was on...

That's a good thing to think about.
The same suggestion may be a wonderful help for one family and a source of trouble for someone else.
That's where you have to read things with your own child' behavior and figure out what sounds like it will work.

 

[mechurchlady]

I read on the boards how one parent used cut up bits of gummy worms type of candy. I love the new chocolate skittles and they do not melt or try some other small tidbit like cereal or raisins. One every few minutes should keep her distracted. Just dont let her get to where she fidgets to get the treat, lol.

Unfortunately mom does not fall for that trick lol but in the past distraction worked best. She is one of them who cannot wait in lines.

 

[webcs]

We have been many times to Disney when we used to live in Florida, but we usually avoided summer and went in off times and this will be the first time back in almost 3 years. My question is my dd has Asperger's (recently diagnosed last year) and she has problems waiting in lines. If there is a line she will tell me it is too long and not want to wait in it, so we have to miss some good rides. Or if we do stand it line she will complain pretty loudly that everyone is taking too long and why don't they move. Which tends to upset others around us. We usually do the fast passes but on the rides without fast passes what does the GAC do when it says waiting in a quiet area or do they give you a pass to come back in the time the line would have taken? We don't mind waiting but I think it would be easier if dd didn't have to do it in a long line of people. She has anxiety as well and I wonder if that doesn't bother her as well. Thank you!

children with Asp and Autism have the right to a Disability Access Card, ask at the MAIN INFORMATION before you enter the park.

These types of children do not view the world like we do, and for their enjoyment, for the enjoyment of the other people in the queue, and for your enjoyment of your family you should ask for help when needed.

There will be times when they can wait in queue, and that is great. But YOU and your child should not have to stress about when those times are and when they are not. Just use the card as sparingly as possible and you will enjoy your trip greatly.

 

[SueM in MN]

children with Asp and Autism have the right to a Disability Access Card, ask at the MAIN INFORMATION before you enter the park.

The Guest Assistance Card (GAC) is given for needs, not any specific diagnosis, but otherwise, I agree whole heartedly with what you wrote/

If you have needs that require accommodation, you can get a Guest Assistance Card at Guest Relations, either just outside or close to the entrance inside any park.
There is more information about about GACs in the disABILITIES FAQs thread, near the top of the thread list for this board (there is also a link to that thread in my signature).

 

[mcraft17]

Thank you again for all the great information! I will definitly check out the thread at the top of the boards on ASD.

After I got thinking about the DS I thought it might be a bad idea. She does get obbsesive with it and we even have to limit her time with it at home. I think it will stay in the hotel, that way it won't be an issue. I was thinking about making a seek and find (she loves these) or activity pages she can do in line.

We aren't going till May of next year so we have lots of time to plan, and I am so glad I found this board, so I can get ideas. We may get a GAC and we may not. I might just get one and if we need it because of a meltdown or issue, great but if not that is great too. I am definitly one who will only use it if needed, since I know that it is a wonderful service and don't want it to be abused.

I do LOVE rumblytumbly's designs but I am not sure my dd will wear it. I may have to see if I can put it on a bag or something, any ideas?

 

[busykate]

I always get a GAC when we go, and we go when the parks are fairly empty. I look at the GAC as an insurance card. I have to use it for its a small world, a bug's life and the Nemo show at AK. The rest of the time it pretty much stays in my pocket. It makes sense to get one when you enter MK, their CM in town hall seem to be the best. You may never need it but if you do it makes a world of difference.

 

[MinnieVanMom]

I agree it is like an insurance card. We got during the AM EMH's and try to be at the rides he likes the most. Most are walk on. Then we are in the back of the park and go over to Pirates for the opening and jungle cruise. By then the park starts to get crowded and we get a quick lunch and leave.

Our child has autism and doesn't understand the social niceties of waiting in line or touching people. Having us wait in other than the primary line is what is best for all.

 

[wvdislover]

We have been many times to Disney when we used to live in Florida, but we usually avoided summer and went in off times and this will be the first time back in almost 3 years. My question is my dd has Asperger's (recently diagnosed last year) and she has problems waiting in lines. If there is a line she will tell me it is too long and not want to wait in it, so we have to miss some good rides. Or if we do stand it line she will complain pretty loudly that everyone is taking too long and why don't they move. Which tends to upset others around us. We usually do the fast passes but on the rides without fast passes what does the GAC do when it says waiting in a quiet area or do they give you a pass to come back in the time the line would have taken? We don't mind waiting but I think it would be easier if dd didn't have to do it in a long line of people. She has anxiety as well and I wonder if that doesn't bother her as well. Thank you!

My DD10 says the same things! "Why are all these people here...they need to just go away!" We've found that we can get her to wait in line for about 30 minutes max (we tried a 45 minute wait for Test Track last September, but it was TOO LONG!!! I thought we'd never get to the front of the line!). Any longer than that, we use the GAC. We did take her DS with us, which worked really well, until she had a meltdown and threw it down and stepped on it DH thought he'd let her learn a lesson and let it break Now he regrets that lesson and says he should have grabbed it from her. You live and you learn! As for the anxiety, DD has that too, and I'm sure it is an issue with our girls (I KNOW it is with mine!) Also, not sure when you're going, but keep the weather/temperature in mind, too. DD10 had her huge meltdown b/c she got tired and overheated in the September sun. We were in the process of leaving, but it was a little too late.

 

[SueM in MN]

I have to use it for its a small world, a bug's life

A Bug's Life has a roped off area of the waiting area that you can use for a child with ASD if you have a GAC. It is also used for guests with wheelchairs and ECVs, but even with those people, it is more separate than waiting for the show to start in the 'open' area with the rest of the guests. I remember one time, when a boy was especially concerned about people being close to him, where they had the people with wheelchairs wait right next to that area so that the boy and his family could have the whole space.

For Small World, people with wheelchairs, ECVs or using strollers as wheelchairs need to board at the exit so that their mobility device it on the correct side of the water when the ride ends. The 'pull off' point for that is partway thru the queue; then you proceed down the exit ramp toward the boat exit. At that point, there is a waiting line for the people boarding that way.
I would caution anyone who does not have a mobility device to look how many people are already waiting in that area before taking that route. (If you have a mobility device, you have no choice). On our last trip in April, we rode twice. On our trip in October 2007, we rode once. Each time, the regular standby line was less than 10 minutes and, in fact, some boats were being sent out with seats empty because people were not walking down fast enough.
Meanwhile, the people in the 'disabled' line had waits in the disabled line was 20-30 minutes (after having waited for a few minutes in the regular line before getting to the pull off point). Several of the people on each of our trips included people without wheelchairs who had GACs. I felt bad for them because once you get down to the bottom of the ramp, you are in a chained off section of the exit with all the other people waiting in that line quite close to you. One young girl who had a GAC was very unhappy (it sounded like she was afraid with all the wheelchairs and ECVs so close to her in front and behind). Her parents were trying to get her to go under the chain so they could leave the line, but she would have nothing to do with that, so they kept in the line. On one of our trips, the CM asked who needed to use the wheelchair accessible boat. She then pulled people out of line if they didn't need that boat, so at least those people got to board faster.
We don't have a choice because DD can't get out of her wheelchair, but if someone is not in that situation, I'd suggest checking that part of the line out before joining it.

 

[kaffinito]

I have some tips that might help:

1) Go to the local mall and practice waiting in line before you leave.
2) Also, institute a "no wait or no ride" rule. I made it clear to my youngest that if he wanted to ride he could wait. Neither one of my kids knows about the GAC, and I didn't get one last year. My choice.
3) Use a TP and follow it's advice. Anything you can do that will cut down on wait times is good.
4) Bring a small hand held electronic game - not a Gameboy or other type of game that the child plays at home. If the game is really simple to play - think MacDonald's type toy, and it's not a game they play all the time, then the child doesn't mind having to put it away as much. Also, if you make it a line specific game only that really helps. I try to use my kids autism as much as I can to help both of us. If a game or activity is a site or event specific thing, then the child gets used to only doing it during certain times.

John has a tip to add too (age almost 8) - he says that if he has a thing to hold onto to rub, (he's a stim seeker) then it makes it easier for him to wait cause he doesn't get the "guy dancing in his stomach" feeling.

 

[mcraft17]

My DD10 says the same things! "Why are all these people here...they need to just go away!" We've found that we can get her to wait in line for about 30 minutes max (we tried a 45 minute wait for Test Track last September, but it was TOO LONG!!! I thought we'd never get to the front of the line!). Any longer than that, we use the GAC. We did take her DS with us, which worked really well, until she had a meltdown and threw it down and stepped on it DH thought he'd let her learn a lesson and let it break Now he regrets that lesson and says he should have grabbed it from her. You live and you learn! As for the anxiety, DD has that too, and I'm sure it is an issue with our girls (I KNOW it is with mine!) Also, not sure when you're going, but keep the weather/temperature in mind, too. DD10 had her huge meltdown b/c she got tired and overheated in the September sun. We were in the process of leaving, but it was a little too late.

Thank you so much for your reply! It is so good to hear that our DD isn't the only one who says or does these things! It feels like she is the only one sometimes when people look at you like you don't know how to handle your child. Sorry about the DS our dd gets like that too and has thrown hers a few times luckily it is still in working order. That is why I think it will stay in the room. She often does things without thinking and then has a really hard time dealing with the consequences.

 

[mcraft17]

I have some tips that might help:

1) Go to the local mall and practice waiting in line before you leave.
2) Also, institute a "no wait or no ride" rule. I made it clear to my youngest that if he wanted to ride he could wait. Neither one of my kids knows about the GAC, and I didn't get one last year. My choice.
3) Use a TP and follow it's advice. Anything you can do that will cut down on wait times is good.
4) Bring a small hand held electronic game - not a Gameboy or other type of game that the child plays at home. If the game is really simple to play - think MacDonald's type toy, and it's not a game they play all the time, then the child doesn't mind having to put it away as much. Also, if you make it a line specific game only that really helps. I try to use my kids autism as much as I can to help both of us. If a game or activity is a site or event specific thing, then the child gets used to only doing it during certain times.

John has a tip to add too (age almost 8) - he says that if he has a thing to hold onto to rub, (he's a stim seeker) then it makes it easier for him to wait cause he doesn't get the "guy dancing in his stomach" feeling.

Thank you for the great ideas!! And it is funny your son should say what he did, my dd often says sometimes she feels like someone is tickling her from the inside. I wonder if that is something that kids with ASD feel.