Question for those with Autistic child

[Brightsy]

I've never had it marked on the ADR. I have, in the past, just mentioned it to the CM when we checked in. We used to do that for character meals. I'd let them know ahead of time that they couldn't "sneak" up on our DS. They were always really good about it. Nowadays my DS is comfortable w/ the environment and likes being surprised by characters. At all other places if DS gets too fussy we take him out for a break.

 

[Sunbeamblue2002]

how is the waiter taking your daughters drink order unfair?

Not that its unfair that she is taking her drink order but sometime when a server dosn't get a response right away they get testy and then things go down hill. I just want to make sure people are aware that she is for the most part non verbal yet she dosen't have alot of the same cues that she has autism unless you look her straight in the eyes. I have had a few people get very agitated that she's not responding/listening to them and I haven't noticed they are speaking to her until its too late. Thats what I ment.

 

[aduck126]

I am sure that is not what she meant at least I hope not.

I hope not too because getting all angry over a waiter asking for a drink order seems a tad bit psychotic.

 

[aduck126]

Not that its unfair that she is taking her drink order but sometime when a server dosn't get a response right away they get testy and then things go down hill. I just want to make sure people are aware that she is for the most part non verbal yet she dosen't have alot of the same cues that she has autism unless you look her straight in the eyes. I have had a few people get very agitated that she's not responding/listening to them and I haven't noticed they are speaking to her until its too late. Thats what I ment.

maybe at a normal restaurant the waiter might get slightly annoyed, but in disney they are used to different kinds of situations, so i dont see this happening.

 

[Sunbeamblue2002]

Wonderful response!!!! As a special education teacher I see parents of Autistic children try and shelter them and really in the long run it does not help the child. Their goal should be to foster as much independence as possible so that they can manage to do many many things on their own as they get older especially children who are considered high functioning. I am well aware that modifications are needed but to have a restaurant mark it on your reservation is completely over the top .

I don't want to treat my daughter any different then anyone else. Its just that we may be going at a very busy time. Having been a waitress for several yrs I know the stress and pressure they are under to work swiftly and give evey table they have. I don't want to add undue stress on anyone my faimly included if I just inform a rest that we may need somemore time because we have a issue that will require added consideration regarding ordering/time spent at table etc. I have severl needs children and never alow them to use their issues as an excuse to not do things. However the rest of socity is not always so understanding and often when someone is already stressed out reason sometimes takes a back seat. I just want to have a nice vacation without someone who might not understand the whole story make life uncomortable for a while.

 

[wtccheermom]

I don't want to treat my daughter any different then anyone else. Its just that we may be going at a very busy time. Having been a waitress for several yrs I know the stress and pressure they are under to work swiftly and give evey table they have. I don't want to add undue stress on anyone my faimly included if I just inform a rest that we may need somemore time because we have a issue that will require added consideration regarding ordering/time spent at table etc. I have severl needs children and never alow them to use their issues as an excuse to not do things. However the rest of socity is not always so understanding and often when someone is already stressed out reason sometimes takes a back seat. I just want to have a nice vacation without someone who might not understand the whole story make life uncomortable for a while.

Regardless of whether a child has a disability or not a waitress/waiter should never show their frustration to a child or any guest for that matter. I just do not understand why you can not inform the server when you get there about your child’s specific needs. It just seems like an awful lot of trouble for the restaurant to have to remember all of this when you can tell them and if I read correctly you are not the only adult so I am sure your group can figure it out. What do you do when you are not at Disney and just pop into a regular restaurant?

 

[scojos]

ok, im going to be the odd one out, but i do inform them of ds hfasd, why? to make life easier im on holiday, so is he, so shoot me down in flaames but i want things to go as smoothly as possible and as few a melt downs as possible.
Does it help, i dont think so, ds loves wcc and all the antics and we are tryings 50s ptc for the first time this trip, i think each person needs to make the decision for their family, we have never had any special treatment because of our decleration, but i felt better they knew, and no, i dont know why i felt better...

 

[cuches]

I do not flag the ADR about my DD10 low functioning autism, it is kind of obvious anyway, but I will ask the hostess for an end booth if possible. I think you should do what you feel comfortable doing, and if letting them know in advance puts you at ease then do it.

I agree with the not "coddling" our kids and promoting independance etc...but while on vacation to make things easier for her and for us we do use the GAC and feel no guilt about it. We don't abuse it and don't use it as a "get on the ride fast" thing like I see others do . But we also promote good behavior throughout the trip in other ways.

Side note, we avoid character meals not because of her autism but mainly because she doesn't really seem to like them so why torture her to do something she does not like. We did take her to PTC and to SF with no problems (she does have sensory issues but every child is different).