Questions/DS Newly Diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder/Disneyland

[KandiB47]

We will be visiting Disneyland at the end of the month. My DS, 5, has been very recently diagnosed with SPD. He has issues with a lot of sensory things but the biggest problem is with loud noises. He has very low tolerance for loud noise; he either shuts down or throws huge tantrums.

Our last trip to WDW was very hard. I didn't understand what was going on with him at the time. He was miserable the majority of the trip, either crying, throwing fits, or trying to control our whole family. We got on the Disney Cruise after WDW and it was like night and day. He loved the cruise and his behavior was great, for the most part. In hindsight, it totally makes sense that he was behaving that way at WDW, because he was so overstimulated.

I was thinking about asking for the disabilities card for our upcoming Disneyland trip but I'm scared to. I have read a lot of awful things, not just on the Disboards, but other sites too, about people being yelled at by other guests or rude cast members, etc. My DS doesn't have an obvious disability and these types of kids seem to be a higher risk for mistreatment because people think they are abusing the system.

So is it worth it to try to get the card? It's spring break week so it will be busy but I'm using Ride Max to cut down on wait times. We are also skipping all of the rides that I know will be a problem for him. i.e dark rides, anything too fast or unfamiliar. I thought the card might save him some anxiety at times but I don't want to be harassed. If I do ask for the card, what am I supposed to say to guest services?

Thanks

 

[livndisney]

We will be visiting Disneyland at the end of the month. My DS, 5, has been very recently diagnosed with SPD. He has issues with a lot of sensory things but the biggest problem is with loud noises. He has very low tolerance for loud noise; he either shuts down or throws huge tantrums.

Our last trip to WDW was very hard. I didn't understand what was going on with him at the time. He was miserable the majority of the trip, either crying, throwing fits, or trying to control our whole family. We got on the Disney Cruise after WDW and it was like night and day. He loved the cruise and his behavior was great, for the most part. In hindsight, it totally makes sense that he was behaving that way at WDW, because he was so overstimulated.

I was thinking about asking for the disabilities card for our upcoming Disneyland trip but I'm scared to. I have read a lot of awful things, not just on the Disboards, but other sites too, about people being yelled at by other guests or rude cast members, etc. My DS doesn't have an obvious disability and these types of kids seem to be a higher risk for mistreatment because people think they are abusing the system.

So is it worth it to try to get the card? It's spring break week so it will be busy but I'm using Ride Max to cut down on wait times. We are also skipping all of the rides that I know will be a problem for him. i.e dark rides, anything too fast or unfamiliar. I thought the card might save him some anxiety at times but I don't want to be harassed. If I do ask for the card, what am I supposed to say to guest services?

Thanks

What do you want the card to do for your son?

If noise is a trigger, you may want to try earplugs. You sound like you have a good handle on his triggers and are planning to use a touring plan to help stay out of crowds and you are avoiding rides you know are triggers.

 

[Mrs.Malone]

My son who has similar issues just wears hearing protection (earplugs or the headphone type). He doesn't wear it all the time but I keep it in the backpack and he knows it's available when he needs it in a loud crowded line like Test Track or during fireworks or a show. This helps immensely. I've never thought of getting a GAC so I'm not sure what that would do for SPD issues.

 

[KandiB47]

I was just thinking we could have him in a quieter line without big crowds. He has and uses a headphone type sound reducer but he still seems to have trouble in these situations even with them.

 

[Mommyof2boys1118]

If you feel a pass would help your child then you should talk to guest relations. I would not worry about what other think or say to you. You can use the pass only when you need it and keep it aside for other times.
I have a 2 year old with possible spd and autism we will find out this month. But we are planning a trip for this Christmas and do plan on getting one if his behavior are still the same. It will be less stress on him as he can not handle crowds, noise and several other things.
Even with headphones there is still a lot of noise for kids expecially when you have a lot of people in a small space.
Bottom line don't worry about other people do what is best for your child.

 

[livndisney]

I was just thinking we could have him in a quieter line without big crowds. He has and uses a headphone type sound reducer but he still seems to have trouble in these situations even with them.

There really isn't a "quieter line". Even attractions that do have another waiting area (ex Monsters Inc at WDW), it is just a chained off line in the main room. That room gets crowded and LOUD.

It sounds like you are on the right track with using a touring plan. That will help keep you out of the most crowded areas of the park.

 

[livndisney]

If you feel a pass would help your child then you should talk to guest relations. I would not worry about what other think or say to you. You can use the pass only when you need it and keep it aside for other times.
I have a 2 year old with possible spd and autism we will find out this month. But we are planning a trip for this Christmas and do plan on getting one if his behavior are still the same. It will be less stress on him as he can not handle crowds, noise and several other things.
Even with headphones there is still a lot of noise for kids expecially when you have a lot of people in a small space.
Bottom line don't worry about other people do what is best for your child.

You may want to read the sticky on GAC cards as there is not a magical "pass" to keep children out of crowds, especially at busy times like Christmas.

You may also want to consider a good touring plan.

I hope you have a great trip.

 

[Mommyof2boys1118]

I am not say that it is a magical pass and that there are not lines with it. I understand it is neither. But the pass is there to help individuals with all types of disabilities including spd and asd. They do provide an alternative wait location or in some case a fast pass for children with these needs. Also in my situation he will need to remain in his stroller becuase he can not handle being close to people.
I am saying if you think your child can benefit(meaning being able to cope better) then you should and not to worry what people say or think.
By the way I have read the stickys and I am understand what the concept of the GAC pass is.

 

[bedogged]

We will be visiting Disneyland at the end of the month. My DS, 5, has been very recently diagnosed with SPD. He has issues with a lot of sensory things but the biggest problem is with loud noises. He has very low tolerance for loud noise; he either shuts down or throws huge tantrums.

Our last trip to WDW was very hard. I didn't understand what was going on with him at the time. He was miserable the majority of the trip, either crying, throwing fits, or trying to control our whole family. We got on the Disney Cruise after WDW and it was like night and day. He loved the cruise and his behavior was great, for the most part. In hindsight, it totally makes sense that he was behaving that way at WDW, because he was so overstimulated.

I was thinking about asking for the disabilities card for our upcoming Disneyland trip but I'm scared to. I have read a lot of awful things, not just on the Disboards, but other sites too, about people being yelled at by other guests or rude cast members, etc. My DS doesn't have an obvious disability and these types of kids seem to be a higher risk for mistreatment because people think they are abusing the system.

So is it worth it to try to get the card? It's spring break week so it will be busy but I'm using Ride Max to cut down on wait times. We are also skipping all of the rides that I know will be a problem for him. i.e dark rides, anything too fast or unfamiliar. I thought the card might save him some anxiety at times but I don't want to be harassed. If I do ask for the card, what am I supposed to say to guest services?

Thanks

Will you be using a stroller for your son? Sometimes a stroller gives children the feeling of a safe place away from noise or crowds. I believe that there is a WDW GAC available that lets you take a stroller through the lines. I assume it is also available at Disneyland as well. Only you know if this would benefit your son?

 

[livndisney]

I am not say that it is a magical pass and that there are not lines with it. I understand it is neither. But the pass is there to help individuals with all types of disabilities including spd and asd. They do provide an alternative wait location or in some case a fast pass for children with these needs. Also in my situation he will need to remain in his stroller becuase he can not handle being close to people.
I am saying if you think your child can benefit(meaning being able to cope better) then you should and not to worry what people say or think.
By the way I have read the stickys and I am understand what the concept of the GAC pass is.

I'm sorry but your information is not correct as very few attractions have "alternative wait locations". Even when there is (as in the example given) it is still crowded and still loud. Another example is the Little Mermaid at the Studios. On paper Disney offers "another waiting location", in reality that location is just as crowded, loud and dark as the "regular" waiting area. Once again a GAC is not a "pass". It is not intended to reduce wait time(as stated right on it the card).

 

[Mommyof2boys1118]

This is also for Disneyland and not wdw they do have different setups. Also once again I did not say it reduces wait times. I said it can provide a differnt wait location( as it state in the GAC sticky). Wow never knew it was such a big deal to say pass instead of card.

 

[Mommyof2boys1118]

To OP.
Only you what is best for your family and your child. I would not worry about what other people my say or think. They do not know your family situation nor do they need to.

 

[bedogged]

This is also for Disneyland and not wdw they do have different setups. Also once again I did not say it reduces wait times. I said it can provide a differnt wait location( as it state in the GAC sticky). Wow never knew it was such a big deal to say pass instead of card.

Welcome to the wonderful world of the DIS Boards!

 

[livndisney]

This is also for Disneyland and not wdw they do have different setups. Also once again I did not say it reduces wait times. I said it can provide a differnt wait location( as it state in the GAC sticky). Wow never knew it was such a big deal to say pass instead of card.

Just to clarify-Yes I am aware the op is talking about DL. I have been to DL and am aware of the special needs limits of various parks.

While it may sound to you that I am making a "big deal" out of the word pass. That is not my intent. MANY people already think a GAC is front of the line access. (Just read some of the threads on this board). As parents I think one of the best things we can do for our kids is to go in a situation with reasonable and correct expectations. If we go into a park knowing what is available for our kids, we can better get them the assistance they need. Plus we can set the right expectation. People come here and see "pass" and think "Fastpass".

From the sticky "The GAC is not meant to be a pass that gives immediate access. In fact, in around 2000, they renamed it to Card because when it was called a Pass, people thought it mean front of the line access. It says right on the card that it will not provide immediate access (won't shorten or eliminate waits in line)."

 

[dclfun]

OP- it will be a good idea to bring your stroller and ask at GS if you can bring it through the queue lines. If you have a blanket to place over the top that can shade and protect your son from seeing other Guests or the lines around him, that should help quite a bit to give him his private space. I'd bring a small familiar pillow or a comfort item to place in the stroller with him. I'd also use the headphones and bring something to distract him, such as a video game if he likes them, some action figures, etc. Maybe a portable fan that attaches to the stroller would give him a little breeze and possible some noise distraction also. I travel in a power wheelchair and saw plenty of people in line with me at DL with the cards. In many cases we waited longer and in a line right next to those w/o a mobility device or GAC. I'm thinking of Small World in particular. I waited about 30 minutes longer and was still in a crowd. DL really tries to be sure that everyone has an equal wait time, so for instance at Pirates there was a large queue line at the exit of the attraction with mobility devices and GAC's but only a few people brought in to ride at a time. Unfortunately the line was in an area with a lot of foot traffic and not much to look at or do. I think your use of a good touring plan, using fastpasses, and asking to be able to bring your stroller into all queue lines will be helpful. I'm not sure that the GAC would give him a much better option to enjoy his time just from what I observed last year. Remember that he can retreat to first aid to get out of the crowds and into some a/c for rest if he gets overwhelmed, and that you can ask any CM to help you find a place to get out of the crowds if he experiences discomfort. Also I'm not sure if you're planning to also visit California Adventure but it is larger and more spread out so the crowds don't seem as bad. Just be sure to avoid the crowds from WOC!