Reapplying for DAS -nervous

[Novarambles]

Hi! For a Disney World trip in January my eight year-old DS received a DAS pass. He can mask symptoms and often appears neurotypical for short periods. I believe he was only granted the pass because he had a meltdown (believing we were off screen because the CM’s camera was off) while waiting for a medical professional to come into the meeting. We are going again in November. I am hoping that since only 9 months have passed and nothing has changed with my son‘s behaviors and needs that we will not have issues this time, but I am so stressed about the process. Part of my stress stems from the fact that my older son, who also is a child with autism and who has more extreme behaviors while at Disney, was denied a DAS after grueling questioning because he downplayed all of his issues (understandably, any ten year old would) (As an aside, my older son had been granted the pass under the old system). Any insight into applying within the same year or as to whether Disney has notes in the system as to why someone received the DAS pass?

 

[Madteaparty001]

DD, who is an autistic teen, was approved for DAS about a month ago. The CM we spoke to never asked her any medical questions and I never really gave them the opportunity to as I am her advocate and would explain that to them if they had asked to do that. DD does not do well with on the spot questions and she will also mask and try and fit in as much as possible.

When the session started she walked into the room, waved at the camera, then walked out to make herself breakfast (she is used to doing this when we do our virtual check-ins with her therapist). I had asked her ahead of time why waiting in lines was hard for her and I relayed her answer to the CM as well as my interpretation of it as her mother. I gave many thorough examples about what happens to her when she is in a crowded/line/boring environment and how we have to deal with that. They inquired about supports in her daily life and I gave them a run down of those as well, if your child has an IEP I would suggest having it ready to reference.

People on this board will say you don't have to give a diagnosis and to stick strictly to the facts but I believe that will lessen your chances of approval. I gave DD's diagnosis up front and explained how it affects her at Disney World and at school. I gave several pointed examples of what happened in our last trip when we had DAS but didn't use it for a handful of rides (it didn't go well) and I think it's easier to be approved if you have tried without DAS at any point and struggled.