Son with adha/ocd/odd

[TRICKY_TINK]

Heading to Disney and just found out about GAC. In lines he tends to act out. He cannot stay still and also tends to oc on things like ropes and rails. He will climb rails constantly no matter how many times he's told to stop or he will swing ropes hitting people. He'll take off on us in line. I'm literally holding him in line and he's 6. By this point he's in full melt down mode. Of course his 2 yr old brother will copy everything he does so its like having two of them. Do you think they would give him a pass to wait somewhere not around others. I think its the closes quarters to people that get him going. We are going next month and he will be off medication for the summer break. I cannot imagine how he's going to be. I have a letter from his doctor but it just says he has adha/oc/odd and qualifies for 504 education. Should I get something more specific to his behaviors? Thanks

 

[clanmcculloch]

That letter won't help at all. You need to be able to explain the issue.

Since he's a runner, I would strongly suggest a stroller as a wheelchair GAC. This will allow you to bring his stroller in line with you. This will keep him contained in the stroller so he can't bolt (unless he's a little houdini like some kids are and can get easily out of his straps but hopefully you'll have time to see him doing this and can stop him before he gets out). It'll also keep him back from the rops/chains.

The problem with requesting a separate waiting area is that in my experience, this separate waiting area has chains and ropes and railings just like the regular areas. That won't get him away from these things. Maybe some kind of Social Story about railings, chains and ropes would help? The GAC may help, I can't be sure, but unfortunately those alternate areas have these things as well.

You can try the stroller as a wheelchair option and see if that helps. If he's still having problems then you can always go back to Guest Relations and explain what additional issues you're having and the CM can issue an appropriate GAC based on the additional issues.

Basically, explain the issues and see what the CM at Guest Relations offers (though if you know he'll sit in the stroller and it'll work, I'd ask specifically about that). If you find that doesn't help then go back again and say what's not working. You can do this multiple times if need be.

 

[KPeveler]

As the previous poster said, you do not need a letter for a GAC. You do need to be able to explain his needs clearly (he melts down if he is bumped by others, etc).

I also suggest the "stroller as a wheelchair" idea - it will give him some personal space, so he won't be bumped and crowded as often. It will also allow you to easily bring toys and snacks and stuff into lines, which may help keep him occupied.

Definitely go to Guest Relations to ask about a GAC. I can say that speaking from experience, the alternate waiting areas can be just as crowded as the regular lines, depending on how many other people are going in there at that time. This is one reason I think a stroller may be helpful.

 

[minkydog]

If meds help him, I'd consider asking the doctor if you can use them on this trip. I have one son with severe ADHD and I can tell you from experience, Disney is not the place to take a kid off their meds. WDW could make the most ordinary child a little ADHD. Just imagine what all that sensory input does to our little alternately-wired kiddos.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

Also remember that the GAC, should you get one, will not help in lines for food or buses, and there will likely be areas in the park where you will be around people and it just can't be helped.