Sorry, a GAC concern

[turkeymama]

I know this topic has been done to death so to speak, but we've never had a real need for a GAC until now. I've read all about the card, but I guess I'm looking for some reassurances.

My 5 year old son is autistic. We've visited WDW a few times and he generally does well with the crowds. Last time, he had some touchy moments. We are thinking it would be best to get the GAC at the beginning of the trip. If he doesn't need it, great. If he does, we'll already have it.

So, I am supposed to go to Guest Relations in the park and explain.....that he will growl and bark at people in line if they touch him? Okay, so maybe I don't need to tell them that exactly, but I feel a little guilty saying he has trouble waiting in lines with lots of people. I mean, its Walt Disney World, we should expect lots of lines and people. It isn't the waiting that bothers him. It's the people he perceives as being on top of him.

Other than using the pass if we need it, we plan on doing lots of really early mornings, break mid-day, and going back in the evening.

What all will guest relations want from me? And how much info do I need to give them? And finally, I've read that my son needs to be there with me when we get the card. If that is the case, can I write all this down? He is becoming aware that he is not like his peers. I just don't know how much he understands.

Thanks in advance.

 

[a1tinkfans]

You don't need "proof" though I always used to bring a doctors note that explained the Sensory integration issue and the standing close to others was difficult. I think it is actually an invasion of privacy for them to ask about the issue or "seek proof" actually. Personally I have never felt "invaded" but easily spoke about the situation and was happy to discuss/enlighten some that were unfamiliar with the issue that was at hand.
Yes, your son should be there, but he can stand separate and away from you (with another adult, there are benches in Guest services at MK, to left of entrance after passing under train station) as you speak with Cm.

I have found the CM's at MK to be quite knowledgeable and very kind and helpful. Never had an issue, well actually once I did, but I very politely asked to speak with someone else as the man simply did not understand my concerns at the time. It worked out fine.

Best of Luck. Have a great time and don't be shy about asking for the help for your child/family. Disney understands and Wants to help when they can. It really is MAGICAL in my mind!!!

 

[Schmeck]

One of the things you can ask for is a GAC that will let you bring his stroller in the queues - using a stroller as a wheelchair. that way he'll have his personal space, and you won't have to worry about people getting into his space so much.

 

[mechurchlady]

I agree with getting the GAC at the beginning of the trip. All you have to tell them is that he is autistic and what his limitations are like cannot handle crowds, cannot wait in lines.

As for the crowds surrounding him you can use a pushchair or stroller which keeps people at bay and provides a safe hidey hole. Also saving energy with the stroller helps reduce exhaustion related melt downs.

if you do use the stroller/pushchair then get a "stroller as a wheelchair" GAC so you can take the stroller/pushchair anywhere a wheelchair goes. Also you can have dad on one end of the line and mom on the other to provide a buffer zone so he does not see the line as much.

Use treats like cereal, busy toys, chew toys, games, and music makers like Ipod and walkman radios to keep his busy little brain off of things that are his triggers. I have demolished many a straw while waiting for something. I wrap it around my fingers hard then play with it. Busy hands means not so busy brain focused on triggers.

hugs
Laurie

 

[Selket]

You can write all of this down and give it to them in a letter. Let them know you would rather not discuss it in front of him. I have read of others doing that with success if they didn't want to discuss it in front of their children or other people or felt nervous about discussing it.

 

[SueM in MN]

You don't need "proof" though I always used to bring a doctors note that explained the Sensory integration issue and the standing close to others was difficult. I think it is actually an invasion of privacy for them to ask about the issue or "seek proof" actually.

According to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act, you can't be asked to provide proof of a disability or proof that you need accommodation.
They can ask though for more information about your needs. If someone says "can't wait in lines", that is not enough information for them to be reasonably able to provide accommodation to meet the needs.

You can write all of this down and give it to them in a letter. Let them know you would rather not discuss it in front of him. I have read of others doing that with success if they didn't want to discuss it in front of their children or other people or felt nervous about discussing it.

Other people have done that and had no problems with it.

 

[bookwormde]

Welcome,

Letting the CM at guest services now that he is autistic will give most of them a “baseline” to work from some CM’s find little more specificity is helpful, like he has sensory issues from being “crowded” for a extended periods of time which creates anxiety which may manifest itself in undesirable behaviors which make it impractical to wait in the standard queues. As you probably know from your basic research the GAC is not intended to shorten the wait times, just provide an alternative method or waiting area that is more appropriate.

It sounds like you have a basic plan, there are lots of threads under this section which will help you with further ideas and first hand experiences of other families to work out some details.

We get a GAC every time but use it only rarely, but it is nice to know that if things get difficult that the extra stress of our child thinking that if he can not mange the lines that he will not be able to go on the ride or attraction is removed and helps both his anxiety and ours.

I will invite you over to our community board if you are interested in any general (non WDW) discussion about Autism; we have a very active, diverse and knowledgeable bunch of parents and a few educators.

bookwormde

 

[LMC]

Sorry I was hijacking. I'll repost on a new thread

 

[kaytieeldr]

Just my opinion, but if your son growls and barks at me, that's MY problem Well, not problem so much as, everybody's different, nobody's perfect, we all have to live in this world together, and as long as everybody remembers that my needs and desires come first
No, seriously - while I don't know it's his way of telling me I invaded his space, I did just that. None of us likes to be - in this example - crowded; your son just has a different way of letting people know how he feels.

disclaimer: this post reflects the, well, reflections of this poster only and should in no way be considered any kind of attempt to dissuade the OP from getting a GAC for her son.

 

[PatMcDuck]

Using a wheelchair or some type of large stroller REALLY helps, we have found. My (non-verbal) son also wanders off, so it solves that as well. Sean also has his hands in his mouth a bit, so really, it is better if he has some space.... I think it is the only way to keep people to keep some distance at WDW. (people invade MY personal space, and it bugs me too, lol)

 

[turkeymama]

Just my opinion, but if your son growls and barks at me, that's MY problem Well, not problem so much as, everybody's different, nobody's perfect, we all have to live in this world together, and as long as everybody remembers that my needs and desires come first
No, seriously - while I don't know it's his way of telling me I invaded his space, I did just that. None of us likes to be - in this example - crowded; your son just has a different way of letting people know how he feels.

disclaimer: this post reflects the, well, reflections of this poster only and should in no way be considered any kind of attempt to dissuade the OP from getting a GAC for her son.

We really have worked hard on "using words". In many ways he has done so much better, but in other ways he is getting worse with age. You should see some of the looks we get when he growls at people. Sometimes, he gets in his spaceship (complete with cool sound effects) and takes a trip to outer space. Again, we get the funny looks. But in all the times that he has barked at folks for getting too close, he has never bitten anyone. I know how his behavior must look to others. I'm just hoping to spare him some of the anxiety if he starts having problems on our trip. He really is a sweet boy.

 

[mechurchlady]

A growler is better than a screamer, biter or cusser any day. Also at least he is vocalizing his discomfort which is a major step. At least he is saying BACK OFF YOU BIG KID SQUISHER but in his own way. I see the growling as a very important form of communication that is helpful. Some day he will say "please, give me some space as I am claustrophobic, thank you." but for now at least he is communicating.

congratulations on the growling

Pushchairs and strollers are great for kids with sensory issues and who do not handle crowds as they can have a small buffer zone and even hide under the canopy for a little reprieve from society.


Hugs
Laurie