Special Name tag-Autism

[brady961]

I was at MK this weekend and was interacting with a mother and her child who has autism.

The little girl had a name tag pinned to her shirt that I have never seen before. So of course I asked.

The mother said this was just for children that have autism and grants them to head of the line at any attractions.

She stated it had been a blessing as they never had to wait in any lines, which she knew her daugther wouldn't handle.

when I first met them both the daughter came over to me and started asking about my Pal Mickey and Minnie I had dressed up and in my scooter basket. I'll be honest I had no idea the child had autism and I work with those with developmental disabilities daily and we have many consumers in our programs that have autism.

I was a little embarassed that I didn't notice or pick up on this and made a statement (before knowing of her autism) she could not hold my Minnie because she kept trying to take her shoes and clothes off (my plush Minnie). I recognized immediately she didn't follow direction even from her mother. She kept taking off and the mother had to chase her down as she wouldn't return when her mother told her to. Again at this point I had no idea she has autism. Embarassed again, the little girl returned to me and i mentioned she needed to listen to her mother as she could get lost in the crowd. (I know not my place to say this to anyone's child yet for some reason I did. i normally would not unless i know the family).

After the mother informed me of her having autism I managed to keep her attention and her to return to her mother by allowing her to press Pal Mickey's hand to see what he would say to her. So each time she took off I called her by name and asked if she wanted to come see what Pal Mickey would say this time. each time she would return without the mother having to chase her or get her.

Anyway sorry i got off main topic is the tag pinned to her shirt which I have never seen before.

On another similar note I went to renew my GAC in Feb while at Epcot. I have had a the same GAC stamped card : alternate entrance for at least three years now if not longer. I rarely use it anymore but like to keep it renewed. Being an annual passholder they will renew it to be good for a couple months at a time. The CM at Epcot guest services told me that i had been given the wrong stamp and the one I had was only for children with autism. I mentioned to her that this is the stamp I have had for three or more years, and keep renewing. The CM maintained it was for autistic children only and it was wrong that I had this stamp. So she wouldn't renew this one but gave me one that said standard wheelchair entrance. Ok sorry but I don't understand why I would need that stamp when I am in a scooter. to me i wouldn't need any GAC. The alternate entrance i have used when using crutches and the attraction has stairs.

I wasn't convinced this CM knew what she was talking about so the next day while at MK I ask guest services there about the stamps. I was told at MK that no the alternate entrance isn't just for children with autism, its for ppl that need an alternate entrance for many reasons. The MK CM re-renewed my GAC and said I could use this even when using my scooter, not to try walking into any attraction. Actually she sorta "fussed" at me for even trying to walk when I have the scooter and can use the GAC. So I got two different opinions or understanding of what stamp is used for, when to use the GAC etc...

At Epcot I was so embarassed as I felt I was being accused of abusing the GAC which I never have and would never do. Like I said with the scooter now I rarely use the GAC if at all. Yes I have used it as a fastpass at a couple attractions because a CM instructed me that i could do that, and they have allowed that for those attractions. Now I don't feel I should or that its ok.

But with the CM at Epcot telling me about how I had the wrong stamp and I shouldn't have it, never should have rec'd that stamp etc... while other guests were in earshot, just felt like crawling under a rock.

ok back to original topic:

Has anyone seen this pinned name tag for children with autism that does allow that person/family to move to head of the lines at all attractions?

 

[flynnmnstr]

One year it took us over 20 mins to explain to the CM at the International Gateway why we needed a GAC for our son (whom is in the autistic spectrum). This was the first year we had found out about the GAC card, and almost gave up after 15 mins. She did not understand what we were asking for or why we needed it and on top of it a huge line of people were behind us. I am sure giving us the look of death.

The following trip we went to Animal Kingdom and I got ready to give a 15 min statement on why we needed a GAC and all I got out was the my son was in the autistic spectrum. And she said not a problem and gave me the card with all the appropriate stamps. I was shocked. She just seemed very knowledgeable and understanding.

As far as the name tag, we were there last March/April and was not offered it. To be honest I don't think I would want anything with my child's name on it exposed to the public. But I am a social worker and I've seen too much for my own good sometimes. For us the GAC is sufficient because it will allow our son to stay in his stroller when he needs to and that's all we really use it for.

I will never forget during our last trip we were going on the Safari ride at AK and though there were hardly any lines we opted to use our GAC because DS really was having a rough afternoon but wanted to go on the safari again. We just knew taking him out of the stroller to wait on line wasn't an option for him at that moment. A family behind us in line (remember no there was hardly any wait) started making comments about us keeping our son in the stroller, then when they saw us go off toward the handicap entrance started making more comments under their breath about cutting the line. We ended up having to wait longer than if we had used the regular line because we were waiting for a wheel chair accessible vehicle. But for us it was worth the wait because DS was sitting in his stroller having a drink and drawing on his magna doodle, which tends to help him calm himself and re-focus. As the family drove by us they were still making comments and laughing. We could not believe their ignorance and why they would even care what we were doing. It's unbelievable some times. Overall our experience has been wonderful and Disney makes it a great vacation choice for us. Between living with Autism and severe food allergies there are not too many places that are easy to vacation with our sons, but Disney is amazing and our family looks forward to the trip every year.

 

[brady961]

The name tag pinned on wasn't like where I could see the childs name unless she was standing right in front of me. regular pen ink. but it did have info for if the child was lost CM knew who the mother was, and I think some other idenitfying info. not sure.

just the first time I have ever seen this pinned on a child's shirt and that is was by Disney. I just thought ppl were given the GAC even for children with autism, which there is a stamp that would allow front of the line access if needed.

Oh yeah I have gotten those stares, comments in the few times I used the GAC thru fastpass lines. Unfort there are some ppl no matter what they are going to be rude, make comments if I am in line, scooting down path, or wherever. Doesn't really bother me anymore and a few times I just turned around and said that I would trade my scooter, or bad legs for their healthy legs <G>

I find though mostly ppl are understanding, helpful, etc.... more than I find rude and ugly

Oh I forgot to mention the CM at Epcot asked me what my Diagnosis was and what was my condition. Not why I needed it, but what was my diagnosis and condition. My friend that was with me, her daugther is a CM-manager and said I should inform Epcot guest services of how I was treated, and that I was asked diagnosis and condition, not what I needed it for, or why. I never did that but maybe I should have. dunno

I have figured out don't renew the GAC at Epcot.i had similar problems there before in renewing. So now I just go to MK where I have found it the easiest.

 

[Foohound]

I am very sorry you were treated that way. I have only been to Disney World once with my DD who was 4 at the time. She is on the spetrum as well. We did not know about the GAC at that time. I cannot tell you how rude people were when my DD would spin in cirlces or walk up to people and try to touch them. I did have one incident with a mother and her DD at MK during MNSSHP we were waiting in line to have a picture taken in front of Cinderella's coach. It was a very long wait and my DD was having a hard time with it. A women in front of us with her DD, was making comments and staring the whole time. The next day we ran into them at our resort. She proceeded to tell her DH loud enough for everyone to hear "Thats the crazy girl and her Mother from last night". Her DH who did seem very nice was so embrassed when he saw the look on my DH's face, that I could hear him telling her to be quiet and quit being so rude she was an adult and to act like one!!

I was slightly amused at that one!!

The bottom line is when you need the GAC and use it no one should make you feel bad about it. When we go in December you better belive I will have one this time to keep from having the same incident happen again.

 

[dclfun]

I too, am sorry you were treated so rudely at guest services. Why should children receive any different treatment and accomodations than adults? The only children who get front of line access are on a Wish trip, and then only during that once in a lifetime wish trip..not subsequent visits. Disney does NOT give out buttons...wish organizations give out the buttons. I hate to say it, but perhaps that person bought a Wish button off ebay and was abusing it for her daughter. ---Kathy

 

[brady961]

I too, am sorry you were treated so rudely at guest services. Why should children receive any different treatment and accomodations than adults? The only children who get front of line access are on a Wish trip, and then only during that once in a lifetime wish trip..not subsequent visits. Disney does NOT give out buttons...wish organizations give out the buttons. I hate to say it, but perhaps that person bought a Wish button off ebay and was abusing it for her daughter. ---Kathy

it wasn't a button, just a piece of like postcard paper, pinned on her shirt. The mother said she got it from guest services and it did have disney pic/logo style graphics. first time for me to see this. It reminded me of when kids from school go on a field trip and teachers pin info on each kid. but from what I remember it did appear to be from Disney not something made, or from elsewhere.

who knows.

for me at guest services, Epcot just isn't place for me to renew the GAC. MK however she was great there, seemed to have understanding for me and having mobility issues, and couldn't have been more kind, and helpful. So the MK guest service off-set the rude experience at Epcot. <G>

 

[KathyRN137]

We have made four trips in the past four years with our autistic son and I do a lot of research before each trip. I know nothing about any special name tag...certainly nothing that permits front of line access.

Perhaps the mother was not verbalizing it correctly...??

Our son gets a regular GAC that permits alternate queue when available.

In other words, if he is in danger of melting down and we want to do Peter Pan, we can get on the end of the FastPass queue.

On rides with no FP queue, such as Dumbo, we have no accommodation available. If the line is too long, we skip it.

BTW, I have never had any difficulty obtaining the GAC. The past two years, I tried to show them his doctor's letter and they waved it away.

If anyone has any difficulty with obtaining a GAC, you should speak to a supervisor!

Good Luck-


Kathy

BTW, I would neverput any kind of "tag" on my child that alerted predators that he was an easy mark! That is scary.

 

[brady961]

then maybe I misunderstood where she rec'd this name tag. the child was clearly wearing a name tag pinned on, and all I can say it the mother said with that it granted them front of line as her child couldn't handle any lines.

maybe she rec'd it from some childrens special needs group and not from Disney per sa. It wasn't a make a wish button so its not that.

oh well whatever or wherever the mother got the name tag she claimed to be getting front of the line access which to her was a blessing.

so ummm that's my story and I am sticking to it LOL <G>

 

[KathyRN137]

Oh, I didn't mean to doubt your word! I was just really surprised by what you reported!

Kathy

 

[jamesmommy]

Could it be the child had on a DW id tag? I often pick up one for my son at guest relations when going to the parks. The ones they are using now have a pic of Minnie and Mickey with an ice cream cone on the front, with a space for the childs name, and the back has spaces to list who the child is with, local address, and telephone number. They normally have strings on them to attach them, but I suppose they could be pinned.

You can get these for any child, but maybe the folks at Guest Relations gave it to her when she got the GAC, and she got the facts confused? Just an idea.

Amie

 

[brady961]

Oh, I didn't mean to doubt your word! I was just really surprised by what you reported!

Kathy

oh no Kathy I never thought you were, that saying it's my story and I'm sticking to it is just a phrase we say a lot around friends. just something silly and sometimes funny to say. sorry to give wrong impression.

so no worries ok

 

[brady961]

Could it be the child had on a DW id tag? I often pick up one for my son at guest relations when going to the parks. The ones they are using now have a pic of Minnie and Mickey with an ice cream cone on the front, with a space for the childs name, and the back has spaces to list who the child is with, local address, and telephone number. They normally have strings on them to attach them, but I suppose they could be pinned.

You can get these for any child, but maybe the folks at Guest Relations gave it to her when she got the GAC, and she got the facts confused? Just an idea.

Amie

That sounds exactly what this child had on. the pin was thru the string so yes i bet that is what it was. She didn't mention having a GAC, didn't show me one, etc... just like picked up the ID tag well flipped it up and said .......

But maybe she did have the GAC and didn't mention that it, and misunderstood the id tag purpose.

thanks i think at least that clears up what tag it she was wearing.