Strange question, bear with me here...

[LuvMy3Monkeys]

My DD doesn't do well with people touching her or hovering over her, especially if she is in a crowded situation like WDW. She is right at the 40 inch mark height-wise, so it's not like she's going to be able to just walk up to an attraction holding my hand and theyre going to send her through. If she's barley making the height requirement, they're going to want her standing up tall while they try to stick a piece of paper between her head and the bar to see if she's tall enough (happened last trip).

Anyway, point being... she has Aspergers, and hates people in her "space" if you will, and we will be using the stroller and her safe spot from the crowds. But... she loooves the rides. Strangely, she loves the scary and intense rides, so I'd like her to be able to ride some things that she hasnt before because she is now tall enough and I know she'll love them. Is it at all possible to get her measured somewhere in the park and have it somehow written on the GAC card how tall she is, or get some sort of official measurement so we dont have to go through this at every attraction. I just really cannot see her standing up to this bar thing every time while a CM hovers above checking her.... yet I know she will really enjoy the rides and I dont want to skip them simply because of this.

What do you think?

 

[SueM in MN]

Not a strange question at all and in fact, it has been asked before.
Unfortunately, the people who wrote about it before found there was not a way to get an 'official' measurement or get it written on the GAC.
It would not hurt to ask, but be prepared to hear 'no' as the answer. If your child with Asperger is into the 'social justice, this is not logical' mode, you may want to ask where she won't hear or not ask at all.
Since your child is older, you may be able to elicit her help in getting measured - lay out what the CMs need to do and why (a good rationale helps most people with Aspergers) and see if she can come up with some ways that will make getting measured easier for her. Maybe helping her with some social scripting about touching her head and how to approach.
Another thing that would probably help would be some 'practice measuring' at home. If nothing else, it might de-sensitize her a bit to the process


You are the expert on your child, so these things may not work with her, but may help you think of things which would work. At least, the GAC will clue the CM in that there are some things to be aware of. Then, you can step in and help with some hints to make the process work.

 

[clanmcculloch]

Write her a Social Story for the measurements. Here's an example that might work (adjust to her specific needs).

Fast rides are for big people. They're not safe for people who aren't big enough. Disney Cast Members will have to measure you to make sure you're big enough. This is to keep you safe. To measure you, they'll tell you to stand beside a stick. All you have to do is stand beside this stick. The Disney Cast Member may put his/her hand on your shoulder or back or top of your head. They're not trying to hurt you, they're trying to put you in the right place. This will be over quick. We'll then get to go on the ride.

After you have the Social Story written, review it with her and then practice at home.

When you approach the CM with your GAC, explain that she'll have a meltdown if she's touched and I'm sure he'll be extremely careful to not touch her.