Taking autistic son

[Kaewin]

I have taken my son to Disney on a few trips and waiting in line was fun for all around. He sat for a good 5 or ten minutes and then would lose his mind. I saw on another Disney site about getting help with my son and the last time there they gave us a disability pass which put us in the shorter line for attractions. We are going again in a few months and will do this again. He is ok with the noise but the fireworks scare him. (He hides his head under my armpit). The last time we went I was told to get a note from his Doctor stating his condition to show the people in case I needed one (I didn't).

I thought I should mention this to anyone who might be in a similar situation. They treated us well and it was pleasant for us and others around us.

 

[cm8]

I have taken my son to Disney on a few trips and waiting in line was fun for all around. He sat for a good 5 or ten minutes and then would lose his mind. I saw on another Disney site about getting help with my son and the last time there they gave us a disability pass which helped us. We are going again in a few months and will do this again. He is ok with the noise but the fireworks scare him. (He hides his head under my armpit). The last time we went I was told to get a note from his Doctor stating his condition to show the people in case I needed one (I didn't).

I thought I should mention this to anyone who might be in a similar situation. They treated us well and it was pleasant for us and others around us.

Hi! The "disability pass" that you are referring to is called a GAC. I am so glad that it was able to assist your son and yourself when he needed it.

 

[Bugsmom73]

We get the GAC card, use fastpasses, and social story the heck out of going. Our son is verbal but we do bring picture cards and other visual supports. We cover waiting in line, someone elses turn to chose a ride, etc.

 

[Girlie1]

My DS6 is autistic and loves Disney. He does not, however, like some of the louder rides/shows (ie Soarin (plane and fireworks), Indiana Jones, Fantasmic, etc). This time, I bought him some earplugs and it worked out wonderfully. He was able to enjoys everything with the rest of the family and he felt comfortable.

 

[SueM in MN]

If you click the link in my signature to get to the disABILITIES FAQs thread, you will find a whole post about Guest Assistance Cards in post #6.

They are cards to help the Cast Members know what sort of assistance someone needs because of their disability. They are not passes and are not meant to shorten or eliminate waits in line - just to give an appropriate accommodation for the needs of the person.
The other thing to remember is that even though you have a Guest Assistance Card which lists the accommodation you need, that might not be available at all attractions.

 

[GrumpyMom25]

It can also depend on the cast member working at the attraction ... we were taken into one entrance avoiding the line to Toy Story Mania once and on our next visit was told by a cast member that we needed to get in the outside line. My son has DS and is Autistic. He travels in a special needs stroller but can transfer out for the rides.

 

[Kaewin]

I think it is a good gesture for them to do this and was glad for it. It's not that I was trying to duck waiting in line I was just apprecative to not be disrupting everyone nearby. He gets very verbal and will start to act out in line. I know some people understand while most don't. It can be stressful for all.

 

[mommatomase]

DS is an Aspie and CAN NOT stand in a line. If the line is short, we don't us it... we have avoided MANY melt downs along the way with this simple card... thanks Disney!

 

[disneydeb]

dgs has ppd-nos, we use the GAC which has really been a blessing, when we were in mgm last time waiting for micky mouses clubhouse it was perfectly clear why we needed the pass as dgs could not stand still for a minute and was literally bouncing ! the cool thing was we went in his birthday month , and got him a birthday button so most people thought he was going in a seperate line because it was his birthday!

 

[su_A_ve]

With our autistic DS(9), we will wait in line if it's less than 15' or use FPs if available. Else, we resort to the GAC.

Out of the last 6 trips we did, once we had an issue with an untrained CM about the GAC in Soarin (they either send you thru the back or allow you in via the fastpass lane). In this case, we were sent in via the fastpass lane, and the CM that collected the FP insisted we needed them (note that the CM at the entrance send us via this lane to begin with). Since we were in disagreement with him, he called another CM who explained him about the GAC.

He apologiezed profoundly and let us thru.

 

[mrbghd]

I hate to hijack this thread with a question but I thought it would be a good thread to ask it in. Both my wife and I volunteer with several organizations that work with children with special needs. For some reason we both seem to have a "talent" (for lack of a better word) for working with autistic kids. We have been in line near kids who we can tell are near their breaking point and were always afraid to help entertain or whatever. As a parent would you be offended or "freaked" out by an adult couple with no kids trying to help you with your autistic child?I don't mean condescending help but entertaining help, since we have experience with even the worst cases. I would hate to upset a parent or step over a line.

 

[bookwormde]

As a parent and advocate I personally love to talk with people who "get it". Some parents have not (do not want to) had there kids identified even though to anyone trained it is quite apparnet that they are exibiting spectrum characteristics, while others still suffer from a missinformed stigma about autism, so picking up on the parnets comfort level is important. For me if the parnet is looking overwelmed, I will open a conversation to see if I can offer any assitance. I find that it is quickly apparent it the person is receptive, if not I just disengauge. I probably at some level offended a few parents, but the heartfelt converstions and help that I have been able be a part of way outway any negative.

I know it is a real paradox for an aspie to say be we are way to socially isolated from each other in our US society, especially when it comes to sensitive topics, where interaction is beneficial.

bookwormde

 

[mrbghd]

As a parent and advocate I personally love to talk with people who "get it". Some parents have not (do not want to) had there kids identified even though to anyone trained it is quite apparnet that they are exibiting spectrum characteristics, while others still suffer from a missinformed stigma about autism, so picking up on the parnets comfort level is important.

That's where my issue is. I am used to the parents that I am helping, most of whom are not concerned about their kid being identified so it is a challenge to feel out the parents that don't want that.

 

[Schmeck]

That's where my issue is. I am used to the parents that I am helping, most of whom are not concerned about their kid being identified so it is a challenge to feel out the parents that don't want that.

But why worry about the diagnosis at all? Why not just help out anyone who seems to need a bit of assistance or distraction? I really don't care what someone's diagnosis is, if they have one or not - if a kid is having a hard time in line, (heck, if anyone is) a friendly smile, an offer of a Disney sticker or somesuch, or just a local distraction of some kind (like asking another person what's their favorite character, or what ride were they just on) can go a long way.

 

[disneyworldmom2]

I hate to hijack this thread with a question but I thought it would be a good thread to ask it in. Both my wife and I volunteer with several organizations that work with children with special needs. For some reason we both seem to have a "talent" (for lack of a better word) for working with autistic kids. We have been in line near kids who we can tell are near their breaking point and were always afraid to help entertain or whatever. As a parent would you be offended or "freaked" out by an adult couple with no kids trying to help you with your autistic child?I don't mean condescending help but entertaining help, since we have experience with even the worst cases. I would hate to upset a parent or step over a line.

Because I am always right with my special needs child, I wouldn't be offended or 'freaked out' by someone who tried to help. Unfortunately, with so many people out there who do not have good intentions, I could see where parents might be concerned. If possible, ask a parent if it's ok to talk to their child. Thanks!

 

[disneyworldmom2]

My DS6 is autistic and loves Disney. He does not, however, like some of the louder rides/shows (ie Soarin (plane and fireworks), Indiana Jones, Fantasmic, etc). This time, I bought him some earplugs and it worked out wonderfully. He was able to enjoys everything with the rest of the family and he felt comfortable.

My so won't tolerate ear plugs, so we got him a pair of noise blocking headphones, similar to those used on a shooting range. There are many different types available in different sizes. They work great for the fireworks!

 

[clov878]

What a great thread. My daughter is 6 and has Asperger's. We're currently in the process of planning a trip. Very helpful stuff!

 

[sharadoc]

The GAC is the only reason we can take a vacation and why we are so loyal to Disney. Our DS can take about 5 minutes in a crowded line, then he goes into total freak-out mode. He starts rocking, stimming really hard with his fingers in front of his face, gritting and contorting his face and making nonsensical noises. Really disconcerting to people who don't understand, I'm sure.

We have been blessed with VERY understanding cast members who have been more than helpful. They not only know about the GAC, but they know how to deal with his disability better than anywhere else we have been.

That's why Disney gets our vacation dollars over and over again.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

As a parent would you be offended or "freaked" out by an adult couple with no kids trying to help you with your autistic child?I don't mean condescending help but entertaining help, since we have experience with even the worst cases. I would hate to upset a parent or step over a line.

But why worry about the diagnosis at all? Why not just help out anyone who seems to need a bit of assistance or distraction? I really don't care what someone's diagnosis is, if they have one or not - if a kid is having a hard time in line, (heck, if anyone is) a friendly smile, an offer of a Disney sticker or somesuch, or just a local distraction of some kind (like asking another person what's their favorite character, or what ride were they just on) can go a long way.

I would not be offended at all by a childless couple trying to help me if DD is having problems. Well... as long as it is well-meaning help and not the unsolicited advice such as "you need to teach your daughter to..." In fact, I've had that both things happen and am eternally grateful to a couple who offered to help me one evening and I don't even know their names.

DD is bipolar with SPD. When DD and I went last in September of 2008, she had not yet been diagnosed. In fact, it was some of her behavior on this trip that led to her diagnosis 4 months later. One evening, we had dinner at the Beach Club and were planning to go to the MK for Spectromagic. DD started to act up on the bus to the MK, and I told her if she didn't start listening to me, we wouldn't go to the MK. We'd go back to our hotel (WL) instead. Well, she didn't change and when I turned to the boat dock to go to the WL instead of into the MK, she went into what I now recognize as a full force bipolar rage. It took all my strength to contain her to keep her from hurting me and herself. The only thing I could do was sit on a bench restraining her while she raged. I had our own stroller with us and I couldn't manage carrying a stroller and a raging child onto the boat. I don't know how long I sat there struggling with her while people walked by staring and making rude comments. I must have been a sight. She'd ripped half my hair out of my ponytail and I had scratches on my face from her. Finally when I'd just about decided to abandon the stroller and get her on the boat, a couple came over. The woman said "I'm a mom of 3. Let me help you. I'll carry your stroller." The floodgates opened and I choked out a "thank you" between sobs. I'll never forget that little bit of compassion and help that an anonymous couple offered me that night. I've written this story a few times on the Disboards hoping this couple might be Disser's and recognize themselves from the story. I hope that they know how much that meant to me.

So please, by all means, offer a little help if you see a parent in need!

 

[Kaewin]

I had forgotten I wrote this. On prior trips my son had to be watched at all times, never let the guard down but now he can roam a little with out me freaking out. I wouldn't have a problem if we were in line and he started self talking, hitting himself and acting out if a couple of people tried to help me calm him down or seem to understand a bit. It would take off the pressure a little and maybe make him a little more relaxed.