Universal/IOA??

[tinkslite]

My teen daughter has high functioning autism, and since a major injury during vacation last year (2 surgeries and months of recovery required), has had many more issues with stress related stimming, and more frequent and more often public meltdowns.
we have to be in FLorida due to a court date, and are visiting universal/ IOA for the first time. We have visited Disney OFTEN, and used GAC and rested at first aid when necessary. What can anyone tell me about maneuvering through universals parks with a ( mostly) invisible special need?

 

[of2dbeach]

Its pretty much the same but I think universal is easier . It seems more open and not as many noises piped in etc. you can get a pass if you need it . They seemed more helpful then Disney has in the past. My DD9 has major meltdown and sensory issues. They say she isnt on the Specrum but I say she is. her DD19 is Autistic and he dosent freak out as much as she does . DD9 loves the talking fountain. Try to goggle it its a hoot! We havent taken DD19 yet because he has Epilepsy and it is still too hot for him. We hope to in November so he can see the Macy's parade.. his favorite!

 

[tinkslite]

Which attractions are extra loud, or suddenly loud, which have large realistic looking monsters, etc.
she LOVES roller coasters and cute tells the story dark rides, she HATES being "chased" by monsters (dinosaur ride @ Animal Kingdom is a day ender).
SHe is very excited about the Harry Potter stuff (wants to go to Olivanders but the stories of hours long line waits are scaring me).
we won't have more than a day, so I don't want to ruin it by eating up the day withmeltdownrecovery time.

 

[Schmeck]

Which attractions are extra loud, or suddenly loud, which have large realistic looking monsters, etc.
she LOVES roller coasters and cute tells the story dark rides, she HATES being "chased" by monsters (dinosaur ride @ Animal Kingdom is a day ender).
SHe is very excited about the Harry Potter stuff (wants to go to Olivanders but the stories of hours long line waits are scaring me).
we won't have more than a day, so I don't want to ruin it by eating up the day withmeltdownrecovery time.

Olivander's can be very packed, and they only pick one child for the show. The ride in Hogwart's would be a day ender for your daughter, by your description. So would the Jurassic park water ride. We find very little to do at IOA besides the HP area, although Seuss landing was fun. The Superhero area was very hot, very crowded and very loud. The large coasters there are very loud as well.