Visiting w/2 little guys with autism

[schizomom]

I have two boys, 6 and 3 with autism. We went to Disney a couple of years ago and it went very well. As soon as my oldest understood the pay-out with the rides he didn't mind the wait. We only had one meltdown, in Smallworld...he HATED it!
There are probably a lot of people who might feel the same way...LOL

We live in Florida, so are taking the day to visit Disney World, but understand that we can get a disablity pass. I am more worried about my 3 year old. Just wondering exactly what information I need to bring and how it all works.

Thanks for any help/info.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to both DisBoards and disABILITIES!

I would suggest you start by clicking on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information, Post #6 deals with the Guest Assistance Cards.

Or, if you want an easier route, click on the link in my signature.

In addition, there are several recent threads in this forum dealing with children with problems and relations to WDW. One of them is very recent.

Also, there are several threads in the disABILITIES Community Board (a sub-form) that deal with Autism not related directly to WDW.

 

[Andyjo0930]

It's not a "pass" it's call the guest assistance card. You don't need to bring anything with you. Just go to guest relations and ask for it and explain to them why you need it. Bring your sons with you when you go. Once you receive the card, they will explain to you how to use it (it's sometimes different at each attraction). My son is also autistic and he loves Disney. And that GAC card has prevented a few major meltdowns. Enjoy your trip.

 

[SueM in MN]

The information that Cheshire Figment pointed you too has a whole section of questions and answers about GACs (Guest Assistance Cards). It explains how to request one and how they work.

 

[tinkerbellrulz]

as a mom with a child with autism we have had 6 very successful disney trips . definetly due to the guest assistance pass, its a great assest to the kids enjoying their trip. i dont use it all the time i want anthony to learn that sometimes he has to wait for what he wants .

 

[kaffinito]

Hi,

I have 2 kids with ASD. Last year when we went we didn't get a GAC, but this year I am thinking about it. Try out that link that was given by a PP - it explains everything you need to know. I took my two kids out a lot last year before our trip to practice standing in line and to practice being in crowds. It paid off at WDW! The hard part was teaching my oldest how to buy food!

Good luck and have a great time!

 

[SueM in MN]

another thing to look into is general guidebooks or things like TourGuide Mike (a Theme Park sponsor, you can find a link to his website on the Theme Parks Board).
Even if you have a Guest Assistance Card, it won't help at all with the general 'busyness' of the park. If the park is busy, things like restaurants, bathrooms and even paths to get from place to place will also be busy. TourGuide Mike can help you figure out where to go and when to avoid the crowds.
That can be even much more helpful than using a GAC, even during high crowd times like Spring break.