WARNING about esta/visas MENTAL DISABILITES

[livndisney]

From the Embassy website:

"Travelers who have been afflicted with a disease of public health significance, a mental disorder or drug addicts / abusers
Travelers to the United States who have been afflicted with a disease of public health significance, a mental disorder which is associated with a display of harmful behavior, or are a drug abuser or addict, are not eligible to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. They are required to apply for B-1 or B-2 visas.

Note:Travelers with mental illnesses can travel visa free under the VWP provided that their condition does not render them a danger to themselves or others. They may wish to carry letter from their doctor to that effect to facilitate their entry into the United States."

http://london.usembassy.gov/add_req.html

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

ive never read such crap ,

Sorry you feel that way. But honestly? I think that's you reading it that way rather than it being that way or even anybody on this thread meaning it that way when communicating towards you and/or about your situation.

People on here are trying to help you out. While doing so, they tend to be a very nice and friendly bunch, but also people who aren't afraid of voicing their opinion and trying to point out what possibly could be learned from a situation that can no longer be rewinded, so those that will deal with it on a later time can actually learn from it and where possible be prevented from running into stuff. These people will do some serious when times call for them but will also take a thread as a place to discuss mentioned subject, own experiences with the subject etc.

I see you are totally new to this board and even the DIS. If you invest a bit of time in the DIS, but more so; this subpart and it's regular posters, you'll get to know the admosphere, intentions and emotions very very quickly. The general vibe on this subpart is one of patience, warmness but also fairness.

Seeing how misunderstood you're feeling basically from post one right uptil now, I am kinda wondering what you are trying to achieve with this thread? Is it just another place for you to vent? If that is the case, I think it could be beneficial if you say so. While no guarentee there will not follow any discussion or replies not to your likings, there is a different overall spirit on threads that are just about venting rather than discussing.

If it was opened to discus; do you still feel that way right now? Might really be me, but I'm feeling such anger and sense of being misunderstood from your following posts that I'm wondering if you'ld envisioned it going this way. If you do want to continue it; it could be smart to speak up but also to get to know this subpart of the board a bit more. The "locals" a bit more. There are not that many posters and a nice, helpfull, supportive bunch to get to know, imho. When you know somebody a bit better, it's easier to read in between the lines and know what they're trying to say. Obviously emotions are high and I can imagine an unexpected VISA-procedure can be an influence. Which makes me wonder; what was the reason you opened the thread and what is it bringing you? I get a sensation that it is just adding to your stress and emotions eventhough none involved would want that. So I'm asking. Apparently we're doing something seriously wrong. What should we do, what was, is?, expected? How can this thread continue in a way you'ld feel it is not crap? Is there still a way for that?



And back to being practical lil old me; seeing how you're from the UK: have you checked out the UK-subpart of the DIS yet? There are multiple parents on there of kids with different types of autism diagnosis, different levels of it influencing behaviour etc. There are some on there that have been doing trips to the US with their child for years on end. Obviously no longer any help as far as ESTA goes, but perhaps they could be more help or whatever of what you're looking for? Knowing the bunch on there, all it takes is a "am looking for....."-thread and they'll come jumping out.

 

[SueM in MN]

The OP posted an update about the outcome of this situation. I am adding it to this thread for some resolution:

i just want everyone who read my thread about having to get a warning esta/visa for my autitic son is that we did succeed and it only took a week to get it. Thats not to say im happy to have had to pay out all that money et c etc but at least now we can go.i Still think its discrimination and i intend to make some noise about it when i get back from my trip! if you do have to apply for a visa remember to do it in plenty of time if your child is 14 or above they will need to go to the embassey and always include as much info as poss travel docs,bank statements full birth cerificate and most importanly a recent report from an austitic specialist doc /beh nurse etc.