We too have an autistic child who is non verbal.
Over the years we have loved Universal Studios but on this years trip slightly less so.
Our son is a really early riser each morning so we always get to the parks early, which suits us.
Islands Of Adventure we really enjoyed, mainly because for the first time we rode Spiderman and Jurassic Park as a family - Joshua had never done either before but Universal Studios we enjoyed less.
Sure he went on ET and Woody a couple of times, he wouldn't understand Men In Black so we skipped that, but my problem with US is the opening times of some of the rides - bearing in mind it was Easter.
We know Woody doesn't open till 10, but when it's getting on for 1030 and Barney, Jaws and Disaster are still not open it takes a lot away from our enjoyment - even the Woody store was only due to open at 11.
I can't remember which day it was specifically. Over the years it seems to be , from our observations, that they open Barney whenever they feel like it (apologies if that is harsh), just appears from what we have seen it never opens on time.
If you take away Jaws, Barney, Curious George, Woody, Disaster none of which open before 10 then you don't have a lot left in those areas of the park. We were unsure about the Simpsons for Joshua so didn't ride it and as I say he wouldn't understand the concept of MIB.
I understand ALL the parks have similar situations, and I am sure there are good reasons for it - however, personally if the park opens at 9 then
all the attractions should open then too.
Trying to explain that to a non verbal disabled child isn't easy.
Also whilst the car parking is excellent, much prefer the multi storey to the WDW parks, Universal need to look at the security checking area for people's bags when entering the park.
On 2 occasions we left the park just before 12 noon, having had 3 hours around IOA - I had to manually move the barriers at the exit because we couldn't get past the bag security check - you know they put tables there etc - there was no way we could get past and get to the car parks. I shouldn't have to move a barrier to be able to leave the park!
Just to add we are from England in the UK and have been to Florida many times - we don't see it as Universal V. Disney , the more attractions available the better, we have had fun at
all the parks over the years.
Remember Josh doing his first dance ever inside the Barney shop when he was aged about 2, so we have many good memories from Universal.
Next year we will be back again hopefully, looking forward to Harry Potter.
We stayed on-site at RPH which i HIGHLY recommend. Although we probably didn't need FOTL because the parks were dead! Note to all of you out there - if you can go on Mothers Day - do it! No lines! 
, courting disaster imo. 
