Worry ing about DD9 need advice

[Mistyhon]

Hi I am from Canada and my family Dh,me and DDS 11,DD7,DD9 are going to WDW in August 15 . We are also going to do Universal and bush garden then head to Miami for few days.Just a run down of Itinerary. My DD9 is BP and has sever anxiety Disorder. She really wants to go to WDW but I know the crowds and over stimualtion will be difficult for her as she tends to have major melt downs in those kinds of situations. she doesn't do well with long waits and due to meds she can't be in the sun for long. I read about the GAC but I am worried they won't believe me as she looks normal and acts normal most of the time . has anyone had a problem with this. or any advice.
Thanks

 

[Figment1964]

Hi I am from Canada and my family Dh,me and DDS 11,DD7,DD9 are going to WDW in August 15 . We are also going to do Universal and bush garden then head to Miami for few days.Just a run down of Itinerary. My DD9 is BP and has sever anxiety Disorder. She really wants to go to WDW but I know the crowds and over stimualtion will be difficult for her as she tends to have major melt downs in those kinds of situations. she doesn't do well with long waits and due to meds she can't be in the sun for long. I read about the GAC but I am worried they won't believe me as she looks normal and acts normal most of the time . has anyone had a problem with this. or any advice.
Thanks

My ds, 11½, as Asperger's Syndrome and looks "normal" (whatever normal is! ) most of the time too. I have never had a problem with the CM's not believing me. You just need to be able to state the needs that your dd has. They don't need, nor do they want to know her diagnosis to be able to provide you with the help she needs.

I think if you just mention to the CM's just the same way you did to us you should be fine.

Have a great trip!

 

[tbelfonti]

Is there something "wrong" with this baby?

Not that you can tell (imo) but my daughter has complex congenital heart defects. She was born without a spleen. All her internal organs are on the opposite side (right sided heart, etc) If you cannot see her scar, you wouldn't know that she's not "normal".

We had no problems getting a GAC and using it. No one gave us a second look about it.

Go and enjoy yourselves in Disney - DD will LOVE IT!

 

[Mistyhon]

Thanks for the advice and your baby is beautiful and cute.

 

[riu girl]

Misty,
Just tell them what you told us in the OP and I'm sure yu wil have no difficulty getting a GAC. When I got a GAC for DD8 I typed a little note and handed it to the CM. I was worried about talking about DDs issues in front of her so the note worked out just fine for us.

Advice:1. Get to the parks early if possible. Once you get through the first rush to get in, the parks themselves are pretty quiet in the first two hours (compared to late in the morning/early afternoon). Your DD9 might feel more comfortable when the park is less crowded.

2. I don't know if your DD would consider a WDW oversize double stroller or not. My DD (then 7, 70 lbs. and very tall) had one 12/04 and it worked out very well. She isn't great in crowds and giving her own personal space really helped. I don't know if the stroller would be something your daughter would consider or not, but I have read that they can fit a small 12 year old. We saw several kids (about age 6-7) in them.

Happy planning
Suzy V.

 

[karynnix]

If there is any question, get a note from her doctor to take with you to show them when you get the GAC. It makes a world of difference when you don't have to stand in those long lines!!!

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

Is there something "wrong" with this baby?

Well ... by the amount of ice cream on her face, she's only taken 1 or 2 bites of the mickey bar, which means that someone has been "helping" her eat the ice cream

 

[SueM in MN]

Well ... by the amount of ice cream on her face, she's only taken 1 or 2 bites of the mickey bar, which means that someone has been "helping" her eat the ice cream

(actually, that was my thought too)

 

[Forevryoung]

I have BP and I have bouts of severe anxiety too. I still have my own meltdowns and I am 20 . I have a tendency to get overstimulated. By this point in my life I am quite aware of my emotional reactions and I can articulate my needs. Sometimes better than others

I personally do not do well in crowds unless I prepare myself for them, take extra medication and have support. We had a GAC for another member of the group but if we didnt, I would have gotten one for myself.

I look "normal" most of the time. I am good at pretending everything is ok until I am crying, throwing a temper-tantrum or having an anxiety attack. Then people notice

My biggest thing is that I hate cutting into the "fun time" of my friends and family. I needed to leave the parks one day because I was overstimulated and just being around people was getting to me but I didnt say anything because they were having so much fun. I wound up running to the nearest bathroom stall to decompress at one point. A double stroller might be a great idea. The two younger kids could use it (possibly not at the same time depending on their size) and your DD with BP can use it to "hide".

PM me if you want any "dealing with BP children" tips- I was diagnosed a long time ago. I wish you luck

 

[tbelfonti]

Well ... by the amount of ice cream on her face, she's only taken 1 or 2 bites of the mickey bar, which means that someone has been "helping" her eat the ice cream

OK, OK - you got us We shared the Mickey bar amongst DD4.5, DD10mnths and myself