Autism and WDW About This Page:

[GinaButtrfly]

Here's a little tip for all of you with Children on the Spectrum...
I am an Early Intervention Special Instructor in NYC. I did a little research for a couple of families I work with going to WDW with their Autistic kiddies. Families with Autistic children DO NOT HAVE TO WAIT ON LINES at WDW. Tell the CMs and they will pass you to the area for people with disabilities. I know that some people feel uncomfortable doing that, but it is a courtesy Disney provides to make your vacation run as smoothly for you as possible. Utilize it when you feel it will help!!! Good luck and have an AWESOME vacation!

[Tricia Davids]

Thanks for the advice!

[graygables]

Originally Posted by GinaButtrfly

Here's a little tip for all of you with Children on the Spectrum...
I am an Early Intervention Special Instructor in NYC. I did a little research for a couple of families I work with going to WDW with their Autistic kiddies. Families with Autistic children DO NOT HAVE TO WAIT ON LINES at WDW. Tell the CMs and they will pass you to the area for people with disabilities. I know that some people feel uncomfortable doing that, but it is a courtesy Disney provides to make your vacation run as smoothly for you as possible. Utilize it when you feel it will help!!! Good luck and have an AWESOME vacation!

Just a BTDT heads up...most rides do not have a special area for people with disabilities, they use the FastPass line. Many, MANY times, I've been advised to simply get/use a FastPass when showing my guest assistance card, but sometimes I am waved through into the FP line. FastPass lines are not AS long, but can and do still involve some waiting (Soarin' comes to mind). Another ride that is not a good one to use the disabled entrance is the Safari at AK. The truck loads very slowly and that wait is usually MUCH longer than the non-disabled line. SE does have a dark, cool waiting area, but your name is put on a list and they call you when it's your party's turn, you don't just walk on that one, either. I don't want people to get the idea that you can go to WDW with NO wait, it simply doesn't happen, even for VIPs (Eartha Kitt was in line behind us for Soarin'...), not only for the parents of the autistic kids, but for those who glare at us because they think we're somehow getting "front of the line" and never having to wait.

[GinaButtrfly]

Of course no system can be THAT perfect But it should make your life on the whole easier in most areas. Again, good luck everyone!!!

[Sandra Bostwick]

Great comments, all.

GinaButtrfly, thanks for the tip. I'm an OT and I always recommend the Guest Assistance Card for special needs. Many of my clients have "hidden" special needs, which are not immediately apparent. I've heard many reports of onlookers making an evaluation that they are not "disabled enough" to use the card, etc. While I understand how annoying it might be to think someone is taking advantage, I'd err on the side of kindness and give the benefit of the doubt that the person has a hidden disablility before making rude faces or comments. I'm glad to hear you encouraging people who need it to use it.

I agree with graygables that people should not expect to sail right through. Giving the idea that you can go through with no wait creates problems with unrealistic expections. I always like to think in terms of reasonable accommodations and, the fact is, in Disney it just isn't reasonable to expect not to wait.

I'd like to add that, for ADD, SI, or autism, a "survival strategies kit" is as important for dealing with waits as a guest assistance pass. A kit with favorite fidgets, snacks, time passers, games, etc. will make all the difference. Every morning, the kid can choose a number of favorite things so the pack can vary from day to day. Some surprise objects can be packed to take out at just the right time. Nothing like a surprise to take the edge off. Alot of my students have had great success with this, and everything can usually fit nicely into a fanny pack.