Son has Aspergers/Autism - suggestions?

[ChrisH]

My previous post continued (last paragraph did not show up for some reason...)

When we returned home after the trip my wife wrote a strongly-worded letter to Customer Relations. They did reply, stating that they changed the policy due to people abusing the privilege. They also mentioned that in the future we should state that my son requires "an alternative waiting area due to aggressive tendancies in line" and we will receive a pass without fail.

Thats absolutely horrible! Disney should understand that some people have disabilities. And Disney should accomedate to people with special needs.

Thanks HTM, they used to have a much better policy. A note from my son's doctor and one from his occupational therapist used to be OK, this last time they just pushed them back at us. It seems they are more concerned now about someone in the park being injured by a special needs person than the experience this special needs person has while in the park.

It just infuriates me that you had to resort to that to get the pass you SHOULD have easily been able to get for your son in the first place! Then you had to start your day at "the happiest place on earth" full of tension.

Thanks for your understanding Piglet, you hit the nail on the head. Took my wife most of the day to calm down, she was that upset about the incident. And thanks for writing to Customer Relations, let's hope more people write to point out that just because the handicap is not physical, it is a handicap nonetheless.

[RollingBoulder]

Originally Posted by ChrisH

Thanks HTM, they used to have a much better policy.

I wouldn't say it was a better policy before, since it was far too lax and easily abused. Although this is just as unacceptable, in my eyes. There has to be a better way to do this.

I read that Disneyland adopted the new policy from WDW. Does anyone know if WDW has these issues as well?

They also mentioned that in the future we should state that my son requires "an alternative waiting area due to aggressive tendancies in line" and we will receive a pass without fail.

It's sad that you have to give some sort of coded message in order to get a pass. That would be a tough thing to say since, as you said, your son isn't aggressive.

[Ezra]

Originally Posted by ChrisH

"an alternative waiting area due to aggressive tendancies in line"

This makes it sound like they don't care whether your son has a bad experience or not, as long as he isn't trouble for them. You're not at Disneyland for them, they're there for you. They should care about more than whether he's trouble in line. They should care that your son has a good experience as well. Isn't that why people go to Disneyland?

It doesn't sound like your wife had a very good experience either.

[ismiller]

Hey guys,

I have aspergers syndrome, and i cannot tolerate loud noises, whether it be a balloon popping, gunshot, or fireworks... simply knowning its around starts me in a apprehensive mode, when there is a loud noise, i simply freak out... and run, i cant control myself, its simple as that.

I dearly want to visit disneyland some day, but when i do, i have to be careful what is going on around me. I know it may sound silly... but can i ask something, i know fireworks show and fantasmic are out of the question, the jungle cruise i know, they use a gun to scare the hippos... what other rides have very loud noises... i am curious... so i know what to plan for in the future...

also, is there a place i can see the fireworks from inside a building or something, i was wondering about that also....

so chris, yes, your wife had a right to be angry... and i agree.. i know what its like to have a handicap and yet, people seem to ignore you cause its not physical. I have been turned down and away for many assistance programs cause people just dont understand aspergers sometimes....

any assistance would be greatly appreciated... thanks


cyas,
ian

[HMF]

I have aspergers as well. loud noises never bothered me. However i do get impatient in long lines or big crowds. Unlike most of you i have never been to Disneyland but i have been to WDW three times. When i was younger and i was less patient my grandparents who at the time were arranging my first WDW trip said you have to be more patient in lines if you want to go to Disney World. The first visit it was kin of diffucult. The second and third trips they had invented fast pass. I only had a in-line meltdown once in my life.
I am not violent in line in any way just impatient.
I do not wish to get a pass just to avoid being labled.
By the way i am going to Disneyland in August i cant wait.

[mrhappybomb]

Originally Posted by ismiller

what other rides have very loud noises... i am curious... so i know what to plan for in the future...

A lot of the bigger rides like Indiana Jones, Matterhorn, Space Mountain and many other rollercoaster type attractions

[HMF]

Dont forget the pop-up ghosts in the Haunted Mansions graveyard or the cannons in POTC.

[mrhappybomb]

oh yea I forgot a bout thoses but they don't have to worrie about POTC it's not openig back up untill mid July (Mister Toads Wild Ride has a loud sceen in it too)

[HMF]

mid-June

[ismiller]

is the cannons in POTC real or recorded, if its recorded i can handle it... its just the real loud noises, like explosions that get me...

[mrhappybomb]

I think there recored it's hard to tell now scencs they are re doing the ride to be more like the movie(s)

[HiddenMickey]

I didn't read through this thread thouroughly, but interestingly enough, the book I'm reading mentioned a boy with autism. His doctor recommended his parents take him to DL everyday. Sure enough, after many many trips, he saw Mickey Mouse one day and exclaimed "Mickey Mouse!" His first words ever. This is may off-topic to the original point of your thread, but I thought I'd share.

[Ezra]

I remember readin that as well. Great story!
Different kind of autism though.

[ttztotdca50]

Interesting... my older cousin is autistic, and he was able to get a guest assistance pass back in early February. I believed all we showed the Cast Members at City Hall was a copy of the proof of his autism and we received the little slip of paper. I'm sorry to all those who weren't able to get a pass.

[Piglet]

Well, I finally heard back from Guest Relations about the email I sent almost 2 weeks ago! This was their very PC reply:

"4/18/2006
Dear Ms. Carlson,
Thank you for your e-mail to the Disneyland Resort. We appreciate your taking the time to share your experience with us.
There have been no policy changes concerning Guests with Autism or ADHD at the Disneyland Resort. As always, Guests with specific disability concerns are advised to visit Guest Relations upon entering any of our theme parks. The Cast Member you speak with will be happy to discuss the services and
options available during your visit.

Again, thank you for contacting us. Comments such as yours are welcomed in that they assist us in evaluating our operation and our success in generating happiness for our Guests. We hope you will have the opportunity to visit the Disneyland Resort soon and that our attractions and entertainment will delight you in every way.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Wise
Guest Communications
Disneyland Resort


Received date: 4/6/06"


I feel--once again--like I completely wasted my time. They did not hear a word I said in my email. It's like talking to a brick wall. I am very frustrated!