Son has Aspergers/Autism - suggestions?

[debijeanm]

Originally Posted by ru42

The problem was society. It was pretty easy to get passes and everyone did. So those who truly need passes cannot get them now. So, we suffer.

The rides a young person wants to go on does not have FP (basically all of Fantasyland.) And more and more of Disneyland is losing FP (Pirates, HM, Pooh, etc.)

So, the pendulum was too far one way, in an overreaction Disney took it completely to the other side. I hoped they would come back down in the middle somewhere but they never have.

And based on your last thought, if the queue is too long we have to bypass the ride. We don't do the, one person in line and then at last minute 3 more people jump in line. The long queue is horrible for us and as you imagined, it isn't a picnic for those around us.

Fortunately, my son is older now and his tolerance to long lines and noises has improved over the years.

RU

Many years ago (pre-fast pass) I was very impressed with a happy group of teenagers pushing their disabled friend around in a wheelchair; I kept running into the group througout the day. It took me a while (I'm very naive) but I finally realized that the "disabled" friend was a different kid on each ride. These jerks and jerkettes had rented a wheelchair so as to avoid waiting in lines. Fast forward to this past year. I took my parents to Disneyland. My mother can't stand for more than ten minutes at a time, so we brought her wheelchair and did the wheelchair lines. In POTC we waited longer in the chair line than we would have if she could have stood the stand-by line. I didn't care, but my Dad (who, at 80, tires when standing for long periods) mentioned it. I speculated that DL probably was trying to cut down on fraud by making sure the chair guest lines weren't an advantage.

The Jungle Cruise let us on right away, so I don't know if there's anything to my "theory" or not. But I can tell you for certain (based on what I've seen coming through my classroom for the last 15 years) that people simply do not understand that it is our choosing to obey rules that keeps society moving smoothly. I have no doubt that it was large numbers of liars and cheats who have made life harder for the disabled - especially those with "invisible" disabilities - at DL.

[Piglet]

After my first reply from Guest Relations, I was not satisfied, so I pressed on in a second email to them. Here is the reply I got this time:

"Thank you for your e-mail to the Disneyland Resort.

We regret that you were not satisfied with our original response to you. Your comments are
appreciated. We know that comments such as yours are taken into consideration and can assure you
they have been shared with the appropriate management for their review.

Your feedback regarding the available accommodations for Guests with disabilities is welcomed as we
continually look at ways to provide services that assist Guests in having a pleasant visit.

We at the Disneyland Resort strive to provide individualized assistance for our Guests' unique
needs. Over time, we have made several modifications to the manner in which our Guests' needs are
addressed, to ensure the Resort is a welcoming place to visit. Our most recent changes, which
include the introduction of the Guest Assistance Card, take into account additional services offered
to our Guests, such as Disney's FASTPASS service.

The Guest Assistance Card is issued based on a Guest's need for service, not based on the type of
disability. As each Guest's needs are unique, each situation is handled on a case-by-case basis.
While some circumstances may necessitate the issuance of a Guest Assistance Card, others may simply
require extra time and planning. Our Cast Members at Guest Relations are happy to assist with
Guest's service needs. I have forwarded your comments to the appropriate leadership. Rest assured
the Disneyland Resort is committed to providing a magical experience for every Guest.

Again, thank you for taking the time to write. We hope you will have the opportunity to visit the
Disneyland Resort soon and trust your visit will be pleasant in all regards.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Wise
Guest Communications
Disneyland Resort"

[Ezra]

So, in other words, it's a judgement call, and it just depends on who you get at Guest Relations when you're there. That's important to know.

A good rule of thumb when dealing with any sort of customer service person: Never accept NO for an answer from someone who doesn't actually have the power to give you a YES in the first place. If the person you are dealing with isn't empowered, ask to speak to someone who is, like a supervisor or manager.

[debijeanm]

Originally Posted by Ezra

So, in other words, it's a judgement call, and it just depends on who you get at Guest Relations when you're there. That's important to know.

A good rule of thumb when dealing with any sort of customer service person: Never accept NO for an answer from someone who doesn't actually have the power to give you a YES in the first place. If the person you are dealing with isn't empowered, ask to speak to someone who is, like a supervisor or manager.

Good advice, Ezra. We should all have that printed on cards we carry around with us all the time. My son just ended a power struggle with a car dealership over repairs to his car. Managed to get the estimate down from $4000 to $1100 by moving from people with little authority to those with more. Also good to note, it's not really fair to get angry at those with no authority to solve our problems in the first place. So, perhaps at Guest Relations, asking sweetly to speak to a supervisor rather than bludgeoning the CM behind the counter helps?

[daisy66]

Disney does give you a hard time if you need a pass,if your not in a wheelchair,it is because people have discovered that just saying you have a medical condition will get you a pass,even if you do not .My advice is to tell them everything that he needs a pass for,like standing in a line. My mom had the same problem she has back and neck problems and can not stand still for long or go up too many stairs, she went to town hall and told them what she needed a pass for,and they gave her one,now she just has to bring the old one and they print her the same one with a new date.I agree with Ezra do not take no from someone who does not have the power to really say anything.Have fun.

[Piglet]

Another thought.....although Jennifer suggests the use of Fastpass, it really isn't going to do you much good since only about 5 or 6 rides utilize the Fastpass option now. None of the rides in Fantasyland use it. I think the phrase that people need to pay attention to the most is "we........strive to provide individualized assistance." That tells me that if you refuse to take no for an answer, like Ezra suggests, you can walk out of Guest Services with the pass you need. I would print out a copy of Jennifer Wise's letter and take it with you to the park. Best of luck everybody and I truly hope things change to help those who truly need it.

[pillbug2]

Is a Dr's note required to get this pass? I have an 8 yr old son that we suspect has Asperger's and a 5 yr old son we suspect has High Functioning Autism. Both boys are going in for an official diagnosis on June 22, but we will be in Disneyland June 8-14. Both of my sons can handle lines ok, but my 5 year old has problems with invading peoples' space. He's been known to go around spanking strangers or getting right in their face, and the worst experience came about a month ago, when he started hitting a pregnant woman in the stomach. My older son has no trouble staying out of peoples' space, but he can't seem to stay out of other peoples' private conversations. I would love to get a pass for them to avoid problems with other guests. We went last year and the year before, and while we never got complaints about our youngest son (probably because he was so young), we have gotten dirty looks, and complaints about our older son butting in on conversations from other guests. Without an official diagnosis yet, do you think a pass would possible for us if we explained the situation?

[eyeball]

There was a speculation made that wheelchair guest lines would have advantage. I don't agree with that because the attendants have no way to determine if someone is just in a wheelchair or has a disability that they can't wait in line. I think that some workers really don't care or does not have enough sympathy to care. Mistreating the disabled has been an ongoing problem, though hit or miss depending on the people you come across. We went to Disneyland in 1996, there was no Fastpass option there was really no other options to bypass lines. My family consists of me, my mom and my older brother who has a learning disability. He functions like a 2/3 year old so he does not have the capacity to wait in line. Not only were we not given a special assistance pass until my brother peed his pants in front of them (which took us time to clean up), we were treated really badly in waiting for rides. Upon waiting for the train ride (my brother loves trains), we were at the speical entrance and as four different trains arrived and left, we were completely ignored. They didn't even awknowledge that we were there. The struggle to keep my brother at the entrance trying to convince him that we will ride a train and hoping that the next conductor would be nicer had both me and my mom in tears. Overall, all i'm saying that it doesn't matter what policy is put into place or what the disability is. I believe that the sympathy you get is with the people who are working at the time. No harm in trying to explain though.

[Master Gracy]

hi all,
just thought i should add my 2 cents.
ive never been to disneyland, only to wdw and dlrp.
we took my little sister, who was sick with cancer to dlrp, we got a special assistance pass which allowed us to go in the exit and straight on the ride(althought not so good in rides like pm, althought that got a special entrance for guests with disabilities)
then in january of last year we went, thanks to make a wish foundation, to wdw.
we, again got a special assistance pass, and were allowed on the rides.
just saying...

[Magic1]

Piglet,

I think the message you received from Guest Communications boils down to this comment:

Originally Posted by Piglet

"... While some circumstances may necessitate the issuance of a Guest Assistance Card, others may simply require extra time and planning.
..."

which is probably their current policy on autism.

Accomodating guests with autism is probably going to be one of the most difficult issues Disney has ever tackled. Amusement parks (even non-Disney) include a LOT of sensory input by design and from guests' interactions. These are things endemic to amusement parks.

I don't know their policy for sure but it seems that Disney offers special services only to those with mobility, vision and hearing issues which have a persistent state of exhibition (e.g. if you are deaf, you can't hear no matter which line/attraction/social situation you are in - even at home). There is a certain predictability of need in these conditions and so a certain level of accomodation that Disney has taken responsibility for building into their parks (not all attractions are wheelchair accessible).

As a group, it is very difficult to predict how people with autism will react to a sensory-rich environment like Disneyland. Some people with autism will tune out the park experience completely, some become extremely aggrivated and lash out or simply run. As "autism" comes in many varieties/levels, it takes experience with an individual to be able to predict with some reliability how that specific individual may react to a ride or even a social situation. This unpredictability of behavior makes it very difficult to provide "equivalent" alternate experiences or to ensure the safety of guests who may react uncontrollably/dangerously on a ride (even if their guardian thinks they'll be able to handle it).

I sincerely hope Disney figures out how to deal with this, since there has been a recent and significant increase in the number of children who have some form of autism.

Treatment for autism is typically an attempt to stabilize symptoms and to prevent symptoms from becoming worse. I have yet to hear of a single cured case, only successes in providing children with lifelong coping methods allowing them to live a more functional, and social life than they would without treatment. That said, there may be limits in what Disney may be able to provide while still running a theme park. I may have to be the one to explain to others in line that my child has autism and try and provide the child with as many coping methods as possible. It may take waiting until society as a whole gains a greater awareness/understanding of what special needs people with autism have (just as they have with other medical conditions or disabilities).

Perhaps Disney will be the first to figure out the best way to handle this. I think until they do (and create policies and training around it), similar to what eyeball was saying, we're all at the mercy of the individuals and their personal experience.

[reynmagsmom]

hi all this is my first post here but this subject is very close to my heart!!
my 15 yr old son has multiple disabilities, he his totally deaf with cerebral palsy and also has "autistic tendencies" i won't allow doctors to add another stigmatism to my child who already has several he is for all intense purposes a 2 to 3 yr old in a 15 yr old young mans body we just recently had him put on medication for his begining aggression..which has helped but back to topic we have been to DL with him several times and never had any difficulty in getting the special assistence pass maybe do to the fact we do take his personal wheelchair but he can walk just not for long periods.. and patience is not a virtue with him without that pass we could not enjoy all the the DLR has to offer i always take his state issued disabled parking pass with us also to help with getting past the red tape...as my son's disabilty is obvious when he tries to walk it is not so apparent in his appearence....so my advice is to as alot of people have said DO NOT take no for an answer..and take as much info u can on your child's disability and if all else fails resort to vieled possibilties as to what Could happen.....as i sympatize my son waiting in line......Forget About It!!!!! :)

[cherbearam]

As a teacher of Autistic children (grades K-3) I am shocked Disney no longer gives passes to these parents. Over the years, I have assisted my students when they have meltdowns due to sudden and loud noises.(plus for all the other reasons, some known, sometimes unknown why the meltdown) My administration always warns me of fire drills so I can "prep" my students and have the noise muffling headphones ready. Does anyone know when they started this position of not giving out passes to Autistic Spectrum disorder children? I had a parent tell me 5 years ago that is how they get through the park with their son. I have no suggestions, but I do know that after fireworks is the best time to do the rides at Fantasyland other than early morning hours. I wish I could be of more assistance, I will just keep working with my students on how to "deal" with our world.

[livingpixie]

I visited DL about 5 years ago with an autistic member of the famliy, and with proper documentation from the docter we were able to aquire a Special Guest pass. Got us through the lines for rides so he could enjoy the focus of the rides itself and move on to the next without missing a beat. it was times like shows and parades when we were stationary when he would have his meltdowns. too many people around really scared him and waiting in long lines with people all around was just not going to work. we were lucky enough to get the spacial assistance pass, but i cant fathom how messed up the system got for them not to be able to tell legit needs from fake ones! heres hopin the disney company gets their act together for everyone! to all those vacationing with disabled children... be happy and eminate that happiness on to your kids! keep them encouraged and upbeat dispite the fears or problems they might be going through! remind them Disneyland is the Happiest Place on Earth! and they are so special to be there! Mickey doesn't let just everyone come and play ya know! only those boys and girls who have goodness in thier hearts!

[Where'sYourLaughinPlace?]

I kinda know the frustration that goes along with the Passes and getting special services for those diabled. I was fortunate enough to get the assistance needed. On our most recent trip to the resort(June 06), I spent 15 minutes explaining to a girl at the guest relations desk in the PPH why we need transportation to the front gate for my grandmother(she has knee and hip problems and cannot walk very long, so we always rent an ECV in the park). It wasn't until I asked to talk to the manager that I actually got anywhere. Her manager gave me his card and essentially whenever we needed a ride, I just called the number and they sent us a van to quickly pick us up.
I have found that the cast members, and guest service members in the parks are really accomadating and helpful. When we attempted to rent an ECV for my grandma, they were out se they gave us a charged us for a wheelchair rental, and once they got an ECV returned, they called us, and let us use it the rest of the day(It was only about two hours after they gave us the wheelchair). So it really dissapoints me when I hear about stuff like this where they are not giving passes to those that also really need it. I am with all of you who have written emails and letters to the disneyland resort because I would do the same thing if they were to treat us like that when we go to the parks.

[ryguy222]

Hmm its suprising disney doesn't give out passes to people with dr's notes. I went to dlr with my friend, his brother has ADHD and doesn't do well in lines. They gave him a pass so he could just go in through the exit of any ride and walk right on. Course that was two years ago but its suprising they don't do that anymore.