ASD and a GAC do I need it or not??

[TDS373X]

This is the first time I've been on this board and have learned alot and also realized there are lots of folks like us out there and they too go to WDW. My dd5 was diagnosed with ASD since our last trip (now you know why this is my first visit to this board)she also has a seizure disorder and I never knew the GAC exsisted now that I've read some about this I'm debating whether or not I should do this for our upcoming trip. She usually has no problem standing in line we were at Kings Island(the local Paramount Park) last sunday from 10 am til 8 pm she was fantastic the whole day. However knowing from past trips she'll have bad days where she can't stand in line for long periods of time. Her biggest issues are sound related. Mickey's Philharmagic was a disaster for her last year! She wants to do these things but you never know until you are in there if it will freak her out or not. She really wants to go see BUgs LIfe movie in the tree at AK but I hesitate because I don't want to torture her. Is there some earplug or something we could use or with a GAC could we sit in such a place that we could leave if it freaked her out. Fireworks are another thing. absolutly terrified. we got stuck at the bus stop at MK as the fireworks went off last year. screaming and crying. I don't know maybe they can't help us with our issues we'll just have to run faster to the bus or avoid attractions all together...I really don't want to take advantage of being able to skip long lines or anything like that but on her bad days anything to make our trip more enjoyable would be wonderful....Suggestions

 

[minkydog]

I would absolutely get GAC, then you have it if you need it, like an insureance policy. I have an autistic son too, and you never know what is going to set him off. I totally understand about the fireworks--did that once, never again! I thought this poor kid was going to pass out from fear. I felt so bad for him and Epcot was packed so we couldn't easily leave. We have never had any luck with ear plugs because he gets so worked up about things over his ears or head. If he gets too worked up, we just exit the attraction early.

 

[Earstou]

I would suggest giving earplugs a try. I never thought to try them before I read the hint here. We had a thunderstorm here recently and we used the earplugs. My ds was able to fall asleep with no problem. Usually he would be awake until the storm passed. I always thought it was a fear issue, and now realize the noise is the worst part for him. We've also had issues with fireworks and other noises in the past, can't wait to try earplugs in those situations!
Getting the GAC for when you need it seems like a good idea too!!

 

[Rosie]

Hi there
we just got back from our first trip to Orlando. My DS10 has Asperger Syndrome and ADD and didn't want me to get a GAC. So for the first two days we went along with panic attacks in the heat and crowds and leaving the parks at about 4.00pm. Then I got him to try the soft ear plugs I had brought with us and got a GAC from guest services. The combination of lower sound levels and being away from crowds for some of the time worked wonders.

Also just knowing that we could use the mother and baby room for a quiet zone if he needed it were a relief for him. Without the GAC (he didn't want me to ask for help at Universal Studios as he says it isn't fair and he hates to be unfair) we were back to leaving the park after lunch because of sheer sensory overload for him.

Another good tip is to go outside the parks for a meal if you can. When we were at MK we went to concourse steakhouse for dinner. The monorail trip combined with the calm atmosphere of the contemporary was exactly what he needed to psyche up for the evening fireworks.

I hope you find some helpful tips and don't feel bad about asking for help most people at the parks will do whatever they can to assist.

Regards
Rosie

 

[arubalisa]

Rosie, thanks for the great info! As an OT question, how was the Steakhouse? We have reservations to celebrate DH's birthday there on July 4. Couldn't afford the $189+ pp for dinner at the California Grill

 

[SueM in MN]

We get a GAC because my DD has multiple issues that make waiting in line difficult. Without a GAC, there are certain things that we can't do/see. We use the GAC sparingly, but when we need it, it's very useful in helping DD to cope.
I look at the GAC as an insurance policy. You don't ever have to use it, but if you run into a situation where you do need it, it's available.

 

[Mickeym101]

What is an ASD?

 

[SueM in MN]

What is an ASD?

Autism Spectrum Disorder

 

[TDS373X]

thanks for all the great info!!!! on all the posts I've read from this board. I'm going out tomorrow and try to find earplugs as dd wants very much to try them so that maybe she could see Fantasmic or at least try-this is a HUGE step for her and I will definatly get the GAC as an insurance policy thing. Most days she is very good at waiting in line but then there are days (like yesterday) that are just bad. This will be my 20th trip and I never knew there was so much I never knew but I'm learning.Thanks again...

 

[Rosie]

Hi Arubalisa
the concourse steakhouse was more or less perfect!
DD and DS ate from the kids menu and DH and I had a steak each. It was the most expensive meal we had in our two week trip but the food was delicious, the atmosphere was quiet and calm and the service was first rate. It was the only place we had desert because the portions were perfect and we didn't feel too full. We were there around 70 minutes and due to the attentive service we had a glass of wine with dinner and coffee with desert without feeling rushed.
I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
Regards
Rosie

 

[mlwear]

My son has ASD. He requires frequent "breaks" from stimuli and needs to incorporate some self-soothing sensory stuff. ex. he may need "brushed", deep pressure for an extended period, etc. He also can become overheated easily due to one of his medications. I read somewhere that the first aid stations are very helpful if you have the GAC. Does anyone know or have experience? Is this somewhere we could go for a sensory break (brushing in open public, I don't want to do). I assume it is air conditioned (our trip is in mid-August).

 

[Rosie]

Hi Mlwear

when we were at MGM we were offered use of the Mum and Baby room by the entrance at Guest Services. The CM said it is not as heavily used as facilities within the park and my DS 10 who has Asperger Syndrome and ADD checked it out. He didn't feel the need to use it that day but it reassured him to know there was a cool(air conditioned) quiet room where he and I could take a break if necessary.

I think similar facilities are available at all the parks and I'm sure that you would be allowed to use them if necessary. During a visit to DLP two years ago DS and I spent half a day in the medical centre. DS had a panic attack on Space Mountain and needed lots of time to calm down. We were going to leave the park, but DS cried because he didn't want to go and a CM escorted us to the medical centre where we were offered use of facilities. Obviously they can only offer what is available and only if someone more in need of help doesn't arrive.

I hope you will find the CM's as caring as we have.

Regards
Rosie

 

[SueM in MN]

We have used FIrst Aid in all of the parks for various reasons (DD needed stretching, to rest after a seizure or just to use their accessible restroom). They all have multiple cubicles (areas separated by full or half walls and curtains), so you don't have to worry about taking one out of use by someone else who needs it. They also have several exam rooms (rooms with 4 walls and a door for people who need more privacy.
We have found that staff to be really nice, the areas to be cool, calm and quite.
They will not ask to see your GAC. If you need a calming place to go, that's fine - just explain when you arrive.
I have heard some of the same things about the Baby Care Centers, but we have not used them in many years, since my DDs are older.

 

[arubalisa]

This board is a Godsend. Thank you everyone for your wonderful information and suggestions.

 

[shopgirl72]

ASD can also mean atrial septum defect, which my son has! This is a heart chamber defect. I was wondering why she would be upset hearing noises with this!! Didn't even think of autuism!!

shopgirl

 

[SueM in MN]

ASD can also mean atrial septum defect, which my son has! This is a heart chamber defect. I was wondering why she would be upset hearing noises with this!! Didn't even think of autuism!!

shopgirl

Yep.
Especially in medicine, different specialties use the same letter to mean very different things.

 

[Anne MN]

when I saw the ASD- I thought heart also! my DD has one of those and many more cardiac issues.

I see abreviations and tend to think of what they mean in "my" world (cardiac), continued to read the rest of the posts and saw it had a different meaning

 

[spotdog]

I am an adult living with mental illness and I love to vacation at Disney. I have used the First Aid center on several occassions to calm and collect my thoughts after an anxiety attack. Crowds can sometimes overwhelm me. I try to travel at less crowded times and avoid parades and such.

I am embarrassed when I start to cry, hyperventilate or "talk out loud" in public. The first aid staff has been terrific about just letting me rest and regain control for a half hour or so.