I feel so silly. We usually go as a family to Disneyland at least once every other year if not once a year. This year, I decided I really, really want to go, but hubby can't make it, so I was going to take our two little ones and go for a few days.

Here's the hard part, our youngest, Abby (6-yrs-old) has autism. Abby is so sweet, but bounces of the walls and really wears us out at times. We always get a GAC/SAC, yet only need to use it 50% of the time at most because she is high-functioning. We never know when she will have a good day, or be very sensitive. She is not comfortable with strangers touching her, and usually doesn't much care for them to talk to her. LOL! At the same time, if she is frustrated, she has a hard time recognizing other's private space, and will be like on top of people.

Or she gets really frustrated waiting for longer than 20 minutes or so, and may or may not have a meltdown.

However, after reading info here, I am paranoid that I will not have the courage to ask for a SAC for Abby. Reason is, I am also on the autistic spectrum, and am terrified of confrontation, and all the posts about the recent changes scare me.

Mark (hubby) always gets the card and helps us to preserve our own personal space in crowds, etc. What am I going to do without him?! LOL!

I do have a card that shows Abby registered with an Autistic Society. Will that help me to get a card for her?

Thanks,
Tracy

Even with the new requirements/rules with the GAC/SAP...the CM's in City Hall are very kind.
If you get the courage up to go in and explain about Abby's disabilities/issues, they will hopefully help you by 'tailoring' a GAC that will meet Abby's needs.
You might not get the 'free range' privilidge that you did with the old SAP...but since you only used it 50%, most likely, the new GAC will be just as helpful for you.

I have a daughter with Down syndrome. Standing in lines can be difficult at times...but we can manage at times. The harder part is stairs. She just doesn't do well with stairs. Being able to receive a GAC that helps us with the stairs on various attractions is a perfect match for us!! I can handle the lines with her...but having that 'help' with the stairs makes the day so much easier for us...and the other guests (the ones behind us who would get snappy...make nasty comments, and sometimes push to get down the stairs around us :eek: :( ).

Good luck. I hope you can muster up the bravery to go in and ask for the assistance that you might need with your daughter. :)

However, after reading info here, I am paranoid that I will not have the courage to ask for a SAC for Abby. Reason is, I am also on the autistic spectrum, and am terrified of confrontation, and all the posts about the recent changes scare me.

Tracy,

I just read Jacob's website. Girl, you are an amazingly strong woman! And you're going to do what it takes to take care of your children. I know it.

May I suggest you look at your fear of confrontation as an asset more than a liability? Plan to go into City Hall with a friendly, polite, non-confrontational attitude and you're going to get a lot further than if you walk in with an assertive, demanding attitude!

You may want to talk to your husband about what he usually tells them, but it sounds like you have a fairly good idea about what your daughter needs. If you can come up with a few comments that are most important to you and your daughter, you'll be prepared for what you want to say to the CMs when you ask for your GAC.

You Go Girl.
Adrienne

I can handle the lines with her...but having that 'help' with the stairs makes the day so much easier for us...and the other guests (the ones behind us who would get snappy...make nasty comments, and sometimes push to get down the stairs around us :eek: :(

When I just read that, I was shocked that people would actually do that. I would have a hard time keeping my mouth shut. It situations as such I explain to my kids that the person has a disability of some sort and we need to be patient. Of course, my toddler is just starting to use words at the wrong time such as "move" etc and I just explain to her that it is not nice that you say "excuse me please" we are getting there but the lack of consideration out there truly annoys me.

When I just read that, I was shocked that people would actually do that. I would have a hard time keeping my mouth shut. It situations as such I explain to my kids that the person has a disability of some sort and we need to be patient. Of course, my toddler is just starting to use words at the wrong time such as "move" etc and I just explain to her that it is not nice that you say "excuse me please" we are getting there but the lack of consideration out there truly annoys me.

Oh, believe me...it is hard not to snap back. And, my daughter is not so little anymore. Even when she was just a little snippet...people would get rude and pushy. It can be kinda scary while standing on steep steps!
I am big on saying 'excuse me'...'pardon me'...and holding doors open for the people behind you...or even rushing up to the door to help a mom with babies, or people on crutches (being on crutches right now...you cannot believe how many people will just let the door slam right in front of me as I am just up to it!!). Where did people sense of common courtesy go???? :confused:

Perhaps, people at DL are in such a hurry, and very excited to get on/off the attraction, that all sense of courtesy is shot out the window? :confused:
For the rest of the places I go...it's just plain rude. :(

Thank y'all so much for your kind words of support!

Please private me. My son has aspergers and I know what you need to say to get the pass but I do not want to post it on the internet so that people use it to abuse the system. Abby is what the pass is made for and if you don't say just the right thing they may not give you the pass. You can also email me. My E mail is in my profile.
Toursbabe