My brother and his family will be at WDW in May and they have an autistic child. My SIL thought she had heard something about a special fast-pass available for autistic children so they wouldn't have to wait in line as long. Has anyone else ever heard of this and maybe know how to go about getting one? I didn't know anything about it, but I told her I would ask the experts!

http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/showthread.php?t=49518&highlight=Autistic

here is another post on this :)

Have them go to www.disboards.com and look in the "disABILITIES!" forum. This forum has lots of discussions concerning special needs children at WDW. It is similar to Mousepad's Access forum but a lot larger and generally a lot more free-ranging but concentrating on WDW.

Have them go to www.disboards.com and look in the "disABILITIES!" forum. This forum has lots of discussions concerning special needs children at WDW. It is similar to Mousepad's Access forum but a lot larger and generally a lot more free-ranging but concentrating on WDW.


I agree with Cheshire Figment, the disABILITIES boardis a great resource. Check out the FAQ thread, it has a lot of great information.

Bizzy,

With a doctor's note, you can go to Guest Services and ask for a Guest Assistance Pass. Have your doctor specifically list what is beneficial to the child, and what are triggers for your child to avoid (such as dark, enclosed spaces, loud noises, strobe lights, etc.) Be aware that it does not give you 'front of the line' access. In some instances, your party will be asked to wait in line and you and your child can join them from a separate entrance near the ride vehicles, while others will allow you to go through the Fast Pass entrance. It all depends on the rides.

Disney's become very adept at assisting the autistic child have a better experience, but sometimes the Cast Members themselves aren't 100% familiar with how to handle certain situations. It's best to have the doctor's note and if you're in a situation where your child feels uncomfortable, let them know as soon as possible. If you've uncovered a CM who just isn't in the know, ask for another CM or supervisor to assist, so that the situation doesn't deteriorate for all Guests.

I hope you have a wuuuunnnerful time.

With a doctor's note, you can go to Guest Services and ask for a Guest Assistance Pass. Have your doctor specifically list what is beneficial to the child, and what are triggers for your child to avoid (such as dark, enclosed spaces, loud noises, strobe lights, etc.)
A doctor's note is not required (per ADA). However, if you do bring one make sure that it includes needs and not diagnosis, as the same diagnosis for different people can have diferent needs.

No, you are correct, it is not necessary, however, I found it extremely beneficial to have one, as in my case I found each CM interpreted my needs very differently, and each wrote up the GAP pass very differently, based on their interpretation of my diagnosis. When I had my doctor's note, they used the doctor's wording. As a general rule, I suggest to my Guests that if they don't want to leave something up to a CM's interpretation, to go the CYA route and ask the physician to assist.

Thanks so much, everyone! I gave my SIL the link to this site and disboards. I don't think there is any question that they will all have a great time! I did tell her to get the doctor's note, even though some have said it's not needed - it can't hurt.

No, you are correct, it is not necessary, however, I found it extremely beneficial to have one, as in my case I found each CM interpreted my needs very differently, and each wrote up the GAP pass very differently, based on their interpretation of my diagnosis. When I had my doctor's note, they used the doctor's wording. As a general rule, I suggest to my Guests that if they don't want to leave something up to a CM's interpretation, to go the CYA route and ask the physician to assist.

Last time we brought a doctors note they would not even look at it and told us it was against the law for them to even read it???? I am not sure if things have changed in the last 4 months. The most important thing is for you to be a advocate and be very firm in what your needs are when you are at the attraction. Just because you get a stamp it does not mean they are going to assist you in your needs you just have to be very vocal and say this is not possible or suggest other solutions. You will get very few cast members who just don't care but ask for a lead hen they start caring a little bit more ;)

Last time we brought a doctors note they would not even look at it and told us it was against the law for them to even read it????
It violates the HIPPA laws. All they need is 1 person saying they HAD to show a doctor's note and there would be heck to pay. So, they refuse to look at the notes (or are supposed to.) I am sure someone who wasn't aware they were not supposed to look at the doctor's note looked, and if the lead found out, it would be explained "We can't do this".