Connect with others who understand.

  • Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  • Real advice from people who’ve been there
  • People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of MyAutismTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭
Martinsville, NJ

I have heard of it, but to be honest, I feel guilty asking for it. My son is high functioning, however long lines will be torture for him though and definitely cause a meltdown. I feel like those should be reserved for the kids who have more challenges and I feel like maybe we aren't the appropriate folks to be using it. We gave it a test run at Sesame Place, and man did we get nasty looks and comments as we passed by the lines that didn't use the exits for entrances!

Can I get your honest… read more

August 18, 2013
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members strongly encouraged a parent feeling guilty about using Disney's Guest Assistance Card for their recently diagnosed, high-functioning... Read more

Members strongly encouraged a parent feeling guilty about using Disney's Guest Assistance Card for their recently diagnosed, high-functioning autistic son, with the overwhelming consensus being that if it helps prevent meltdowns and makes the experience more enjoyable, there should be zero guilt about using it. Several members shared their own experiences at Disney and other parks, describing how the card transformed stressful visits into magical ones, and emphasized that accommodations exist precisely because their children face real challenges even if those challenges aren't always visible to others. A recurring theme was learning to ignore judgmental stares and comments, with members reminding each other that they face enough daily struggles without adding shame over accessing legitimate support designed to help their children experience joy like any other kid.

A MyAutismTeam Member

Generally, I would just say let them stare (or glare). Nobody is going to physically attack you so it doesn't put your safety at risk.
I read an blog post from a dad who was worried about the same thing. He had his answer all planned out, it was something like "I'd be happy to trade you places in line if you would trade me and have YOUR child be autistic"

August 18, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

We went to Disney for the day with our three-your old and did not know about the card, we found out about it afterwards and it really would have made our day much easier and much more enjoyable for everyone. There were very few rides that had short enough lines for our son to tolerate - he is also fairly high functioning. He also found the noise a bit upsetting at one point about one hour and a half into the visit but luckily got over it. Otherwise we would have had to go home early which is a shame as Disney is so expensive. I would say if I was to go again we would definitely get the card.

As an aside I have also told airline staff that is he is autistic when they have challenged whether he (at over two) needs extra time to board early.

We face so many challenges as parents of autistic kids I think anything you can do to preserve your sanity and make life more enjoyable for your kid is worth the occasional odd looks from people.

August 18, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

Don't let them get to you, let them stare. It's not you trying to take advantage of anything, it's you trying to let your child enjoy the rids just like everyone else. If you were to stand in the long lines like these people want, then your child would start flippin' and having a melt down and you'd get the nasty stares. You can't win for nothing with some people. I've thought about getting it before too, you do what you need to do and don't let no one get ya down.

August 19, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

We use the pass every time we go and I don't really feel guilty about it. I did at first but it would be hard to do the parks without it. If the line is short we just go on it the typical way but if the line is long we use it. I think if I'm not mistaken they made a new rule that you can only use it if the line is 20 minutes or over so they try to keep it fair to everyone. If it is truly a problem for your son to wait on lines, have no guilt. We never know with Daniel if he will have trouble waiting for the rides so we use it. He doesn't meltdown but he has crying episodes at times and the first few days he has sensory issues with some things there. Disney has been great about the pass. They want us to have a Magical time, don't worry about it at all :-) Have a great trip!

August 18, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

Disney parks have fast pass on many rides, so people are used to seeing others using the exit to bypass lines. We just came back from Disney and only used fast pass. I would have used the special access but wasnt aware of it.

August 18, 2013

Related Questions

View All
A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭
Saint Louis, MO

A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭
Pleasant Grove, UT

Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In