Alright – so, Disney where dreams do not come true for families whose children have autism changed their disability guest assistance policy few years ago. The current one states if you have a disability and need accommodations, then you go to whatever ride you want and they tell you how long the wait is and you come back. I am sorry – now what now?
Let’s put this in a context that someone who has a child with autism, works with them or is a family member can understand. If our kids could comprehend waiting and coming back then so many meltdowns and behaviors would not exist. The sad thing in all of this is that Autism Speaks who speaks for no one with autism unless it fills their bottom line were part of this stupid decision. I kid you not.
At any rate, Disney has been sued by dozens of autism families and had some good and some not so good court decisions. Finally there will now be a trial next year.
In my own experience, I have taken my son who has autism to Disney several times before this stupid policy and he always had a wonderful time. He would only ride maybe two or three rides but we had no behaviors and left happy. Then we took him after this silly policy was implemented. We went to his favorite ride and they said the wait is one hour and half. Now comes the fun part which we even practiced. We tried to tell my kid we have to…..drum roll please……. wait (no pun intended) for an hour and half. Of course, he did not understand that nor wanted to wait. He tried to run towards the ride which of course was dangerous and we had to call for assistance and we left. We never went back. This really makes me sad. There are not that many things these kids like. What little they enjoy – places like Disney take it away. I even called Disney and said I can bring a note from his doctor or they can get it from him directly. Unfortunately, Disney was not helpful. I am hoping this upcoming trial will bring good news to our children with autism.
Above words do not reflect any candidate, agency or committee.
Idil – Somali Autism Mom