If the child is "that" autistic, why would you put them in a social setting like Disney with all the noise and crowds?
I, along with others, have already explained that many children can handle it with proper accommodations, on this and other threads. Many children with ASD (autism spectrum disorders) actually benefit from trips to WDW. For my younger brother, it's actually a good, safe environment where he can practice his social skills and deal with crowds, and he handles crowds very well as a result. The stimulation is actually good for many of these kids. While I think that the DAS is a reasonable accommodation, it's not fair to judge others on whether or not they choose to take their child to WDW.
I can relate because my cousin is severely autistic and we avoid those situations for him. If the child can ride a ride, and be in one place and restrained for 2-4 minutes, not to mention a plane or car ride for multiple hours.. then there shouldn't be any issue waiting 5 minutes with a return time. Just saying my two cents worth.
You see, you have literally met one person with autism. There's a whole array of those on the autism spectrum who have different needs, and while some like your cousin cannot handle an environment like WDW, many can. My younger brother comes back from WDW and makes leaps and bounds in school and in his social skills. It's really quite amazing. I know other children with ASD have had similar experiences. You are correct that those with more severe autism, such as your cousin, may not be able to handle WDW, but it's different for every child, so it's really up to no one but a parent/caregiver as to whether or not vacationing at WDW is a good thing.
As far as waiting, there was always a wait, even with the former GAC. And getting on a ride and waiting in line are not the same thing. Waiting in line for a ride is like holding out a piece of candy attached to a stick and telling the child that they can't have it. Being on a ride is like eating that candy. Not at all the same thing.
As for your car ride comparison, car rides are a fairly normal part of life for those with ASD. So a long car ride is just that...a long car ride. Airplanes are more like attractions at WDW, different and stimulating, though some may not be able to handle longer plane rides. I can pretty much hand my brother a tablet and he's good for several hours, though. I imagine it's the same way for others for long trips, that they have movies or other distractions just like you would for any other child.
Personally, I don't agree with the lawsuit and while DAS is far from perfect, I, as well as others on here, agree that it works. However, I don't think judging parents on their choice to vacation in WDW with their choice to vacation at WDW with children who have ASD is fair either.
