Grim Grinning Ghostie
Keats Acolyte
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2022
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My youngest is neurodivergent and does not like the interactions at all and the cast members get the hint and leave her alone. A couple of times (we're local so we go a lot) I've had to specifically-and kindly- tell them that she is scared and doesn't want to play- and they always leave her alone. I have had, more than once, a CM break character to tell her that it's ok and they are nice.
Even as a parent of neurodivergent kids I have honestly never heard of this sunflower thing so I'm guessing most cast members would have absolutely no idea what it is. They are in character, but they're also human beings. Leaving you alone is not breaking character and you can ask them to do so, or at least back off.
That said, I have never heard them call anyone stupid. That could have been a CM taking it too far.
I wish more airports, etc would get educated on the lanyard. I travel with someone who is deaf and it was very difficult during the masking period. MCO is where we got her's.Airlines use the sunflower lanyard as an identifier that the wearer has a hidden disability.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2023/03/09/hidden-disabilities-sunflower-airports/
You're not alone or far out there. This is jarring for a lot of people (myself included - and I don't have autism - but also my oldest child, who does - though I was unprepared when I first rode it and the kids were not). I don't know exactly how to help because I didn't know to expect it when it happened to me. So, I'd hate to suggest something and be wrong - I'll stand back in case someone knows for sure. But you're doing great. No apologies necessary - you post as much as you need/want.Is there a way to way to indicate to the cast members working as members of the First Order in the Rise of the Resistance queue that you don't want to be part of the act?
If you wear the sunflower lanyard and the "please be patient" card to indicate you have Autism, will they leave you alone? I didn't understand their directions the last time I went with my mother and they yelled at me and I had try very hard not to cry. I know it's not real and it's their job to be rude but it hit very close to home since being called stupid for not understanding /overthinking basic instructions is a common experience for Autistic people.
I know I can't expect any special treatment and would never dream of making a cast member feel guilty for doing what they are trained to do, so I will gladly just pass this one over on visits to HS if the cast members don't know what the sunflower lanyards mean.
This post is not meant to disparage anyone, of course: they are amazing at their job and I'm sure they are very nice people. I just don't know if there's a way to avoid drawing their attention for the intimidation part since I tend to misunderstand things.
Thank you and I apologize in advance if I am posting too much or being obnoxious. I hope you all have a magical night.