Disney Performers Embrace Non-Verbal Autistic Guest By the Dozen

Ardent Disney Fanatics will already be aware that a large portion of the famous Disney magic comes from interactions with Disney character performers during Character Meet and Greets, or during impromptu on-the-go interactions with said performers (such as this absolutely adorable interaction between Ariel and a tiny French Flounder)!

Being a Disney performer is certainly not easy, but the performers who are representing Disney’s face characters and fur characters know just how big an impact they can make on someone during an interaction.

After all, this Tinker Bell performer actually saved a man’s life with one unsolicited kiss on the cheek!

Now, we have just seen another heartwarming example of Disney employees’ influence.

A TikTok account called @magicwiththomas, which follows the Disney adventures of Thomas (a nonverbal 15 year-old with autism), has just shared some poignant videos of Disney performers going out of their way to make Thomas comfortable!

@magicwiththomas

Cast Members always provide Thomas a safe environment to be himself #autism #autismawareness #autismacceptance #asd #specialneeds #disney #disneyparks #disneyland #disneytiktok #disney100 #belle #captainamerica #pluto #cinderella #elenaofavalor #peterpan #mickeymouse #princessjasmine #ariel #liveactionariel #gamora

♬ original sound – Miss Peppers

A Tactile Experience

Thomas can be seen in the videos touching the characters’ costumes, including uniquely-textured items like Loki’s horns and softly-textured fabrics like Princess Jasmine’s dress sleeves.

The performers seem happy to let Thomas touch their costumes and have a more tactile experience; everyone from the new Ariel to Mickey Mouse is shown meeting the happy teenager!

According to AutismSpeaks.org, “autistic people can experience both hypersensitivity (over-responsiveness) and hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness) to a wide range of stimuli. Most people have a combination of both.”

@magicwiththomas

Cast Members always provide Thomas a safe environment to be himself #autism #autismawareness #autismacceptance #asd #specialneeds #disney #disneyparks #disneyland #disneytiktok #disney100 #loki #rey #moana #stormtrooper #captainamerica #elenaofavalor #chewbacca #aurora #cruella #ariel

♬ original sound – Miss Peppers

“A Safe Environment to be Himself”

In addition, “people who are hyposensitive may engage in sensory seeking to get more sensory input from the environment. For example, people with autism may stimulate their senses by making loud noises, touching people or objects, or rocking back and forth.”

“Cast Members always provide Thomas a safe environment to be himself,” the teenager’s father wrote.

@magicwiththomas

Tinker Bell giving Thomas some pixie dust #autism #autismawareness #autismacceptance #asd #specialneeds #disney #disneyparks #disneyland #disneytiktok #disney100 #tinkerbell #fyp #foryoupage

♬ original sound – Magic With Thomas

Performers Up Their Game With ASL Character Interactions

We recently saw Disney performers outdoing themselves again when it came to American Sign Language, as well; several performers used ASL to speak to deaf Disney Park Guests! 

Are Character Meet and Greets or unplanned character interactions some of your favorite parts of Disney vacations? Do you agree that Disney employees are a huge factor when it comes to the Disney magic?