My 10-year-old son has ASD and a global learning delay meaning he has the mental age of a 3-4 year old, he has limited communication skills and only has non functional use of language (meaning he can't explain how he feels or what is happening and doesn't understand fully when things are explained to him), he has no danger awareness and very little social awareness. He can't cope with or understand the need to queue or wait for something to happen. Within just a few minutes waiting in queue, he gets very distressed, which often results in uncontrollable frustration, shrieking and often self-harm. He finds joy in visiting theme parks and loves watching videos of the rides on YouTube, especially when they're closed. Now, due to Merlin Entertainment Group's decision to exclude children and adults with ASD and similar hidden conditions from their disabled access queuing system, our visits have come to an abrupt halt.

Merlin Entertainment Group has decided to change its policies, excluding people like my son from accessing a system designed to ease their challenges. This decision doesn't just impact him; it affects countless families facing similar situations. Children and adults with disabilities often have unique needs that make prolonged waits in line impossible to bear and this exclusion feels like a step backwards in inclusive experiences.

To provide context, many theme parks worldwide recognize the importance of including people with disabilities in their access systems. For instance, Disneyland and Universal Studios offer accommodations that respect the needs of those who struggle with conventional queuing processes. These establishments set a paragon for inclusivity and respect for diversity in their services.

By signing this petition, you're advocating for a change in Merlin Entertainment Group’s policies to reintroduce a queuing system that accommodates children and adults with disabilities. We are asking Merlin to engage with affected families, listen to their challenges, and work towards a solution that makes theme parks a joyful and inclusive experience for everyone.

We can make a difference if we come together for this important cause. Please sign this petition to let Merlin Entertainment Group know that we want inclusive, accessible parks for all families.