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Autism and Holidays

MJJ24

Hello all, I have a 2 week cruise booked in August. I was just wondering if I could get any tips/techniques people use to survive when they go on holidays. 

I have already sunflower lanyard, assistance with boarding and disembarking. I have a thing with germs and using other peoples stuff so I also bring my own sleeping bag, towels, cutlery, mugs, water bottle. I will bring some safe snacks. It will be warm where we are going which isn't fab as I usually live in hoodies, I have brought some loose thin summer clothing and have been practicing wearing it so I am used to how it feels by the time we go. I have tried my best to research all the ports and what we might do. 

I am most worried probably about the business on and off the ships considering its school holidays. Being comfortable enough to actually be able to reset and relax in the safety of my cabin. Spending 2 weeks sharing a room with two others. 

I am worried about many many more stuff (I have GAD/SAD as well as autism so worry about literally everything and anything), so just any tips or advice anyone has on anything at all that may come up on a holiday would be appreciated. I prefer to be overly prepared as normally something I think I will be fine with ends up going wrong as I am so overstimulated with everything else. 

Thanks in advance from one very anxious girly <3

Parents

  • I find the build up to holidays very stressful. If I actually manage to book one, I get more anxious as it gets closer. In the week leading up to going away I want to cancel it. Then hardly sleep the night before.

    Yet once at the airport and through security I relax. I guess it is the transition and the worry of being late and missing the flight. Fixed deadlines knot up my stomach.

    I then like the holiday and say I must do it more often, then wait for 5 years or more to go again. Have only had 2 holidays in 15 years

    I don't really understand it as before that I had flown on business a dozen times a year or more for 15 years, but it was stressful.

    I think the holidays remind me of my ex-partner and some trauma. I really have to resolve all this buried stuff somehow, this is the next plan.

  • in reply to Stuart333

    Aw thanks for sharing, I'm glad you tend to feel a bit better once you arrive. Best of luck for your recovery moving forwards <3

Reply Children
  • in reply to Stuart333

    Sorry its the way I worded it! What I meant to say was being worried about how busy and crowded places will be when getting off at all the different stops. And thank you, this is all really good advice. 

  • in reply to MJJ24

    Thank you for your comments.

    I hope your cruise goes well and your preparation pays off. You have done it before, know what to expect and have planned. You probably know as much as anyone else.

    If you can, try to sleep well the night before. Then leave plenty of time to make sure you are not rushed and under pressure.

    I am not sure about your comment about being worried about the business on and off the ships. Do you mean embarking and disembarking? Or you mean activities ashore and onboard? 

    I don't have any suggestions because I have not done a cruise. I have only been on ferries across the Channel and I mostly stand outside. Boarding is easy as you drive on. And I went on one ship to Mexico a long time ago.