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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

  • It always helps me a lot to set expectations before travelling. It's a holiday, so we (the family members) each get to do what we want/need to do without pressure to do the same as everyone else all the time. I don't like crowds and noise much, so my wife and I often allocate one day where we will split up and do our own thing: she goes shopping (and loves it) and I go to museums and galleries (and love it). We meet up again in the evening and compare notes. On the other days we'll see the sights together, or just chillax and people-watch. So, do some of your own things and do some shared things.

    Perhaps avoid getting "trapped" doing things you are not comfortable doing. Do give them a try, if you think you might like them, but agree in advance that if you give the signal, that you're going to make your own way back to your cabin to recharge and that everyone else should continue on and not worry about you, as you'll be fine. I find the option to escape takes a lot of stress out of the situation.

    I imagine that if you're on a cruise and in port that the ship might be quieter during the day. Maybe that's your time to explore the ship while other members of your family explore the town/city. Maybe you'll find a nice quiet spot on the deck that you can call your own for the trip. It might also be quieter at night on the deck (I dunno, as I've never been on a cruise).

    Maybe you can get food sent (or smuggled) to your cabin. I'm a bit of a foodie, so I do like eating out, but I normally need a couple of days to recharge after dining in a busy restaurant. I couldn't do it every night. I often tell my family to go out and enjoy themselves and not worry that I'm sitting "home alone" watching TV or reading a book, I'll join them another night. I'm happier that way and there's no need for them not to do their own thing.

    In short, it's your holiday, too, so do your holiday your way and have fun.

  • in reply to Damojo

    This is some really good advice thank you. I feel like I need to start being less worried about pleasing everyone and do what I need to do!

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