• Replies 37 replies
  • Subscribers 93 subscribers
  • Views 1696 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

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

  • You're a braver person than me, just the thought of going on a cruise turns me into a jibbering wreck.

  • in reply to TheCatWoman

    I know they are quite daunting, which is why I try to be as prepared as possible! And to be honest since I have recieved my diagnosis and been learning more about myself and my needs I probably won't be in any rush to book another. I feel im more suited to a nice cottage or something in the countryside with the doggies!

  • in reply to MJJ24

    Have you been on a cruise before?

  • in reply to Damojo

    For nearly everything having a choice means less pressure and makes it easier I have found.

    Feeling trapped is what causes the worst unease.

  • in reply to MJJ24

    My recent holiday was my first where I actively and consciously prepared for my needs. Previously, I was more focused on packing everything I could possibly require, but this time was a little different. For example, I agreed a few small things beforehand with my wife concerning eating out:

    • I said I would love to go out, but would probably not do so on consecutive nights.
    • I would get to pick the table and pick my seat first.
    • If things got to much for me, I would simply leave and she should not be concerned and should continue her meal with the kids (who are late teens, so they don't need minding).

    Being so much more conscious of my triggers, I found the noises and movement even more difficult to tolerate than usual. I kept flinching at sounds and being startled or unnerved by the serving staff moving around. So, I felt stressed, but I was strangely OK with it; I understood what was happening, I kept an eye on myself, and enjoyed my meals. Knowing I could walk away without it being a big thing was very helpful. I never had to, though.

  • in reply to Damojo

    I have and every time I end up having some kind of meltdown! But this is the first since my diagnosis so I do feel a little more prepared and know more about my needs to try and prevent this!

Reply Children
  • in reply to Damojo

    For nearly everything having a choice means less pressure and makes it easier I have found.

    Feeling trapped is what causes the worst unease.

  • in reply to MJJ24

    My recent holiday was my first where I actively and consciously prepared for my needs. Previously, I was more focused on packing everything I could possibly require, but this time was a little different. For example, I agreed a few small things beforehand with my wife concerning eating out:

    • I said I would love to go out, but would probably not do so on consecutive nights.
    • I would get to pick the table and pick my seat first.
    • If things got to much for me, I would simply leave and she should not be concerned and should continue her meal with the kids (who are late teens, so they don't need minding).

    Being so much more conscious of my triggers, I found the noises and movement even more difficult to tolerate than usual. I kept flinching at sounds and being startled or unnerved by the serving staff moving around. So, I felt stressed, but I was strangely OK with it; I understood what was happening, I kept an eye on myself, and enjoyed my meals. Knowing I could walk away without it being a big thing was very helpful. I never had to, though.