Autism and Holidays

Thank you, this is really helpful advice. 

Thank you so much, this is all really helpful and encouraging advice. 

I am starting to realise this lol!

Another slightly cooler (temperature to wear) option which also may feel a bit smarter-looking than a baseball hat - for indoor use - is a sun visor / vizor like golfers and tennis players wear.

I have found they are quite readily available, with reasonably priced ones too and they are for sale in a wide range of colours.

For ease of travel; I tend to source fabric ones rather than straw ones etc.  Then you can easily slip one into a zipped bag pocket.

I just wanted to say how much I admire you for giving it a go. I think it's really brave of you. You must have been very motivated to say yes to the experience so always keep in mind what appealed to you about going and what you are excited to see. Take anything with you that will help with regulation because thats going to be the priority here. Hopefully your two cabin mates are aware of your diagnosis? Do they understand? Perhaps consider briefing them in advance on some of the things that are likely to challenge you so they are pre-armed? One simple thing might be to give you space. Let you have some alone time in the cabin at regular intervals so you can decompress perhaps? Have a funny code word that you can say or a card you can present when you need that time out, something that requires no explanation, no communication, just show your card and go. I don't know if you worry about orientation and finding your way around but perhaps ask your friends to help you navigate when you first arrive so you are clear about how to get from your cabin to the main dining area for example and back to the cabin. Ask them to support you whilst you memorise or draw a map so you feel you can find your way around if they are not there. It would help you feel more independent. On the embarking/disembarking, wait to last to get off or get on. There's no rush, even though people act like there is. Keep that fresh air around you and take your own sweet time. Take regular breaks on days out and if it's too much don't worry yourself about staying in your cabin. Take some good music and a journal and don't feel a shred of guilt. You won't be letting anyone down, you are simply taking good care of yourself. Oh, and have fun. Let us know how it goes : )

Hi, my wife and I cruise too on a regular basis and have found most crew are helpful and supportive. I suffer ASD and OCD but thankfully I am able to mange most uncomfortable situations by avoiding them You don't say which cruise line you are sailing with so I cannot comment on specific situations onboard. I suffer anxiety in the main dining room, buffet and social gatherings such as cocktail parties and hosted lunches which I avoid. The dining room crew are invariably understanding and we always manage to get a table for two away from other, larger tables and the noise inherrent in dining venues.

I am going to be using a Sunflower Card/Lanyard for the first time on our next cruise so I will report back here on my experiences. The best advice I can give is to engage with the relevent crew in all the venues you are likely to visit in advance and seek advice from the reception staff about trips ashore. I have, in the past, taken excursions but learnt quickly that I could not bear the crowded coaches or organised tours.

Hope this helps!

+1 on the hat and sunglasses. I started out wearing a hat on orders from my dermatologist. Now I feel quite exposed when I'm outside without it. Because of the brim, when I dip my head all I see is the ground in front of me. The reduction in visual stimulation/input is quite calming in some environments.

Mine's a simple cotton boonie hat (similar to a bucket hat, but with a wider, flatter brim). Get a larger size for all-day comfort. You can fold the brim down to block the sun/sights from any angle; better than a baseball cap, in that respect.

What I usually find is the best solution is not to go on Holiday

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. 

I feel the same way, having a good hat and glasses is a solid idea. Thank you. 

ooo i like the sound of that will have to have a look into it, thank you!

35+ years ago I just grew my hair long so I could hide behind it. Ended up down to my waist.

I felt so exposed when I cut it off to get a proper job. It was my shield.

I don't think hoodies were a thing then, but having some amount of cover, even if just a hat and sunglasses, may help.

Just a small thing, but you can get hoodies designed for summer use if that might make you feel more comfortable. Hope you have a great time.

I think that might be a moot point JamesB as I've seen it spet with a J lots of times, but I'm dyslexic so my spelling isn't always the best.

I hate the prep’ for holidays the build up, wondering how I can get everything needed in a suitcase, that weighs too much and I convince myself will disappear. Going to unfamiliar places with unfamiliar people plus airport checks that feel so stressful and the plane.
Yet once arrived and settle down most times it’s ok and I’m glad to have made the trip. Recording why I go and the benefits is a great idea  . ThanksAAArunner 

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

Feeling trapped is what causes the worst unease.

Great Post great outlook and hope all goes well! I'm new on here and I'm looking to connect with some new friends or just good tips we're hoping to soon look for some  exclusive holidays hopefully soon for a week some where less than 6 hours away from UK or in the UK I don't drive yet so hve to use coach or transport with one child which would be great to explore and experience 

All the best with reminding yourself to reset a reminder to book again if you did enjoy a holiday after eventually all the best 

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.

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.