Staying in on a public holiday.

It's fun and exciting, while also scary and really difficult! 

Hmm.  It does seem the 'fun and spontaneity' element can be totally out of reach.  

The things an autistic must do as a parent! If life on the spectrum was a videogame, being a parent would be the fight with the final boss (extra hard mode of course)! 

I don’t have a child so sorry I can’t give you any ideas about that.

I thought this was an example rather than a reality about to happen.

Oh dear.

Can't you find a compromise?  Such as going at a different time of day when there are fewer people in attendance, or perhaps it isn't so dark so it might not feel so onerous?   Is he old enough to understand some of the sensory implications that this sort of event has for you (without burdening him)?

Personally I'd be taking a long umbrella and some ear-defenders as I've done before.  I know it sounds amazingly outrageous, but giving someone an accidental tap on the ankle if they get too close then saying 'excuse me' as if you didn't mean to do it does tend to make them move away quickly.  

I do understand, it does look pretty - and is just the sort of thing most children would want to see, and it isn't fair he should miss out.  It is tricky.  I'd be inclined to make some kind of meticulous plan involving skirting around the outskirts of it where there are far less people.  

So, since you agree, how would you take your kid to a place so crowded? Any ideas? Ok, there are solutions about the really loud noise. But the people? Do you feel weird when other people touch you or talk to eachother very close to your face? For how long could you endure this?

No I wouldn’t go to anything like that as the noise, lights and pushing would make my senses reel. I probably could manage it if I really had to, and if I could have time in the quiet on my own to recover afterwards — but I don’t, so I won’t. 

I'd find that too unstructured.  By far.  I can just about manage a pavement full of people which is half moving in one direction, and half in another - until you hit an intersection - but that is hellish.  People milling around, no doubt singing, dancing & some half drunk & possibly stoned too. 

If it were a structured event - with seating, that's a whole different matter, but there's no order, and to me that's worrying. 

I really wanted to find a way to be able to go with him. There are many events to which I don't take him. For example, the carnival, the day we light up the city's Xmas tree, etc. I'm wondering if other autistics can participate in celebrations like these.

Get someone else to take your children out so as you can have a day off. I hate them too, I live in a tourist area and we get swamped at bank holidays and school holidays.

Guilt is a parental constant, we all feel we're not good enough and can't live up to the ideals, but really the ideal and perfection dont' exist, be good enough, thats all you need to be, children need a little adversity in their lives to help them grow as human beings, not to much but a little.

overwhelmed & underwhelmed ( O & U ) said:

I went into town earlier to get some basic shopping & saw several people I knew - all of which wanted to say something.  I don't really mind

I don't mind either if I know the person. But complete strangers wanting to chat? Why? What have I ever done to them? 

overwhelmed & underwhelmed ( O & U ) said:

Bring a tablet or book.  Tell them you simply must get this work done

That's brilliant!  I hadn't thought of that! I'll give it a try next time. Thank you! 

I can imagine some people in the UK reading this and saying / thinking 'what public holiday' but you're in Greece, aren't you?  So this must be Labour Day.  We have Bank Holiday Monday 5th on the horizon.

I empathise as I live near the sea in a fairly touristy area.  From Easter to the end of September it is fairly busy and even more so at Weekends and Public Holidays.  People seem to reduce their speed by around 75% and have no point to their movements.

I do realise that most are just on holiday or enjoying the better weather - but it is infuriating when you are used to a certain pace of living - and being able to get from A to B unhindered.  You virtually feel as if you'd be better coming out at night or walking in the road than attempting to use a pavement. 

I went into town earlier to get some basic shopping & saw several people I knew - all of which wanted to say something.  I don't really mind, but it wasn't anything of importance - it just seems that they have more time to chat when the weather improves - and are in a better mood so they want to spread goodwill.  They wont be wanting to spread it in the run-up to Christmas !  

I do imagine it is more difficult with children.  They will want to integrate, and while they are integrating, you are semi-obliged to integrate with those that brought them to the venue.  Bring a tablet or book.  Tell them you simply must get this work done you are engrossed in (when it is actually that good book you can't put down) - that is if your son doesn't expect you to join in and play.   Or just mask!