Best holiday with autistic child

[vinoandbrie]

Hello!

I have a DD9, she is autistic. It looks like we may need to cancel our holiday to Cornwall this summer (boo!).

If we do cancel, I’m thinking it’s probably too late to book something for this summer, but would be keen to book something for next summer, to give us something to look forward to and to spread the cost.

We've gone to Cornwall each summer since 2020, but would not go back for our main holiday after this summer, hoping for something overseas.

I’m wondering about a cruise, or villa in Tuscany or France, but these are just ideas. I’ve never been on a cruise! DD loves holidays, but can get upset when things don’t go her way. We have another DD as well, she is 13.

Any advice or ideas welcome.

Center Parcs. No cars for most the stay, nice and peaceful, quiet places to retreat. Feeding the squirrels and wildlife, bike rides, boat rides, lots of ‘safe’ foods around (think chips and abundant Bella Italia etc if that’s what your DD likes)

I wouldn't do a cruise with my ASD dd9. Id worry she's find it very busy and overstimulating and we couldn't cook. Plus the cabins would be really small.

We do like caravan holidays, I book a 3 bed so she can have her own. Pembrokeshire in Wales is lovely.

We've not been overseas yet but you can get centre parks sites in France at a good price.

I would second center parcs. My DD is also autistic and is nearly 9 and loves it.
As PP says plenty of safe foods there, lots of lovely activities but can have space/go back to the lodge easily if overwhelmed.
DD2 (5) also really enjoys it.

Eurocamp. Similar to the CenteParcs suggestions, but at a fraction of the cost. You have your own space in the 'caravan' and the flexibility to make it whatever you want.

This one is three hours from Calais, 2.5 of which are on the autoroute. Plenty for both your DDs to do onsite, but loads in the surrounding area too if you wanted to explore.

www.eurocamp.co.uk/campsites/paris/pa012-la-croix-du-vieux-pont/ataglance.html

We had a brilliant stay in Billund, Denmark with my DSis and autistic nephew. We went in the second half of August after the Danish schools went back so attractions were a bit quieter. My nephew got the ‘show consideration’ wristband for Legoland www.legoland.dk/en/plan-your-day/information/show-consideration-wristband/ which helped. We also spent a day at the Lego house which he loved. We stayed at Lalandia and spent most of our time there.

We always do self catering in the UK, and factor in spending a lot of time at the caravan/cottage. Have also done tent camping but only at sites with chip vans!