Holiday really? ASD and holidays?

[Kirky12]

I have two small boys - eldest is on the ASD and so is fairly difficult to take away on holiday. Youngest only 2.5 but would def enjoy a holiday. We would too but all our previous holidays have been a nightmare - eldest doesn't like sand, heat, cold, sea water, any food other than most basic- and his behaviour becomes more extreme, doesn't sleep, isn't interested in new things. Soooo we actually think staying at home is better....but can anyone me any tips for an active, short break for a rather tricky customer...

I would say that preparation is key - use leaflets, brochures, photographs etc. and possibly a social story (depending on level of understanding/age and ability) to explain where you are going. Use a calendar to mark down the days to when you leave, and take one with you so that it's clear how long you are there for. Plan as much as you can in advance so that you can use timetables when there, again using pictures if suitable, or even just a written calendar so that he can see Monday cycling, picnic, swim, Tuesday walk, park etc. I would suggest self catering so that you can keep things simple and reliable in terms of the food, and you can always research cafes/restaurants nearby to make sure that you are able to choose ones with suitable menus to save you walking around with hungry wee ones looking for something that you can all eat! Also ensure that you take something he enjoys doing for a 'quiet time' each day that will be familiar to him - either a dvd that's a favourite, or a book/toy etc. that you can plan into each day so that he will know there's something familiar and comforting to look forward to. Depending on how fussy he is about textures etc. you could also take his own duvet set with him so that it's again familiar, and this may help with the sleep situation. Hope some of that is useful!

Have you tried posting on the special needs board on here? A lot of the posters on there have children of varying ages with autism. They would be best placed to advise you. I wouldn't trust any tour operator if I was in your shoes as they won't have a clue what they're talking about.
Good luck

BAUagent good ideas - we do a lot of those things if we have to go to Grandparents. I suppose the weird thing is you feel you do exactly the same as you at home but just somewhere else....or maybe that's just holidays with small children of any kind!

Unfortunately I think that's just holidays with small children, experiencing the same myself with dd of 7 months

We are in the same situation, a DS with ASD who doesn't like temperature extremes and the other things you mention. My DS absolutely loved Centerparcs. Its totally child friendly and suits all ages.
My DS still talks abut it now and asks when he can go back.

I second Centreparcs. We have been to the same one for six years with my ds. If he likes it you can even request the same villa each time. It is very family-friendly and you can self-cater. You can do as many or as few activities as you like. It is expensive but for us, worth every penny as it is the most relaxing holiday we are likely to get. We tried to go somewhere different last year - big mistake - we had to come home as his behaviour was so extreme. Hopefully as he gets older we will be able to branch out to other destinations.
Agree with earlier poster of preparing ds beforehand. We use the website, previous photos, sample dvd, map etc with ds and we allow him to have a say in the activities we do and restaurants he would like to visit. We then keep the days fairly simple, unhurried and similar. We go shopping beforehand and buy familiar food etc. The whole family enjoy it and ds now talks about it regularly. We don't want it to become too set in stone but will continue going for now.

Thanks -it's Centre parcs -we,ll do a short 3 night break to check it out and then hopefully if it works stay longer next time and book in advance to get a cheaper deal. Many great ideas so thanks for all the help.

I'm delighted for you, really, you won't regret it. Somehow, even in crappy weather it's still a fantastic holiday.