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Original poster

Autism

40 replies

Jubby1 · 13/03/2023 21:46

Hi all,

seriously contemplating moving abroad and starting an autism friendly bed and breakfast where we can can create a unique holiday for each family. so it’s home from home, I have 3 kids and 2 of them are autistic. I want to live abroad anyway and feel like this would be a great option for my children to thrive in Spain. Can I ask any parents of autistic kids out there…. would you consider this type of holiday ? Any feedback much appreciated 🙏🏻

OP posts:
DuncanRE · 23/03/2023 09:54

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kingsleysbootlicker · 23/03/2023 10:06

an autism friendly bed and breakfast

Can you explain what you mean by this? What would make it 'autism friendly'?

create a unique holiday for each family

Would only one family stay at a time, like a holiday rental but with your family living there too?

Original poster
Jubby1 · 23/03/2023 14:17

All of that is totally relevant thank you. Yes it would be in Andulucia, we can buy a farmhouse cheaply and hat a pool if it hasn’t got one already.
it sounds like you are doing exactly what I’d love to do! Thanks for your feedback! X

OP posts:
Original poster
Jubby1 · 23/03/2023 14:23

So one family at a time, that would have their own accommodation with everything most things supplied like (sensory swing, a small quiet place for relaxation, sensory toys and equipment, weighted blankets) i would cater for each family, I cook and can Taylor the families menu so kids are provided with what they are used to at home (I have a son whom is asd and has a restrictive diet).
I would have animals (we have some now) but more because my daughter (asd pda) loves animals and nature. I paint and make crafts, so that would feature too.
we would also offer our experience as asd parents …. To look after children so parents can have some “time out”. As I know what it’s like to have a holiday and need a holiday when you get home! Thanks for your feedback! X

OP posts:
Hoppinggreen · 23/03/2023 14:25

Sounds like you have done research and know what’s needed from your own experiences but have you worked out finances yet?
Theres no point in setting it all up for it to fail due to lack of money

Itsonlyagame · 23/03/2023 14:39

My biggest concern is always safety. Fencing, door locks, window locks.

DuncanRE · 23/03/2023 15:09

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This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

NameChange30 · 23/03/2023 15:20

Bloody hell if you have experience of ASD and are prepared to look after my kids (and have the necessary enhanced DBS check) while I chill out by the pool at a villa in Andalusia... where do I sign?!

kingsleysbootlicker · 23/03/2023 15:58

That sounds like a great set up to offer

One thing though... are you prepared to do the same for families with non-Autistic children? And if not, then how would booking be managed?

Original poster
Jubby1 · 24/03/2023 09:17

I’m selling my house and would be able to buy a place outright and have some money left in the bank. My kids thrive on everything outside of school, my youngest two that are autistic, hate school, and my middle pda daughter refuses to go to school at least 2 days a week. I’m a single parent although my ex is still very much sniffing around to rekindle things ….He is the only reason I haven’t done this yet as he doesn’t want the children to move away, which I understand.
that’s a whole other story!
but setting up something like this would solve a lot of issue.

OP posts:
Geneticsbunny · 24/03/2023 09:34

What about families with kids with other disabilities? I want a holiday where we can have a few hours of PA care a couplw of times a week while we are away so the rest of us can actually have a rest.

Hoppinggreen · 24/03/2023 09:53

Jubby1 · 24/03/2023 09:17

I’m selling my house and would be able to buy a place outright and have some money left in the bank. My kids thrive on everything outside of school, my youngest two that are autistic, hate school, and my middle pda daughter refuses to go to school at least 2 days a week. I’m a single parent although my ex is still very much sniffing around to rekindle things ….He is the only reason I haven’t done this yet as he doesn’t want the children to move away, which I understand.
that’s a whole other story!
but setting up something like this would solve a lot of issue.

by Financials I mean do you have a business plan so you know what occupancy you need and what you will need to charge etc?
Its a lovely idea but no good if you have to stop because you ran out of money

CeeceeBloomingdale · 24/03/2023 10:01

Are you able to live in Spain? Since Brexit it’s not so easy. I wouldn’t look for somewhere autism friendly personally, I prefer they learn coping mechanisms in more usual holiday settings. I also think someone unfamiliar looking after them would be a nightmare we would avoid. Sorry if that sounds arsey, I can’t think of another way to phrase it but it would be more stressful having someone else look after them than us dealing with them in the ways we know work best.

gogohmm · 24/03/2023 10:12

Sounds like a great idea. We wouldn't have used it as my dd was fine in standard hotels as long as they were quiet (we avoided places where children were likely to be in large numbers (eg we went to inland areas)

supravit · 24/03/2023 10:32

Geneticsbunny · 24/03/2023 09:34

What about families with kids with other disabilities? I want a holiday where we can have a few hours of PA care a couplw of times a week while we are away so the rest of us can actually have a rest.

Sounds like autism is where OPs expertise lies.

Original poster
Jubby1 · 24/03/2023 10:48

i used to be a self employed Ofsted childminder for 10 years so I have so much experience, and three of my own of course! Yes I would happily give parents a break from their kids and as you would be staying at my house overnight care could be an option too. If parents can have an evening out and a night/morning off how nice would that be ?!

OP posts:
trevthecat · 24/03/2023 10:48

I would love something like this. My eldest is autistic and it would take the pressure off so much. We went to France last year and are going again this but I have to sort so much out. We have to get a bigger place than we need as he needs his own bedroom, the windows must open but not let anything in! Blackout blinds are needed. He can't eat near anyone else so that needs consideration too amongst many other things.

Also many wouldn't know he is autistic at first chat but then it kicks in and people don't know how to take him! A place that knows would mean I don't have to explain! Which I've had to do when we were away.

Good luck

ThisIsntMyUsualUsername · 24/03/2023 11:16

I genuinely think it sounds lovely.

We have 3 kids, 1 asd/pda and 3 nt. We struggle with big communal pools as eldest will only swim when it's quiet. Family are allowed! Hes also coeliac and fairly restrictive so having that catered for would be amazing.

And a night off....?! What a scary and exciting thought...I'm not sure my husband and I would know what to talk about 🤣

So yes, price dependent we'd be very interested potential customers!

Geneticsbunny · 24/03/2023 11:26

supravit · 24/03/2023 10:32

Sounds like autism is where OPs expertise lies.

Show quote history

Yes but there is a huge amount of overlap. Kids with other learning disabilities often have sensory issues and communication problems.

Geneticsbunny · 24/03/2023 11:27

A night off sounds unbelievable! That would definitely be amazing

NameChange30 · 24/03/2023 13:40

trevthecat · 24/03/2023 10:48

I would love something like this. My eldest is autistic and it would take the pressure off so much. We went to France last year and are going again this but I have to sort so much out. We have to get a bigger place than we need as he needs his own bedroom, the windows must open but not let anything in! Blackout blinds are needed. He can't eat near anyone else so that needs consideration too amongst many other things.

Also many wouldn't know he is autistic at first chat but then it kicks in and people don't know how to take him! A place that knows would mean I don't have to explain! Which I've had to do when we were away.

Good luck

We stayed in a mobile home at a 5* campsite in France last year. The windows had mosquito blinds so you could open the window but close the blind - letting air and light in but no bugs. They also had blackout blinds.

EmilyGilmoresSass · 24/03/2023 13:48

Hi there,

Daughter awaiting assessment but as a formality.

I've booked Disneyland Paris as a friend found their child with autism loved the experience, free priority pass helpful etc. However, we were discussing the other night how it would be great to see more holidays available with people with autism in mind. So it would be a yes from me if I came across it!

Crazycatlady83 · 24/03/2023 13:53

The channel 4 TV programme from this year "a new life in the sun" followed two special needs teachers who were doing exactly this. I'm sure you can look on catch up to see if.

WhyCantPeopleBeNice · 24/03/2023 15:36

I'd recommend the Thomas Center in Lincolnshire for any family with a family member with autism looking for a break, but also looking at how a self catering autism specialist holiday could be done.
The apartments are stunning, pool which is booked so only one family has use at a time, safe, secure and owners with a vast amount of knowledge having set up the centre due to their own son and experiences

MissHavershamReturns · 24/03/2023 15:41

I would LOVE this for our son!