Holiday suggestions for children with ASD

[countdowntoxmas]

We really would like to go away this summer or summer half term (if locations less hot and cheaper). We have a DS, aged 5 with ASD. When we last went on holiday, he loved all of the flight apart from the strapping on seatbelt bit on landing where he screamed and screamed. I think it was more to do with being told to do something that he had no desire to do rather than the experience of landing.

We spent a week at a resort in Turkey where DS refused to join in at the lid's club, so my DH and I ended up looking after DS in shifts (DH-3 hours, me 3 hours, etc) so that at least one of us could get some time to read and relax.

We had no problem doing this and would like to try to get away this year, ideally abroad. Has anyone had good experiences of any resorts with children with ASD?

countdowntoxmas - what about Center Parcs europe?

I can't help much on resorts, really, as we have always gone self catering due to dietary issues. Disneyworld in April is the firt time in 5 years or so that we will have tried a resort - and we are still booked into s/catering, just in case!

But Center Parcs UK are really god (see other thread), and we did think about going ot a European one last October, but went s/catering elsewhere in Germany instead int he end (Bonn- very nice, lots ot do around and about, nice little flatlet - can dig out links if you are interested?)

Goodness - you lot are brave. We won't take DS any further than 2hrs in the car - for our sanity.

I would love to take him on a plane - he would love it. But I don't think my nerves, or the other passengers, could handle it.

I feel rotten for saying that. I know we should try but we just do not have the sort of cash where we can just piddle it away on a terrible holiday. I am firm that a holiday should be a 'holiday' for everyone - and that we should come home less stressed/tired than when we left. I'd rather stay at home frankly.

I know, am a wimp

I owuldn't say a wimp, Spinle - I would say sensible, tbh.

we have always gone away - dh likes to travel. and when dd1 was a baby, it was ok. stressful, but not more so than with any baby really.

and then the issues started appearing and dh was in denial a bit, which left me dealing with it all.

we had some very stressful holidays, and then I put my foot down and said I wans't going anywhere unless he pulled his weight a bit more on the plane etc (to be fair, dd1 had always been very clingy to me, we hadn't wanted ot tackle it in a public place so she got to carry on etc).

but we have now fallen into a routine. 18 months ago we went ot Australia - that was a biggie, and one where i talke dot dh a LOT beforehand and nagged him, if I am honest, about it not always being me who organises all the children things - meals on flights etc (we had ot take our own), knowing where everythign wa sin the change bag, stuff like that.

these days, he is a little too organised for my liking , and will ask about stuff before it is due ot happen - a different stress, and a good one.

dd1 is now at teh point where I don't worry about flights - no more than with any child. obvioulsy she has the potential to act up, but so does any 6 year old. she understands security, and putting her juice and bear thorugh the x ray. but it took a lot of work (and stressful security times) to get her there.

if oyu're not ready for it, dont do it would be my advice, looking back.

sorry, Spinkle

Going to extended family can be great, if you have good quality family.

they do the cooking and laundry and lots of the tidying

they are delighted to spend time with the children

they are delighted to seek out all the local child-friendly attractions

and the only cost is travelling there.

What's not to like? (assuming you have relatives as splendid as I do) :o

Well, quite. Most of ours are judgemental and somewhat victorian in childrearing attitudes.

Oh, and let's not resentful and pompous.

And depressing

sorry

let's not forget not resentful and pompous