Taking an autistic child abroad

[Suz555]

I have an 8 year old with level 3 autism. We haven't taken him on a holiday abroad for a few years due to fears for his safety.

Just wandering what other peoples experiences have been like when taking a child with severe autism abroad, and if anyone could recommend a particular hotel/resort?

We have taken our DS 5 away abroad.

• drove and got ferry. Can’t imagine him coping with a plane
• camping was hard because had to constantly have a hand on him for safety. We also got a noise complain t when he had a meltdown.
• we went to cooler places rather than very hot. Sun safety would be difficult.
• Netherlands and Germany were nice and clean. He walked around Koln with no shoes on quite a lot. Wouldn’t let him do that here. Or would try not to.
• Public transport was easier to use. We got the train which he loved. Wouldn’t dare get a UK train.
• if he’s not toilet trained, France don’t have many changing areas. Was a bit of a nightmare.
• most places seem to accept Blue Badge parking, but do check.

Sorry that’s not very coherent. But hopefully there might be some sense in that stream of consciousness.

Thanks some helpful tips there

If you fly request special assistance at the airport. As well as priority security think about things like boarding/disembarking first/last. Some airports have quiet/sensory rooms too.

We find a villa/cottage/gîte works better than a hotel.

if he’s not toilet trained, France don’t have many changing areas. Was a bit of a nightmare.

Changing facilities are a nightmare aren’t they? It is hard enough in the UK with limited changing places toilets, but in some countries it is even harder.

Sorry for late reply.

Thanks for your help.

He is toilet trained, our main battle at the moment is that he has no sense of danger and will make a run for it/ try to leave the building if not being watched. One of us is always shadowing him, but my fear is that he will get out whilst we are sleeping.

He seems to be progressing a bit in other areas so I'm thinking maybe best to leave holidaying for a whilst until 🙏 his danger awareness develops