Anyone cruised with Autistic Child?

[PrincessDreams4P&B]

We are booked on the Caribbean Princess on Oct 21 and it is our first cruise . We have an autistic (high functioning) son who is 6 and another son who is 3, we are wondering if this is the best type of vacation for us? Has anyone else traveled on this ship with a special needs child? How was the staff? What can we expect? What should we do to prepare...

 

ANy thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[calikak]

I haven't been in your situation, but just wanted to suggest that you ask this question on the Disabilities forum of this website too. There's a kids program onboard that seems to be really popular with the kids--I bet if you tell the staff in the kids' program about what works with your son and what doesn't (maybe even bring a copy of his IEP to share with them, so they know what to expect), it'll make for a smoother vacation.

[Coral]

Here are some threads:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=52657&highlight=autism

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=52657&highlight=autistic

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=278930&highlight=autistic

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=283663&highlight=autistic

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=221754&highlight=autistic

 

And the Disabled Cruise Travel section:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=190

[stoneharborlady]

Hi, I sailed the Caribbean Princess with my mentally retarded son, who also has mild cerebral palsy. He was 30 at the time, but looks 16, and functions at age 7 or 8. He is not a good eater, wont touch steak or fish, eats mainly pizza, burgers and hot dogs. He was treated wonderfully by the staff. We ate mainly in Horizon Court, and one night brought pizza in there for him, and only went to the dining room on one formal night. Wont do that again. He did beautifully in the dining room, and we will eat there more frequently next cruise. He enjoyed the pool, and loved the island beaches. He was able to do the slots in the casino, but was old enough to do that. I wouldnt worry about it, you will probably have a wonderful time. Karen

 

 

 

We are booked on the Caribbean Princess on Oct 21 and it is our first cruise . We have an autistic (high functioning) son who is 6 and another son who is 3, we are wondering if this is the best type of vacation for us? Has anyone else traveled on this ship with a special needs child? How was the staff? What can we expect? What should we do to prepare...

 

ANy thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[bjcanady]

We are booked on the Caribbean Princess on Oct 21 and it is our first cruise . We have an autistic (high functioning) son who is 6 and another son who is 3, we are wondering if this is the best type of vacation for us? Has anyone else traveled on this ship with a special needs child? How was the staff? What can we expect? What should we do to prepare...

 

ANy thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

The staff will treat your sons with lots of love and respect, there are many many special kids and adults on all cruises that we sail........we have not taken a special kid, altho we have 4 grandsons with all degrees of special needs, but we do have one 10 year old with aspbergers and i am afraid that all the loud sudden noises would bother him, i am not sure if all autistic children have this trait.......but beyond that i am sure they will love it.

[kylkat]

We are taking our 7 year old son with CP on the Coral Princess next week. I called before I booked to make sure he could attend kids programs. They said yes. I printed out all info on Kids programs when I booked in October. He is not completely toilet trained. They said he could attend but they would not change diapers. I told them that is fine I would do it. I would prefer it anyways. I will let you know. They seemed like they would be very accomodating when I talked to them. I just hope it works out!!

[OnlineMom]

We're taking our daughter and our 6.5 year old Autistic son onto the Caribbean Princess in 2 weeks. It'll be the first time cruising for all of us. I've been preparing him for months. He tends to be hesitant to try new things - pictures of the ship/activities and videos regarding cruising have really helped him get used to what to expect. We also will be bringing things from home that comfort him - a blanket, a few small toys etc...

 

You have lots of time - I hope he grows to be comfortable with the idea and that you have a great time!

[PrincessDreams4P&B]

Thanks everyone so much, I got a great deal of information and one site even directed me to some cards I can get for my son explaining his condition.

 

Please let me know how your cruise goes with your son and if you have any tips I would love to hear them.

[leenie29]

We are booked on the Caribbean Princess on Oct 21 and it is our first cruise . We have an autistic (high functioning) son who is 6 and another son who is 3, we are wondering if this is the best type of vacation for us? Has anyone else traveled on this ship with a special needs child? How was the staff? What can we expect? What should we do to prepare...

 

ANy thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

My 12 year old son has Asperger's and we were on the CB in January 2006. He hated the kids program (not educational enough for him which he considers fun but not what other 12 year olds on vacation consider fun). Adults he has no problems getting along with and adults don't mind him. My son found his own fun with his dad most of the week and has said he had fun. I've told people that my son has AS but it's an invisible disability and just be careful with vague terms, sarcasism, etc. Another way to describe AS/HFA is using the analogy of a foreign exchange student. A foreign exchange student can't be expected to understand all the unwritten regional words/phrases (i.e. soda vs. pop), customs, etc. without being taught, the same goes for a child with AS/HFA they need to be taught all the things a native born child knows from birth.

 

The younger counselors were wonderful very understanding, tolerant, and patient because my 7 year old has ADHD (which can be trying in another direction) and they were great with him.

 

Good Luck,

Eileen

[nancyfancy40]

Our son also has Aspergers. This will be his second cruise. He did well last time (he was 10) and is looking forward to this trip. The beauty of cruising with an AS child, is that there is always something for them to do. Last cruise my son got one of the crew engaged in an interesting conversation about how does the refuge effect the ocean enviorment and he got lots of respect from the staff. As with all AS kids they will find whom they respect and con converse with and enjoy themselves. The staff of our last cruise was wonderful and we never had any problems.

 

 

Nancy

[mamiejune]

In my opinion the people on cruises only like children that don't make any noise. The staff are great but the looks you get off other people says it all but thats just my opinion on children on cruises.

[Coral]

In my opinion the people on cruises only like children that don't make any noise. The staff are great but the looks you get off other people says it all but thats just my opinion on children on cruises.

 

There is a huge difference between kids who are purposely misbehaving and who are not supervised and kids who have a disability.

 

To Princess Dreams - I hope your family has a fantastic cruise! Definitely report back on your cruise.

[Budget Queen]

It will depend totally on the passengers which I sincerely hope for you will be tolerant. This was not my experience on my last sailing in Nov. not on Princess. There were a few "disabled" passengers, 3 different ones that I frequently saw- was an 11 day cruise. I was sickened that they became "jokes" with nasty comments I heard. They did have some significant problems. One time one of them became so upset in the buffet that she went screaming out of the line, her mother could not keep up with her and ran the length of the dining area. Another time, an older child/young adult was walking around with "hanging" diapers out of his shorts.

 

You know your child's behaviors and what is stressful for him. Have "quiet" options perhaps available?? And be well prepared. Plan on room service/ buffet perhaps if gets disruptive in the dining room- extended multi course dining may not be the best plan???

[PescadoAmarillo]

There were a few "disabled" passengers, 3 different ones that I frequently saw- was an 11 day cruise. I was sickened that they became "jokes" with nasty comments I heard.

 

I would certainly hope that would not be the case, but people can be SO cruel and intolerant, can't they? On the other hand, they can be so generous and kind in spirit too.

 

I have very much appreciated this thread, and the related threads that were posted. My 6 year old nephew was diagnosed with Asperger's in the past couple of weeks, and we are still a bit in the shell-shocked zone. I hope this thread and the information provided on it will make it easier for those with Asperger's and other forms of autism to have fun and successful cruises.

[Jacqueline]

My son has aspergers and bipolar. He is a pretty good traveler, but one must make allowances and plan for flexibility, which you are probably doing anyway on a regular basis. The Cariibean is a nice relaxing trip, which should pose few problems for you, as long as you bring your bag of trips, realizing that a change in routine and setting can be stressful.

While people with normal kids may see this as awful, my son has brought game systems and/ or computers so that he could have some quiet time and de-stress in the cabin. Princess has the best onboard TV for children which is also a way to relax before dinner. He may enjoy room service, too.

The staff has always been very kind to my son. With an "invisible" disability, I would hesitate to use the childrens program, esp with aspergers. You probably have an idea of good he is in groups from school and I would use that as a guide.My son has never done them. We have always considered vacations to be family time, anyway.

The only issue that you will face is if he is melting down (if he does this). At least he is small enough to carry, if necessary. Get him to a spot away from people. Personally, my son is too embarassed to make a scene in public (well, he is 18 now !). I have always been conscious of the fact that this is everybodies long awaited vacation time.

Here is a memory. Captain Marvins stingray city. The water was very deep due to tides. Kevin jumped into my arms to escape the swrm of feeding rays. The capt made a point of saying that the only zapped if you stepped on them- but they were EVERYWERE ! He was about 13.

But a few years later in Tahiti, he was in the water with not just rays, but sharks...

[Ethel5]

My heart goes out to all of you with special needs children. Go and enjoy your cruise together and don't let narrow minded people spoil your good time.

 

Just remember that special children go to special parents.

[airt]

Hello just to mention we sailed the med last year with our 4 year old daughter who is downsyndrome and we were treated brilliantly ,both by staff especially in the dinning rooms and by the cruisers going again this year .Airt

[cruiselifers]

PrincessDreams4P&B,

I am actually in the field, and have been for 18 years, as well as having a nephew who is autistic. I am not sure how high functioning you mean for your son(Aspergers), but I would make sure to bring any systems that you have in place with him including change cards. I think with all the transitions that occur on the ship, it would also be important to bring his schedule board if you have one. Also be very aware of any of his sensory issues including food(white foods, textures). I am sure they will accommodate you and your son just talk to the Maitre d' when you board and explain the issue. Head phones may also help if he becomes over stimulated. I am not sure if he has any of these issues but just wanted to offer some suggestions. I think the social scripting was a great suggestion as well. I would have to disagree with bringing his IEP as I do not believe that the kids program counselors would understand it and there is sensitive information in there that is just none of their business. And besides that its his vacation too, so who cares what his goals are, lol. Hope you have a great time with your son on vacation. :)

[minimotorin]

You might want to check out this site: http://www.allearsnet.com This site is dedicated to info for trips to Walt Disney World but they do a lot of articles on traveling with special need children, and many of those articles are on children with autism. Deb (the author) has put some useful info on traveling on the Disney cruise line so I thought you might find something useful. Have a good trip.

[jlp20]

OK, first I have to say we took our daughter with Down’s on her first cruise last December. We share some of the same concerns with you in traveling, however our daughter is now 25.

 

I have also viewed postings at the other boards for people with disabilities. You can get some tips and read about other’s experiences. But I have to say that persons who are quite biased make these posts. Use their experience and beliefs with a more than a grain of salt.

 

Now for my advice, since our 25 year old operates at about 10-14-year level. As a rule we let her go on her own, with us close by. If we think she is not behaving in an inappropriate manner, we step in to correct, stop or remove her from the situation.

 

As far as the cruise environment, we had no problem with other pax as far as I know. Like I stated, we let her go about her business but we kept an eye on her. There were a couple of stares and double takes, but then you already know about this and we didn’t experience any more than normal.

 

By our second day, it was apparent that the ship staff had been trained on how to deal with passengers with disabilities. I noted that they addressed our daughter directly and only fell back on to us when they could not understand her due to her speech.

 

I paid a small chunk of money for this cruise, but I know that others paid more. I got on the ship with the mindset of not spoiling the cruise experience of anyone else. What I find interesting is, some parents with “normal” kids let them run wild anywhere and anytime. We, the parents of special needs kids, have to be on our toes 24/7.

[emmylou]

It is too bad that some people have not heard the saying "But,for the grace of God, go I". Go have a wonderful time.

emmylou

[land lover]

I paid a small chunk of money for this cruise, but I know that others paid more. I got on the ship with the mindset of not spoiling the cruise experience of anyone else. What I find interesting is, some parents with “normal” kids let them run wild anywhere and anytime. We, the parents of special needs kids, have to be on our toes 24/7

 

Couldn't agree with you more Jlp20..what is "normal"?????

 

All you parents with a "challenged" child go and have a wonderful time.

 

If you are asking/ and responding to this thread.You are the kind and considerate families I enjoy seeeing on cruises. Bon Voyage!

[Ashclan]

Our 11 year old son has joined us on 3 cruises now, and it is his favorite way to travel! He has an Asperger's diagnosis, but is very high functioning. As many have said, the biggest challenge is that his disability is "invisible", so when he reacts inappropriately, particularly in the kid's clubs, it has caused problems, even if the counselors assure us up front that they can handle him. Bottom line, we put him in the kids clubs very infrequently. He is a video game fanatic, so he's always spent a lot of time in the ships' arcades. Our next trip on the Caribbean Princess will be a challenge, as I understand there is no arcade. As awful as this may sound to some, we plan on bringing our PS2 from home so he can get some breaks in his room (his older brother and he will be in an inside cabin across from us).

 

People have mentioned that Princess TV is good for kids. What channels are available? If we have access to Cartoon Network, it will make him very happy!

 

He does enjoy spending time in the pool with his Dad, and does fine in the restaurants, etc. With his 14 year old brother as a chaperone, we have been able to give him lots of freedom, and I think that's what he enjoys the most (like all kids!) I wish we could use the kids clubs more, but it will be less and less of an issue as he gets older and more independent.

 

We try to be prepared for the loud noises, such as the horn, but as long as he can cover his ears, it has not been a major problem. He's done fine at meals, and actually enjoys the sit-down meals more than the hustle and bustle (and noise!) of the buffet.

 

Thanks for all the helpful links. I'm looking forward to reading through all the suggestions and to see how others have fared!

[cruisers04]

Our autistic son has been with us on about 12 cruises, no kidding, plus several land vacations. My husband and I always loved vacationing before we had him and when he was diagnosed, we decided we would teach him to travel well rather than give up vacationing.

 

Yes, he does have an occasional outburst and yes, some people look or make a face, but, as one of my best friends told me when we were taking him on his first vacation years ago and I was worried how he'd be--"You'll never see these people again".

 

For the most part, people are compassionate and understanding but you do come across a few lemons. Don't let them or their comments ruin your vacation time. As far as the staff, they will be wonderful.

 

We usually eat in the dining room with our son and now that he is 13, he is quite patient during dinner. But when he was younger, I would buy a few small new toys or books and stash them in my purse and bring them out at dinner since it can sometimes be a little long and boring for the kids to sit through. A Walkman with a few favorite tapes and headphones is also a good dinner companion.

[beachnative]

If you haven't seen the heartwarming video of Jason McElwain's awesome basketball game you have missed something fantastic.

 

One the the sites where the video can be found is:

 

http://vpwpartners.blogs.com/COACH/PUTMEINCOACH.mov

 

If I've typed this incorrectly you can seach Google under "Jason McElwain".

 

This is guaranteed to make your day.