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Going On A Cruise With My 4 Year Old Son On The Autism Spectrum. Looking For Advise!
A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭
posted July 27, 2014
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A MyAutismTeam Member

We have had fairly good luck with cruises. The regularly scheduled dinner time helps, as long as the wait staff know ahead of time that he has special diet needs. Our son will not sit still and wait for dinner, so we usually go for a short walk after ordering, (or just eat at the buffet).

The "kids club" staff varies from ship to ship. Some ships will try to engage ASD kids in an activity, while others will just babysit them, or allow them to spin in circles. I usually ask what games they will be playing, and give them a heads up if it is a game he understands.

My son will participate in making crafts, for example, but not in nintendo games.

Most cruise ships have some sort of slide or play area at the pool, which can provide many hours of entertainment if properly supervised. Almost all cruise ship pools are crowded, so you may have to keep a close eye out for kids bumping into each other. Pack pool toys if you can.

Be sure to bring along favorite toys, as there can be down time at almost any hour. If he likes reading books with you, don't forget a few books.

My son will sit through the entertainment on Disney Cruises, but not any other cruise (yet). Some of the bigger ships have play areas specifically for kids. Check the description of the ship ahead of time. Holland America is geared toward the older crowd, for example, and does not have much for kids.

Some ships have "wireless room phones" that allow you to call your spouse anywhere they are on the ship. If the ship does not offer these, then invest in a good walkie-talkie. This will allow you to split up for a few hours but still be in touch if there are sudden changes in plans.

If you can find one, we also always carry a small dry-erase board so we can let each-other know where we are.

posted July 30, 2014
A MyAutismTeam Member

Have you looked into Autism on the Seas? You can take one of their cruises (all on major cruise lines) or you can get aids through them, I believe. Social stories, etc. If you take a cruise through their services, there are respite workers, you are grouped together for dining, and there are special activities. I would definitely look into it. I can't wait to take an AoS cruise. Hopefully a Disney cruise, my kids would love that.

Also, they have activities for unaffected siblings, and the price is no more than what you would pay through the cruise line, as long as you book with them.

posted July 30, 2014
A MyAutismTeam Member

Visual, priming, bring favorite toys snacks always remind him what a good job hes doing

posted July 29, 2014

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