Re: OT: Autism on the Seas

[Guest guest]

Who did she get to pay for the trip? I personally have also been afraid to take my son with autism on a cruise. Seems it would be very confined, tough to do fine dining, couldn't play loud music, and most worrisome would be that if he saw water all around him he might really try to go in the ocean. Just tooooooooooooo scary to even attempt.

Still curious who is paying her way though.

-----Original Message-----From: Texas-Autism-Advocacy [mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy ] On Behalf Of LorreeSent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 5:13 PMTo: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Subject: OT: Autism on the Seas

Has anyone heard of this program? I new friend told me they are sailing out of Galveston on a 7 day cruise and actually got their whole trip paid for by a non profit group. Just curious Ive never heard of it and it sounds like a great program. I am definitely looking into it!

[Guest guest]

What program is this?

[Guest guest]

Its called Autism on the Seas. Its a program especially for parents and their kids with autism. Check out this website:

autismontheseas.com

I dont know who she got the scholorship through, she didnt say. But she did say that another parent nominated her for the trip.

Apparently its specially set up just for kids with autism, special food, special trained staff, special activities.

I didnt get much info I am researching it online tonight to find out more.

Re: OT: Autism on the Seas

What program is this?

[Guest guest]

Geez, I will check it out.  I haven't had a vacation of any kind in over twelve years.  I wouldn't want to go on one without my son.  May sound crazy, but I just couldn't be away from him for more than a night or two, and that was only if his dad were behind watching him.  the nights away were always something to do with autism -- a legal seminar or an autism treatment seminar.    His Dad feels the same way, but if we could go as a family, that would be something.  It's nice to dream.....

[Guest guest]

I've heard of it a few years ago. From what I've heard(not sure how much of this is true), but the cruise is more suited to high functioning autism. My son is fascinated with water. I'd be scared with him on a cruise. Subject: RE: OT: Autism on the SeasTo: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 8:09 PM

Who did she get to pay for the trip? I personally have also been afraid to take my son with autism on a cruise. Seems it would be very confined, tough to do fine dining, couldn't play loud music, and most worrisome would be that if he saw water all around him he might really try to go in the ocean. Just tooooooooooooo scary to even attempt.</font>

Still curious who is paying her way though.

-----Original Message-----From: Texas-Autism-Advocacy [mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy ] On Behalf Of LorreeSent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 5:13 PMTo: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Subject: OT: Autism on the Seas

Has anyone heard of this program? I new friend told me they are sailing out of Galveston on a 7 day cruise and actually got their whole trip paid for by a non profit group. Just curious Ive never heard of it and it sounds like a great program. I am definitely looking into it!

[Guest guest]

i am scared to take my son to the park with the duck pond unless i have both hands free to chase him when he dashes for the water i can't imagine how i would feel on a boat!lauraTo: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Sent: Wed, January 19, 2011 7:51:20 AMSubject: RE: OT: Autism on the Seas

I've heard of it a few years ago. From what I've heard(not sure how much of this is true), but the cruise is more suited to high functioning autism. My son is fascinated with water. I'd be scared with him on a cruise. Subject: RE: OT: Autism on the SeasTo: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 8:09 PM

Who did she get to pay for the trip? I personally have also been afraid to take my son with autism on a cruise. Seems it would be very confined, tough to do fine dining, couldn't play loud music, and most worrisome would be that if he saw water all around him he might really try to go in the ocean. Just tooooooooooooo scary to even attempt.</font>

Still curious who is paying her way though.

-----Original Message-----From: Texas-Autism-Advocacy [mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy ] On Behalf Of LorreeSent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 5:13 PMTo: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Subject: OT: Autism on the Seas

Has anyone heard of this program? I new friend told me they are sailing out of Galveston on a 7 day cruise and actually got their whole trip paid for by a non profit group. Just curious Ive never heard of it and it sounds like a great program. I am definitely looking into it!

[Guest guest]

My son's the same way! If you are not holding his hand, he will take off running in a split second! Subject: RE: OT: Autism on the SeasTo: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 8:09 PM

Who did she get to pay for the trip? I personally have also been afraid to take my son with autism on a cruise. Seems it would be very confined, tough to do fine dining, couldn't play loud music, and most worrisome would be that if he saw water all around him he might really try to go in the ocean. Just tooooooooooooo scary to even attempt.</font>

Still curious who is paying her way though.

-----Original Message-----From: Texas-Autism-Advocacy [mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy ] On Behalf Of LorreeSent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 5:13 PMTo: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Subject: OT: Autism on the Seas

Has anyone heard of this program? I new friend told me they are sailing out of Galveston on a 7 day cruise and actually got their whole trip paid for by a non profit group. Just curious Ive never heard of it and it sounds like a great program. I am definitely looking into it!

[Guest guest]

, my son actually did run into a pond after some ducks when he was around 3. I had to go in after him - and it was NOT summer! Now I think he'd be okay on a cruise but the idea of my 6'4" husband in on of those tiny cabins (and snoring loudly) doesn't really appeal to me. LOL!

Doesn't matter anyway as we make too much to qualify for a donated trip but not enough to pay for it ourselves. That's always the case it seems!

-Sandy H.

To: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Sent: Wed, January 19, 2011 8:08:52 AMSubject: Re: OT: Autism on the Seas

My son's the same way! If you are not holding his hand, he will take off running in a split second!

Subject: RE: OT: Autism on the SeasTo: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 8:09 PM

Who did she get to pay for the trip? I personally have also been afraid to take my son with autism on a cruise. Seems it would be very confined, tough to do fine dining, couldn't play loud music, and most worrisome would be that if he saw water all around him he might really try to go in the ocean. Just tooooooooooooo scary to even attempt.</font>

Still curious who is paying her way though.

-----Original Message-----From: Texas-Autism-Advocacy [mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy ] On Behalf Of LorreeSent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 5:13 PMTo: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Subject: OT: Autism on the Seas

Has anyone heard of this program? I new friend told me they are sailing out of Galveston on a 7 day cruise and actually got their whole trip paid for by a non profit group. Just curious Ive never heard of it and it sounds like a great program. I am definitely looking into it!

[Guest guest]

i can definitely picture milo doing that, and i am usually carrying the 13 month old, so i don't know what i would do with baby b while i save baby a!!!To: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Sent: Wed, January 19, 2011 9:25:14 AMSubject: Re:

OT: Autism on the Seas

, my son actually did run into a pond after some ducks when he was around 3. I had to go in after him - and it was NOT summer! Now I think he'd be okay on a cruise but the idea of my 6'4" husband in on of those tiny cabins (and snoring loudly) doesn't really appeal to me. LOL!

Doesn't matter anyway as we make too much to qualify for a donated trip but not enough to pay for it ourselves. That's always the case it seems!

-Sandy H.

To: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Sent: Wed, January 19, 2011 8:08:52 AMSubject: Re: OT: Autism on the Seas

My son's the same way! If you are not holding his hand, he will take off running in a split second!

Subject: RE: OT: Autism on the SeasTo: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 8:09 PM

Who did she get to pay for the trip? I personally have also been afraid to take my son with autism on a cruise. Seems it would be very confined, tough to do fine dining, couldn't play loud music, and most worrisome would be that if he saw water all around him he might really try to go in the ocean. Just tooooooooooooo scary to even attempt.</font>

Still curious who is paying her way though.

-----Original Message-----From: Texas-Autism-Advocacy [mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy ] On Behalf Of LorreeSent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 5:13 PMTo: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Subject: OT: Autism on the Seas

Has anyone heard of this program? I new friend told me they are sailing out of Galveston on a 7 day cruise and actually got their whole trip paid for by a non profit group. Just curious Ive never heard of it and it sounds like a great program. I am definitely looking into it!

[Guest guest]

Actually many cruise lines will accommodate our kids and their diets. It is not confining these ships are huge and you can pick and choose what you want to do. Dining can be cafeteria style or more like a regular restaurant many cruise lines now have a less formal approach and are family friendly. As for the water you are very high up and there are Plexiglas sheets between the railings. I actually think my son would enjoy a cruise (my husband and I  went to Alaska). I would not think that these Autism cruises would have lots of kids with more mild forms of Autism as they can be accommodated more easily. Although to be completely honest I may not enjoy a cruise filled with children like my son before he had a way to communicate and when he was screaming non stop and we couldn't even get my parents to babysit. It might make me a nervous wreck worrying about everyone. 

I'd love to hear from anyone who's done this and certainly anyone who had it paid for, holy cow! 

 

I've heard of it a few years ago.  From what I've heard(not sure how much of this is true), but the cruise is more suited to high functioning autism.  My son is fascinated with water.  I'd be scared with him on a cruise. 

Subject: RE: OT: Autism on the SeasTo: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 8:09 PM

 

Who did she get to pay for the trip?   I personally have also been afraid to take my son with autism on a cruise.  Seems it would be very confined, tough to do fine dining, couldn't play loud music, and most worrisome would be that if he saw water all around him he might really try to go in the ocean.  Just tooooooooooooo scary to even attempt.</font>

Still curious who is paying her way though.

-----Original Message-----From: Texas-Autism-Advocacy [mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy ] On Behalf Of LorreeSent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 5:13 PMTo: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Subject: OT: Autism on the Seas 

Has anyone heard of this program?  I new friend told me they are sailing out of Galveston on a 7 day cruise and actually got their whole trip paid for by a non profit group.  Just curious Ive never heard of it and it sounds like a great program.  I am definitely looking into it!

[Guest guest]

That's interesting about the plexiglass. We've never been on vacation with . The other people might complain because of all the noise he makes. No one in my family will babysit.

Subject: RE: OT: Autism on the SeasTo: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 8:09 PM

Who did she get to pay for the trip? I personally have also been afraid to take my son with autism on a cruise. Seems it would be very confined, tough to do fine dining, couldn't play loud music, and most worrisome would be that if he saw water all around him he might really try to go in the ocean. Just tooooooooooooo scary to even attempt.</font>

Still curious who is paying her way though.

-----Original Message-----From: Texas-Autism-Advocacy [mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy ] On Behalf Of LorreeSent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 5:13 PMTo: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Subject: OT: Autism on the Seas

Has anyone heard of this program? I new friend told me they are sailing out of Galveston on a 7 day cruise and actually got their whole trip paid for by a non profit group. Just curious Ive never heard of it and it sounds like a great program. I am definitely looking into it!

[Guest guest]

You should go on a vacation. Even if its a short one. You can rent a trailer or a pop up or a motor home. There are many great State parks in Texas to see! Back when my son could not sleep away from home because he thought our house would not be there when we got back and he thought we were moving we actually bought a trailer. We could lock the doors from the inside and he thrived in the outdoors where he could run sand through his fingers and play in shallow lakes and watch the campfire with all the colors of the flames. He could also run (mom in pursuit naturally) and make all the noise he wanted. He was able to take his toys his food his DVD's etc and basically it was a house away from the house where we could try new things on our own time and adjust them to the kind of day he was having. One of my favorite State Parks is Rusk. It has a steam train that you can ride very cheaply and it comes right through the campground a few times a day. I love Bastrop State Park too with it's huge Pine trees and level and wide hiking trails it also has a great Olympic size pool if you like to swim. Campers are forgiving people and I see many people with kids and adults with special needs. We have a motor home now and have traveled to nearly every state. We are selling this diesel at PPL now to buy a fifth wheel since the kids now want to bring along friends and Matt is more agreeable with that idea these days. Although on occasion he will tell them to go home.  

At any rate what I am getting at here is that it is important to change your environment even if only for a weekend. It's good for you and for him you'll just need to go at it slow and build his confidence. 

Trina 

 

That's interesting about the plexiglass.  We've never been on vacation with .  The other people might complain because of all the noise he makes.  No one in my family will babysit. 

Subject: RE: OT: Autism on the SeasTo: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 8:09 PM

 

Who did she get to pay for the trip?   I personally have also been afraid to take my son with autism on a cruise.  Seems it would be very confined, tough to do fine dining, couldn't play loud music, and most worrisome would be that if he saw water all around him he might really try to go in the ocean.  Just tooooooooooooo scary to even attempt.</font>

Still curious who is paying her way though.

-----Original Message-----From: Texas-Autism-Advocacy [mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy ] On Behalf Of LorreeSent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 5:13 PMTo: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Subject: OT: Autism on the Seas 

Has anyone heard of this program?  I new friend told me they are sailing out of Galveston on a 7 day cruise and actually got their whole trip paid for by a non profit group.  Just curious Ive never heard of it and it sounds like a great program.  I am definitely looking into it!

1 of 1 Photo(s)

[Guest guest]



we never go on vacations either. cant afford it. and its also so hard with my son and nobody wants to babysit in my family either. I see all these other parents planning trips to disney world, cancun, and I feel bad that we will never be able to do those things.

RE: OT: Autism on the SeasTo: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 8:09 PM

Who did she get to pay for the trip? I personally have also been afraid to take my son with autism on a cruise. Seems it would be very confined, tough to do fine dining, couldn't play loud music, and most worrisome would be that if he saw water all around him he might really try to go in the ocean. Just tooooooooooooo scary to even attempt.</font>

Still curious who is paying her way though.

-----Original Message-----From: Texas-Autism-Advocacy [mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy ] On Behalf Of LorreeSent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 5:13 PMTo: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Subject: OT: Autism on the Seas

Has anyone heard of this program? I new friend told me they are sailing out of Galveston on a 7 day cruise and actually got their whole trip paid for by a non profit group. Just curious Ive never heard of it and it sounds like a great program. I am definitely looking into it!

[Guest guest]

I know how you feel. A lot of my friends tell me about their cruise trips, disneyworld, vegas,ect. It's an ordeal just to take to the store with us. Besides we can't afford a vacation either! I just could not imagine what my son would do on a plane.

Subject: RE: OT: Autism on the SeasTo: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 8:09 PM

Who did she get to pay for the trip? I personally have also been afraid to take my son with autism on a cruise. Seems it would be very confined, tough to do fine dining, couldn't play loud music, and most worrisome would be that if he saw water all around him he might really try to go in the ocean. Just tooooooooooooo scary to even attempt.</font>

Still curious who is paying her way though.

-----Original Message-----From: Texas-Autism-Advocacy [mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy ] On Behalf Of LorreeSent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 5:13 PMTo: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Subject: OT: Autism on the Seas

Has anyone heard of this program? I new friend told me they are sailing out of Galveston on a 7 day cruise and actually got their whole trip paid for by a non profit group. Just curious Ive never heard of it and it sounds like a great program. I am definitely looking into it!

[Guest guest]

Just a reminder that 's Wonderland in San is a great place for us. For the whole family (4) to get in last year, it was less than $20! You must make reservations and state that you have one party that has a disability, but that's very easy on their website. We were able to stay in a nearby hotel but there are many campgrounds around if you can rent a camper.

www.morganswonderland.com

-Sandy H.

To: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Sent: Wed, January 19, 2011 11:20:58 AMSubject: Re: OT: Autism on the Seas

I know how you feel. A lot of my friends tell me about their cruise trips, disneyworld, vegas,ect. It's an ordeal just to take to the store with us. Besides we can't afford a vacation either! I just could not imagine what my son would do on a plane.

Subject: RE: OT: Autism on the SeasTo: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 8:09 PM

Who did she get to pay for the trip? I personally have also been afraid to take my son with autism on a cruise. Seems it would be very confined, tough to do fine dining, couldn't play loud music, and most worrisome would be that if he saw water all around him he might really try to go in the ocean. Just tooooooooooooo scary to even attempt.</font>

Still curious who is paying her way though.

-----Original Message-----From: Texas-Autism-Advocacy [mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy ] On Behalf Of LorreeSent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 5:13 PMTo: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Subject: OT: Autism on the Seas

Has anyone heard of this program? I new friend told me they are sailing out of Galveston on a 7 day cruise and actually got their whole trip paid for by a non profit group. Just curious Ive never heard of it and it sounds like a great program. I am definitely looking into it!

[Guest guest]

we really want to try out morgan's wonderland. i guess we were waiting for it to cool down a little, then it was winter!To: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Sent: Wed, January 19, 2011 11:31:02 AMSubject: Re: OT: Autism on the

Seas

Just a reminder that 's Wonderland in San is a great place for us. For the whole family (4) to get in last year, it was less than $20! You must make reservations and state that you have one party that has a disability, but that's very easy on their website. We were able to stay in a nearby hotel but there are many campgrounds around if you can rent a camper.

www.morganswonderland.com

-Sandy H.

To: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Sent: Wed, January 19, 2011 11:20:58 AMSubject: Re: OT: Autism on the Seas

I know how you feel. A lot of my friends tell me about their cruise trips, disneyworld, vegas,ect. It's an ordeal just to take to the store with us. Besides we can't afford a vacation either! I just could not imagine what my son would do on a plane.

Subject: RE: OT: Autism on the SeasTo: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 8:09 PM

Who did she get to pay for the trip? I personally have also been afraid to take my son with autism on a cruise. Seems it would be very confined, tough to do fine dining, couldn't play loud music, and most worrisome would be that if he saw water all around him he might really try to go in the ocean. Just tooooooooooooo scary to even attempt.</font>

Still curious who is paying her way though.

-----Original Message-----From: Texas-Autism-Advocacy [mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy ] On Behalf Of LorreeSent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 5:13 PMTo: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Subject: OT: Autism on the Seas

Has anyone heard of this program? I new friend told me they are sailing out of Galveston on a 7 day cruise and actually got their whole trip paid for by a non profit group. Just curious Ive never heard of it and it sounds like a great program. I am definitely looking into it!

[Guest guest]

Loree,

I just sing in. We are going to a cruise on April.

The person who invited me talks very highly about it.I will send his email , he will very kind to answer your question. It is the first time, yes I have BIG concerns , but We are going to do it, have fun and we will enjoy the vacation like everybody else.

I remember when we flue from Houston to Boston WITH connection.........I was pregnant then, my son was 6yrs old. He is not high function and before he didn't talk much, any way

I remember he started to freak out and making his strange and loud noises.....the fly attendant came to us and asked if there was something wrong...I said...............

there is nothing wrong, my son has autism , this is his first trip and he is very nervous, I am sorry for any inconvenience but he just need to be alone and if you keep coming and people keep steering, he will be worse. I was polite but firm. The attendant bring me some plains that he can play and a kid in front of him told my son he was nervous too, but it will OK! and smile to him

I put my son on my lap and looked outside the window . He didn't talk much then, but he said very clear, " mom put the plain down" LOL. I tried to explained that I can't do that, anyway......that's the amazing with our kids...every time there is a new experience , something beautiful comes along. Just don't be afraid, be happy, and enjoy the unexpected,YES always be safe and carefull , but don't let to stop to enjoy your vacations with your kid.

God bless

rosie

Subject: OT: Autism on the SeasTo: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 5:12 PM

Has anyone heard of this program? I new friend told me they are sailing out of Galveston on a 7 day cruise and actually got their whole trip paid for by a non profit group. Just curious Ive never heard of it and it sounds like a great program. I am definitely looking into it!