Re: Autism on the Seas - A Mother's Perspective

[Guest guest]

great story................

Autism on the Seas - A Mother's Perspective

My son and I just got back from an absolutely amazing vacation withAutism on the Seas and would like to share our experience. I know asparents of a special needs child, that we can be hesitant about tryinga new activity or taking a new adventure. This trip has shown me thatthere is so much more my son and I can do together.As a single parent I was very scared to take my son alone on a cruise.There were so many "what ifs" going through my head and Mike did agreat job of addressing my million questions before the cruise. Thiswas my first cruise ever, so I had no idea what to expect.My son has many fears and I was so happy I actually got him on theship. When we went to our room there was Autism on the Seas sign onthe door and my son's eyes just lit up. He saw the daily schedule andwas ready to go.On every cruise it is mandatory to do a muster drill. My son hatesloud noises and crowds. We did our own drill which was more like ameet and greet party for the kids. They did a great job of keeping thekids entertained even with the noise and excitement outside.The private dining was great. Since the families ate in our own diningroom, my son saw it as a great event three times a day. He wanted toeat in the dining room every meal to see his new friends. On a portday we had lunch at the buffet and my son was able to sit with Mikeand . He saw this as his special time with the guys. In GrandCayman we tendered in and this is something my son did not want to do. went with us and made it fun for him. By the end of the trip, myson wanted to do anything to hang out with and . The privatedance parties were a lot of fun. The kids were able to be themselvesand everyone just had a goofy fun time. Adventure Oceans (the kidsprogram) was very accommodating and our private time really made thekids feel more at home. The bridge tour was really neat and made thekids feel so special.On the last evening of the cruise we went to the farewell show. My sondid not want to go, but went reluctantly. Part way through the show hedecided he wanted to sit with Mike, and since it was thelast night. They obliged and he loved the show. Once the show was overhe really understood we were leaving. He broke down crying because hedid not want to leave. The kid who really didn't want to go on thecruise, now did not want to leave. They helped console him and then Itook him swimming with another family.On the last morning we had breakfast together. My son was overtiredand upset that we were leaving. They hung out with all the familiesand we talked and relaxed while we were getting ready to disembark. Itwas such a blast that We had such a great time that my son has decidedthat he is willing to give up all vacations (even Disney) to go onanother cruise. We are going again on January 15, 2009. For moreinformation, please check out www.autismontheseas.com (and let themknow sent you) or e-mail me directly with any questions.Hope to see you there,