Short break with autistic child, Nov, - any recommendations?

blue_monkey_2

I wonder if anyone can recommend somewhere for short breaks at the end of November, please. I wanted to take him to DLP but most of the breaks have sold out. I have someone to ask if they will come with me as a carer all expenses paid, but if I cannot get this then I wonder if there is anywhere else that someone might suggest.

It has to be the last weekend in November as my hubby is changing the bathroom and I'd rather have 1 evening of tears and tantrums over the change rather than 4 days every day the minute he changes the floor, bath, etc...

Can anyone offer any suggestions.

Thanks.

pink_numbers

what are his needs/difficulties?

blue_monkey_2

He needs to be supervised the whole of the time. I did not know if there was somewhere that we could go so that he could be taken off for supervised activities so I could spend some time with my daughter.

I had a break lined up at DLP and my friend and her family was going to go as she knows both of my children really well, but I looked this afternoon and they have all gone. We do not really have any family to help us out and come either.

Thanks.

pink_numbers

What's DLP? (sorry)

How about places like centerparcs and butlins? They have lots of activities for kids. Or would he need specialised supervision?

blue_monkey_2

Sorry, Disneyland Paris. Butlins is closed, he is scared the of water so I cannot take them swimming, DD cannot ride a bike so I do not think there will be enough to keep them occupied at Centre Parks.

I'd not say supervised supervision as such more people who understand about Autism, or somewhere that there are other children with Special Needs so he does not stand out as different.

We had party yesterday and the other kids there were starting to realise he was different and were laughing about what he did. It was the most horrible feeling I've ever felt so I guess I'd prefer somewhere that he blends in and does not stand out as being so different.

I haven't even a clue where to start looking. I know time is running out but I am just going to see my neighbour as I've found a Disney break for the weekend, albeit more than I would like to pay, I know we need to get away. We've just had an hour of crying because my husband changed the light inside the car.

pink_numbers

ah of course, DLP! (why I didn't realise this after being there three times, is beyond me...)

So you feel theme parks with rides are better, as he won't have to interact with other kids as much, but gets to have fun? Then why not book a near by hotel to a British theme park? It'll probably be cheaper than DLP, and he'll still have just as much fun

Centerparcs do have many many many other activities that doesn't involve water though, and you will probably get more time off there than DLP where you'd have to be with your son at all time. Also, I find being in nature really helps my asperger's, so it might help your son too?

One thing tho (coming from a person with dyselxia, asperger's and ADHD), both you and your son will have to get used to other people's reaction to his behaviour sooner or later. I know it's painful for you to watch at the moment, but trust me, it will get easier for you each time, and he will cope better each time.

blue_monkey_2

Thanks Pink, yes, he loves theme parks but they are all closed in this country. I'd like to get off to Florida but it is just too far for a weekend, LOL. I've been to see my neighbour and she has agreed her daughter can come with me but she has to get time off work so we shall see, there is still that possibilty.

I do understand what you are saying about reactions but yes, it is very hard. More so I guess because they are laughing at him when they see him flapping and screeching. The hardest thing is that I want to protect him all the time but know that sometimes I cannot and will not be able to. He is still my baby though at the moment.

Thanks for listening.

pink_numbers

I totally understand that he is your baby, and he always will be, I'm still my mum's baby at 30!! was HE hurt by the other children laughing? I only ask this, because it makes a huge difference in his behaviour... if he doesn't like it, he will try not to do it again. if he isn't affected by the other children, then the adults just have to learn to not be hurt by it themselves (impossibly hard to do tho).

I didn't even realise that all the theme parks were closed, show you how much I know, sorry I wasn't any help I hope someone else can come along and be of more help to you.

duchy

What about Port Avenda in Spain-is that open ?

blue_monkey_2

Pink - that made perfect sense. No, he had no idea at all. It's going to be hard to try not to let it affect me but I think you have just made me realise that I could make it worse for him if I say things. Thank you. That gave me new insight. It IS going to be hard but thank you, I do see where you are coming from.

blue_monkey_2

duchy wrote: »

What about Port Avenda in Spain-is that open ?

I've not heard of that Duchy, did you mean Port Adventura? I went there many moons ago and I just checked, it'll be closed too.

I'd love to take them to Lapland but it costs a bomb and I do not think he would eat most of the food served up to him.

I think we picked the worst time of year to do the bathroom, LOL.