Action Holiday for solitary 18 year old

mrs_drudge

Our son has Aspergers syndrome - a high level autistic condition.
He had one friend throughout his schooldays - who tragically was killed in a car crash last year.
Since then our son has only been out cycling with his dad or walking with me. I am at my wits end thinking of ways to get him out with people - not necessarily his own age - although that would be ideal. He is too old to go on youth activity holidays. He likes cycling and hiking - and it is a shame that he is tied to his parents, although he has never complained! He is witty and good company once he knows you. This is not worrying him at all - he appears happy with life - goes to college but has not made any friends there (reads through all the breaks)
Help!!:eek:

rbulph

Maybe he's of superior quality to his contemporaries at college and is justifiably not interested in them.

What about a language course - http://www.alliancefr.org/ - there would be lots of interesting young people from around the world, and activities organised for the afternoons and weekends.

mrs_drudge

I would love to do that - but it is not up his street - he is more the hiking cycling, scrambling sort, wouldn't have the confidence to speak in front of others and dropped French at school at the first opportunity.
Your first comment may be correct - he turned up for interview at college in suit and tie only to be greeted by the lecturer in tshirt and shorts.

Thanks for the link, will look into that for the rest of the family!

Sam_Bee

A possibility for you to explore is through Forest School Camps. They run a series of special needs camps for a variety of children (I've spoken to them regarding my 30yr old brother with learning difficulties going on one!). They are UK based campsites, eminently sociable with a great range of outdoor based activities. I know tonnes of people that have made lifelong friends from these.

I'm not sure if your son would be considered marginally too old - but if he is, they are great people, and might well have some suggestions - a quick search of their website find this contact http://www.fsc.org.uk/contact/contacts.htm#sneeds

I'd be interested to know if anything came from it as well.

Forgot to add: You don't have to go as well!

Hotspur

The Youth Hostel Association have changed over the years and have lots of activities for all ages. Have a look at http://www.yha.org.uk/activities/index.aspx

rbulph

You could try http://www.brathayexploration.org.uk/exped/index.htm

bouquiniste

The Adventure Company, Explore and Exodus all do a variety of trekking/cycling holidays and I've been with them plenty of times alone. You can see if any of them interest him and call for advice on the age of group going - on treks I've been on the age range in a group has been anywhere from 16 to 70. People on those kind of trips are always friendly and outgoing and you have the added safety net of knowing he's safe and it's well organised.

oramgepekoe

Ramblers Holidays
http://www.ramblersholidays.co.uk/

mrs_drudge

Thankyou all so much - lots to research now!

sarahlouise210

You could try here .....

http://www.avontyrrell.org.uk/

It is in the New Forest - has every imaginible activity plus he could go walking or cycling in the forest. My daughter has been (she has Tourettes) and had a wonderful time. They cater for everyone.

conradmum

I just wanted to say, if he's happy as it is, not to stress too much about it. My dh is quite like your son and is perfectly content with his immediate family. He doesn't particularly enjoy other contact. Your son may go along with your ideas to please you but actually find it quite stressful.
Surely at 18 he's old enough to organise this kind of thing himself if he wants to?