I have 2 children with austim. We are going on our first cruise in may 2009. Iam not sure how it is going to go. My son is 19 but he really is about 5. he also has really bad sezuires. he still loves mickey. He said he wants to go on a big boat and give mickey a hug. my daugther is 17 and she delayed to . But not as much as my son. I really don't know what to expect. I think they will have fun as long as i tell them what we are going to do that day. He has to know what time and what we are going to do. then he is ok. my other daugther and her new husband are comming to help me. We all are really happy about going!!
I have taken my autistic son (20 now) on several
Disney cruise's. My son has good language skills however very high anxiety.
Pro's: Disney movies on tv + theatre, room service in the morning - he could have something to eat & take his med's, casual dining around the pools, he loved the evening entertainment. The pools are not deep - little less stressful with the seizures. Overall the routine was very good for him.
Con's: Dining room meals were too long for him. We did end up eating there several nights but....
The best days were when we skipped it.
The first cruise, we arrived at the port around 10:15AM - didn't board til 12:00
too long a wait. The next time we arrived at 12:30, walked right on the ship....
The muster drill with everyone crowded around him, caused significant anxiety.
With having your other daughter + son in law there, you'll have extra hands around. I was alone and took my son. It is worth the few anxious moments to see their happy faces.
Your family will have a wonderful time.