Nov 30 Four Night w/autistic son..

[Grimsby1]

Cruising for the third time with DCL (1st 7 night Eastern with wife and 3 yr old son, 2nd Four Night for New Years Eve 2002) with wife, mother-in-law, 6 yr old son and 3 yr old autistic son.

I understand that children must be potty-trained to participate in the Oceaneers, but my younger son is still in diapers..and out neurologist says we should expect him to stay in them probally until 9 or 10, based on how things have been going the past two years.

I spoke to DCL and they basically read me the rules out of the brochure, then said the castmember in charge of the group will have final say.

We have no problem being paged to come and change a diaper, which happens probally 2 to 3 times a day, and do not plan on leaving the ship with the kids in club..if we do, Grandma will still be on the boat in case of problems for pages.

Anyone have any experience with autistic children on board? Or issues with potty-trained children and the club/lab?

Thanks all!
Jason, Weymouth, MA

 

[ohiominnie]

Can't answer your question specifically, but just wanted to say Hi! We'll be on that cruise also. Me, dh, ds 6, dd 9, my parents and my 21 yr old neice!

 

[Lisa F]

I think DCL is pretty strict about the potty training thing. If every parent had to be paged 2 or 3 times a day, the counselors would spend all of their time paging parents. I'm pretty sure that there are times when your child can play and enjoy the facilities of the oceaneer's club if a parent accompanies though.

You should check out the DISabilities board here. Last time I read that board there were many knowledgable and supportive people (many with autistic children).

Lisa

 

[mickey squared]

We sailed in September with my four children, two of which have autism. We brought along one therapist for extra hands. My oldest, who is 8 and non-verbal didn't want to go into the clubs at all. Something must have scared him when he walked in because he started screaming and wouldn't go back. My 3 year old is potty trained during the day, so this wasn't a issue for us. He used the clubs about 1 hour during the day. He just wasn't interested in what they were during. He just wanted to go to the Mickey pool all day. I was joking, we could have stayed at the local Holiday Inn for 1/8 the price! Overall, we did have a great time, but it was a lot of work for us. My other children are typical, at 6 and 1 1/2 so we have a big age gap between them all. Also, my older son has some dietary issues that were supposed to be available on the ship, but weren't. The key for us is not to go during peak weeks so our sons don't get lost (physically and mentally)! Any other concerns you might have, ask away.

 

[disneyfan551]

Grimsby1... we will also be on the same cruise. Look for our Nov. 30th cruise thread, and stop in to say hello!

Hope things work out with your son!

 

[gassmandy]

mickey squared--I sent you a pm--check your messages!!