Casey has been asking for months to go to a water park beside the zoo and I kept telling her no. Honestly, the park is big, it’s open and it’s terrifying to think about taking them there.
The reality is, I would need at least three other adults to go with us. Rob likes to explore, but once he finds a place that will continually dump water on his head, he pretty much stays there. But, with autism, you never know, so two adults with him at all times.
Casey wants to try everything. It doesn’t matter if it scares her to death – if it is there, she has to try. While I’m so proud of her for going outside her comfort zone, that also presents challenges. For water slides, someone has to go with her to the top and someone at the bottom. No exceptions. When Mandy and I took them to Sesame Place two years ago, I was right behind Casey on slide and in that ten seconds, she disappeared.
It seemed like hours before we found her – in line to ride again- but really, it was only a few minutes. My head knew she was right there somewhere, but my heart was pounding. And, Mandy needed to stay near Rob, so it made looking for Casey even harder.
But, it’s hard to explain to Casey why that water park is not in her future. I’ve told her that’s it too big and not safe, but she says “adult!” Yes, Casey, I know you are an adult, but… How do you explain she is a child in an adult body? How do you explain that you are scared to death someone will hurt her? Neither Casey or Rob can comprehend that.
So, as a compromise, we went to a Great Wolf Lodge near Lake Erie. We could kill two birds with one stone – her water park and his love of the lake. They were both excited, but if you’ve ever taken a trip with autism, you know the planning is crazy.
I looked at pictures and reviews of the lodge. I requested an early check in with a room on the first floor at the end of the hall. I thought of every thing they might need to be safe, happy and able to sleep.
I let them pack blankets – one for her, four for him. And their pillows. And iPads. Snacks. Breakfast stuff. Big Bird was the lucky one chosen to go with us. It’s funny watching them choose clothes. I have to talk her into taking any extra ones. Rob? He packed for more than a week – every red shirt he owned, plus a few more.
I thought and over-thought every detail. Went over every possible thing that might happen and tried to prepare. And thought, without autism, we would have had a duffel bag, cooler and bag of snacks instead of a trunk full of stuff. I worried about the staff at the park. Would they be patient? Would they be helpful? Would they be kind? (For the most part, the answer is yes to all… But they could use a little training with special needs).
We did have a few bumps, but mostly, it was a great trip that they both enjoyed. It took a lot of planning, but it was definitely worth it. Traveling with autism is never easy, but I have learned that many places are ready and willing to accommodate your needs – you just have to ask! If somewhere isn’t willing, then go somewhere else. Special needs families don’t need to hide or be ashamed!
Let the world see and hear your family. Every time you do, you encourage other families to do the same and you open the eyes of people around you. Only good can come from that! 😊