Austism and Vacation

Hi all....

I really wanted to share today about the anxiety of going on vacation with an autistic child.  My husband and I have spent too many years in fear.  We have done nothing because we have worried about how JB will do if we go somewhere......At this point, we have made a decision and that decision being, we have been unfair to ourselves, to our daughter, and really to JB.  Everyone has missed out on having a good time TOGETHER!!!!

WE have missed out on important family time.  On time that we all need because mom and dad (my husband and I) have been scared.  We have been too scared to try....so worried about how JB will behave, having to pack all the right things, whether he will be able to adapt or not.  And yet, this summer, I am realizing that maybe this is so wrong.  We are missing out on life.  We are creating a negative experience for our daughter and really for JB, too.

So, we are headed on a vacation...our first one as a family without grandparents or anyone else.  A true family of 4 vacation.  And truth be told, I am scared.  There is so much to think about, so many worries.  First, I want to make sure I have enough medicine for JB.....if he doesn't have his seizure meds......what will happen?  Then, he needs so many different foods.....he doesn't like ANYTHING!  He eats NOTHING outside of Doritos, pop tarts, and Go-gurts on his own.  I feed him smoothies and Campbell's soups.....because he won't touch any utensils.   He will only drink boxed, strawberry Yoohoo......it's beyond crazy and yet, so much to plan for.  Why the hell am I planning a vacation when home is so much easier?????  I mean really!!!!!

But that is just it.....we ALL deserve something that is fun and worth doing.  We have to live life and have experiences that make memories.  Just because my son has Autism, well, that should not stop life.  It may make life difficult at times but he deserves to have experiences outside of therapy and school.  I get too worried about missing his therapy......I get too worried about how he will handle new experiences.  Who is at fault?  Me!  I cannot live in fear...SO, we will go on vacation.  Give our entire family a chance to have a life beyond therapy.....because it's real.  And it is a part of learning, really, learning to enjoy life and learning to have new experiences that are well deserved!

I am scared to death to take this chance but I am also very excited.  It is needed.....it is necessary.  And, we will roll with the punches because we have to.  And really,  my husband and I have to learn to let go...let things happen and just be there to guide.   Because that is how we all learn. Experiences are necessary for everybody for so many reasons!  Wish me luck!

TTFN
Martha