Although JW is on the severe end of the spectrum, we have had success with vacations, but they are centered entirely around him. Since he is the only child, typically with 2-4 adults around at all times, it is all hands on deck. We take him to Adventureland, a moderate sized amusement park in Des Moines, IA. The park is smaller, go on a Monday when there is not a lot of people, you will wait less than 10 minutes for even the big coasters, minor crowds. Plus, they have cabanas for cheap, so it is a central place to go and relax with a fan, tv, and waitress. We have been going here every summer since I was a kid, so even appropriate for the younger kids.

Now that he is older (11), I am also considering taking him to an autism camp outside of Denver that focuses on extreme sports. I have heard great things about this place, http://www.extremesportscamp.org/ - probably not for every kid, but my son loves things like zip lines and wall climbing, so I am really thinking hard about it (pricey though). Hoping he will gain a little independence by staying overnight somewhere without mom...

It *can* be a disaster, but it also can be very successful. Like everything, it takes lots and lots of preparation and flexibility. We do multiple vacations a year and here are my hints and tips/how I handle things (in no particular order):

1) Pick a destination that is autism-friendly. Disney has a Guest Assistance Card that is very helpful. The PassPorters guide for people with disabilities on Disney can give you great information on it, or Google "Disney GAC." Other resorts/hotels offer autism-friendly programs or rooms. Just research online. It may only be certain times of the year, in the case of cruises, but they are out there in a variety of locations. Sometimes we just rent a vacation home through vrbo.com.

2)Don't over plan--be flexible. Sometimes something just doesn't work out. Be ready to leave or change on the spot. Maybe designate one person (parent, or a paid caregiver) to handle your ASD child.

3) Stay on track. Keep your schedule similar, or maybe the same. Make sure there are foods your ASD child likes. Maybe drive instead of fly to keep the car your child knows and is comfortable with.

4) Give them time to test the waters in new environments. I often find something that may not work the first time, goes over well the second or third.

5) Prepare. Talk about it. For us, it means the start a few months in advance. I go over pictures and brochures. I find utube videos when possible. I make sure my child is familiar before we ever even get there.

6) Start small. Don't go for 3 weeks in Europe, start with a weekend close to home. Or, with day trips.

7) Don't be afraid of what others think. Are you ever going to see 90% of these people ever again? Does it matter what they say/do? If it does bother you, maybe get a button/t-shirt that shows autism support. My oldest (NT) child finds he gets embarrassed when people stare or make comments (he's at that age), so I've armed him with cards that states his brother has autism. He'll hand them out. My ASD son has a button that says "I'm not misbehaving, I have Autism." My husband wears a hat that is for autism awareness.

You should call the resort or the place ahead of time to let them know and you will be pleasantly surprised at how kind everyone is to your child. Disney has special deals for autism, Their cruises are awesome. We go on vacation every year and keeping your schedule as best as possible is the best ( eating , sleeping etc)

Interesting question...we have always been a bit nervous about taking a family vacation,but last year we decided. Everyone knows my son, but it's so different when we are all under one roof and let's face it we all run our households very differently.The vacation was very successful but I was always with my son and tried to keep him very busy.there were some times where I felt on edge bc of behaviors or if he woke up super early and I felt like we were disturbing others,but if your family wants to taken vacation together they should understand what they are signing up for .

We vacation every year for a week. We have been a variety of places and each time it was a success. We keep the boys busy and try to keep our schedule as close to normal as possible.