Caydens Family Cruise with Autism on the Seas

Every day we live with the direct effects of autism. The challenges are great and require a constant devotion from each family member, with some days requiring more energy than others. Cayden has blessed us with so many wonderful moments but has changed the way we are able to approach events that others are able to do on a regular basis. Autism affects us as a family mentally, physically, emotional and financially. We haven’t had true family vacation together since Cayden turned 2.

Autism on the Seas is a non-profit company that allows families like ours to experience a vacation that at one time we would have imagined to be impossible. They arrange specific special needs accommodations with the cruise lines and they provide professionally qualified staff to assist us with expedited port check-in, meal assistance, pool time supervision, beach excursions, respite (time for Cayden to be well cared for while the rest of the family can do other things), and many other perks and assistance. Autism on the Seas also provides pre-cruise professional consultation and valuable resources, including connecting with other families for support. I cried after watching videos and reading tutorials about these vacations for kids like Cayden because every child deserves to have at least one great childhood vacation memory and I have set a new goal to give that gift to him. To imagine a trip without stares, without name calling because we’ve had to use a “child leash”, without having to leave a place due to meltdown. To be in a place where there is understanding and no judgment. Please help me give Cayden the vacation of a lifetime. No amount is too small, I don’t care if it takes me years to save. Thank you from all of us.
Jennifer, Keith, Jesse, Gwen, Miah, Dominick and CAYDEN❤️