The Patnode’s Need An Autism Friendly Vacation

Every day we live with the direct effects of autism. Our 9 year old Noella who has severe autism, was also diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease called Juvenile dermatomyositis (or JDM) in August of 2020. JDM causes her immune system to attach her skin and her muscles. The challenges are great and require a constant devotion from each family member, with some days requiring more energy than others. Noella 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. And our 6 year old, Bria was also diagnosed in 2022. Autism affects us as a family mentally, physically, emotional and financially. We haven’t had true family vacation together in 6 years and our one attempt before that was a disaster with lots of stress and tears from everyone.

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, 1:1 respite (time for Noella 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.