My son Brantley has profound autism, and if I am being honest, the thought of vacationing with him used to terrify me.
At home, we grapple with constant challenges: Brantley elopes, consumes things he shouldn’t, and his boundless happiness often comes with a side of destruction. With sleep issues and his need for routine, vacation seemed like an impossible option for our family.
But deep down I knew that Brantley deserved a chance to see beyond his familiar surroundings in Ohio. He is a sensory seeker who should experience the waves crashing on his feet and the sand beneath those little toes he so desperately wants to feel everything with.
The problem? Brantley thrives on routine and predictability, which makes our home a sanctuary of consistency.
To travel, we needed to create a sense of security and comfort for him away from home—a feat we had not yet achieved but were determined to try on our first family vacation as a family of four.
We meticulously planned and prepared to replicate a sense of safety and familiarity for a week in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We packed everything from safety equipment and Brantley’s favorite items to a respite provider to give us additional support during our travels.
Still, my fears raged as we loaded into our SUV and headed south. As for Brantley, he had none. From the moment we left, he was different—surprisingly calm—only fussing if he wasn’t among the first to use the bathroom at rest stops.
By the time we arrived at Myrtle Beach, it became clear: vacation suited Brantley well.
With a pool just steps away, where Brantley could spend hours laughing at the sound of water against his hands, he was all smiles and laughter.
At the beach, he dug furiously in the sand, savoring each grain between his fingers and occasionally between his teeth in true Brantley fashion. Initially hesitant about the water, I watched with pride as he grew braver throughout the week. His concerned look eventually gave way to a broad smile as the waves splashed against his sun-kissed body.
The most unforgettable moment for me was witnessing the pure, unfiltered joy on both my boys' faces as they soared through the air on the swings at Broadway on the Beach. Brantley’s entire body illuminated with a sense of freedom and happiness I had never seen before. It was a look so profound and beautiful that I want to hold onto it forever.
Every night for a week, Brantley eagerly climbed into his bed tent—our makeshift safety bed—and fell into a deep sleep, exhausted from the day’s adventures.
As I climbed into my own bed tonight back in Ohio, I reflected on how different I felt just one week ago as we pulled out of our driveway. They say vacation can rejuvenate the soul, but for me, it restored hope and opened doors I didn’t think were possible.
Myrtle Beach will forever hold a special place in my heart, showing us that with the right preparations and a bit of courage, even those with profound autism can safely experience pure, unbridled joy away from the security of home. #autismparents #autismlife #autismfamily #specialneedsfamily #specialneedslife
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