Hi everyone! My brother is disabled (but ambulatory) and has ASD. He is verbal, in social circumstances he finds comfortable. It is his lifelong dream to visit Hiroshima, and we’re travelling together there this March!
My questions, and all insights are appreciated (to any question!):
\- Are Japanese folks understanding of ASD? When he has travelled in the past, he has felt it useful to wear a lanyard with a brief explanation of his disability “I have a hidden disability, I may require extra help / please be patient.” Is this advisable in Japan?
\- I’m concerned he might get lost. What would be a good back-up plan in case we get separated somehow and he needed to get to a spot with wi-fi to contact me?
\- I don’t want to seem impolite, but chopsticks might not be happening. Is it acceptable to bring along cutlery for him? He is quite open to trying new cuisine, I think. If all else fails, do you have thoughts about where Western-style food might be best acquired?
\- What is your top pick for quieter spots in Tokyo / Osaka? When should congested subways be avoided?
\- Is there any general advice you can offer for a disabled traveller? He is able to walk but registered disabled due to other chronic illnesses.
\- Does Universal Studios Japan have quieter areas for him to take a break or should this be entirely skipped and written off as too crowded / over stimulating?
Huge thanks to you from my Brother and myself, and please excuse me if I have used any type of insensitive language in this post, sometimes it is a tricky issue to navigate.