Hi Renee,
My daughter too has Asperger's and was 13 this past summer when we traveled on the Disney Wonder. This was our second time on this ship. We originally visited four years ago, and we signed her up for the
Oceaneer Club. The counselors knew exactly what my daughter needed and did not require any additional explanation. They treated her need like it was a different hair color - not an issue. She had an absolutely wonderful time and it was hard to get her out.
This year she really wanted to go to the teen spot,
Vibe. We arrived on the ship early and took a look around as a family. Vibe is open to anyone before 6:00 pm on the day of sailing. I went to the counselor and explained her needs and they seemed willing to help. There is a lower teen to counselor ratio here and less organized activities. However, when my daughter had to go by herself, she was a little intimidated by it. The kids in the Vibe, on this cruise, seemed to be older at 15-17, which a big age difference.
So, we asked the counselors at the Oceaneer Club if she could be enroll here instead because of her needs and they were fine with it. The Oceaneer Club is for guests 5-12 with the 12 year olds having more freedom. She could come and go as she wanted, and she told the counselors to text us when she arrived and left the Club. She also could meet up with kids on deck to play organized sports and other activities as well.
While we would have liked her to have been at the Vibe, it was more important she was happy and comfortable which she was.
Have a magical vacation and please ask any more questions as I would be glad to help.
Beth