Even though dining out poses certain challenges, there is a secret to making it the best possible experience. The secret is planning according to Jesse-Sue Milo, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. In an article for the Birchtree Center Blog, she offered these tips:
Set Realistic And Achievable Goals
Start with a single appetizer at lunch and work your way up to a full dinner.
Select A Restaurant That You Can Visit Several Times
Learning new behaviors takes practice. Pick a restaurant that's convienant to your home.
Visit During Slow Dining Periods
Mondays and Wednesday between 2-5 P.M. are usually the slowest.
Check Out The Menu Online
Decide what your child will eat before you go. Also, practice letting your child order.
Bring A Bag Of Goodies
The most challenging aspect is waiting. So bring a bag of goodies such as coloring books, DVD players, Walkmans, toys.
Autism causes special challenges while dinning out, but by using the tips above it can be a rewarding experience for you and your children.
For a great resource on Autism visit The Essential Guide To Autism
To view source article click here: Tips for dining out
