Dining Out with a Child with Autism

Going out to dinner with a child who has autism can be very stressful, and I know you parents out there know exactly what I mean. Will they sit? Will they eat? Will I be able to eat? How much time will we have before we need to leave? My son is 13 years old and over the years I have learned a few things to make the experience manageable and sometimes even enjoyable now. Here are my tips:
 

Choose the right restaurant.

I always try to pick a child-friendly restaurant where there will surely be other children and is loud and upbeat, so that any sounds or noise my child makes will likely blend in with the others and no one will find the need to stare (hopefully).
 

Order the food to arrive at the same time.

I find it best to order everyone’s food all at once, this way it all comes together. If I order for him first, he will get it and finish eating before I even start. I will often even take a look at the menu online before we arrive so it does not take as long to decide what to order. Trust me, this save a bunch of time.
 

Bring distractions.

I call it my magic bag, and it has lots of things to occupy my son’s time at the table: books, headphones, video games—whatever it takes. Know what your child will need to help them sit for a period of time. What I carry with me has changed over time, as he has changed, but my bag is still always stocked and ready to go. This is very helpful!