| Social Skills Autism | | | | home? It may be an idea to actually bring along |
| We all love going out to eat...But when your child | | | | some food from home-just incase. |
| is autistic the present family treat can become a | | | | • Try and make sure all your children have |
| family nightmare. There are numerous ways to | | | | used the bathroom before you leave, public |
| prepare your autistic child for eating out. | | | | bathrooms can be a whole new experience and |
| • You could start by a simple role play of the | | | | may cause anxiety triggers in your autistic child. |
| eating out experience... | | | | • To be on the safe side bring along a social |
| • Maybe you could show your autistic child a | | | | skills story for using the bathroom while you are |
| sample menu...Introduce this at your own family | | | | out "autism social stories and going to the |
| meal time..."Isn't this fun...can you choose your | | | | bathroom". You may want to have already |
| dinner from the menu (add name) | | | | introduced this story to your child before the |
| • Autism Social Stories are an excellent tool at | | | | meal out - to be on the safe side. |
| this time...Introduce your autistic child to the idea | | | | • Try and choose a restaurant where the |
| of eating out. By using theses simple but effective | | | | service is normally very fast, or try and have a |
| social skills stories, the social skill stories will explain, | | | | quiet word with your waiter and explain your child |
| what happens in a restaurant...what is expected of | | | | is autistic and could he please hurry your orders |
| them and also what they can expect from | | | | and service along. |
| others. | | | | • Remember to always keep one eye on your |
| • Have a rehearsal in a small fast food | | | | autistic child...he wont think twice about helping |
| restaurant or salad bar first | | | | himself to the kid on the next tables burger or |
| • Try to visit the restaurant to familiarize your | | | | fries...Or shouting out. Be aware of the people on |
| autistic child with the establishment first. A few | | | | the tables near to yours. |
| things you may want to keep in mind before the | | | | • If at all possible ask to be seated in a quiet |
| actual eating out experience are: | | | | part of the restaurant away from others. |
| • Have you prepared your child enough before | | | | Remember restaurants are full of stimulation, |
| actually setting the date Social Skills Autism | | | | smells, noises, sights, lights. You will need to be |
| • Have you introduced an appropriate autism | | | | very aware of these. But as long as you have |
| social story- explaining what is going to happen, | | | | prepared your child by using an appropriate autism |
| and when it is going to happen. | | | | social story, your child should already be aware of |
| • Make sure you have taken the time to | | | | these and you will be able to take appropriate |
| check the restaurant is the same as when you | | | | actions to avoid certain situations. Don't let your |
| bought your child along for a visit ...No | | | | child suffer anymore! Lead your child out of his |
| re-decorating has happened etc.. | | | | world through Social Skills Autism program now! |
| • Have you practiced with your menu at | | | | |