Dinner time – STINKS
So every week we go to dinner as a family and every week I must say it STINKS – at least for my husband and I. We have to select a place that is easily accessible for wheelchair or mobility access. It cannot be crowded and have atmosphere and of course we always select Sunday. Service must be stellar- because we have “those” parents and we need a patient, nimble server for the ever evolving requests. Oh did I say it must be sensory friendly as well! This means no music or music our TEEN does not like.
So we arrive at a place we have been before and even though we know the landscape we are in the same sitcom.
The music is too loud
It is going to rain
Our daughter cannot find what she wants on the menu and expresses she is not comfortable -although she cannot Articulate OR- refuses to articulate why.
Then there is the delicate walk my husband and I take as we try to navigate a Minefield of requests. We breathe- look at each other- nod and breathe again.
Finally Eureka! Teen is ok- Grandmama 1 is ok – Nana 2 is ok. Parents are holding on as we listen to our crew settle. We survived dinner in the sunshine – Again!
To my ASD families- keep pushing boundaries. It matters! Our children must adapt to enjoy a full life- even if we are completely challenged in the process of exposing them to it!
