It happened again. We tried to go out for dinner and Kailem wasn't having it. We don't go to restaurants very often. For this exact reason. Everything was a trigger. Not even giving him my phone to watch videos was going to keep him calm the whole time. We had already received our drinks and ordered Kailem's food. Our waitress came to take our orders and I told her that this isn't working today. We are just going to pay for our drinks and leave. She looked understanding. I told her Kailem has Autism and sometimes he just doesn't do restaurants. She said well hopefully we can try again another day. So I go and pay for our drinks and we pack up and leave.
I know people are going to say you didn't have to leave. People can just deal. But I didn't want to deal with the dirty looks. It's hard because he's so small and verbally delayed people just assume he's an unruly toddler. We get the"control your child" stares. Or the "we're trying to enjoy a nice family dinner but your kid is ruining it" looks. Sometimes we'll get the compassionate "been there done that" looks. When we do go out to eat it's usually at a fast food joint where screaming children is expected. But sometimes I just want to be a normal family. Do normal things. Not worry about triggers. Alas, that isn't my life. Because I am an Autism Mom.
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