Going Out To Eat When Your Kid Has Autism

Julia Child once said, “Dining with one’s friends and beloved family is certainly one of life’s primal and most innocent delights, one that is both soul-satisfying and eternal.” Julia may be right but dining out with a special needs kid may not be so delightful.

The years before and after my son, Norrin, was diagnosed with autism, dining out was practically impossible. I couldn’t understand how some families could make it look so easy, when we were having such a difficult time.

Once I started to understand the diagnosis and after working with different therapists, I learned that things that come so easily for others, are challenging for children with autism. There were several socialization scenarios Norrin needed to be taught – including dining out in public. I realized that I didn’t want to keep Norrin from having that social experience.

To read how we got Norrin used to dining out, check out my post on Babble: Dining Out with Special Needs Kids - http://www.babble.com/kid/dining-out-with-special-needs-kids/

AND if you'd like to venture out to eat with your special needs kid but not sure where to go,  check out our 6 favorite KID-FRIENDLY Restaurants - http://www.babble.com/kid/kids-welcome-our-6-favorite-kid-friendly-restaurants/

Father's Day in The Bronx

We had a low key Father's Day.  We went for brunch at a local Bronx restaurant - Bruckner Bar & Grill.  Located in the South Bronx and part of an emerging artists neighborhood of loft apartments, quaint bars and cafes - I am always impressed by the charm of the place whenever I walk in.  Truly a Bronx original.      

We got there at quarter to 11, so we sat outside and waited for a few.  

They're in deep conversation...

His 2nd top tooth fell out this morning!

We just can't eat out at any ol place.  It needs to be planned.  We typically like to get to places early, when they are least likely to be crowded.  And we always make sure we have enough things to keep The Boy occupied.

And when he looks like he's ready to go.  We get and go.  Whether we're done eating or not.  

After brunch, we went shopping.  And that was it.  

We came home and I did laundry.  

Nothing exciting but we were together.  

How did you spend your Father's Day?  

What's a Sunday like in your City?   
Unknown Mami wants to know!   
Go on over to Sundays In My City.

  

Mother's Day in The Bronx, NYC (Sundays in my City)

My favorite kind of flower.  The kind that doesn't die. 

Even though it's my 6th Mother's Day, I am still surprised when people wish me a Happy Mother's Day.  Not sure why...I guess I think of it like any other day.  But I do like the way The Husband and The Boy makes me feel special.    

I can't believe how big my kid is.

I am grateful, that today - I got to sleep until 9:30 a.m.  And when I woke up, The Husband said, "Get dressed, we're going downtown for brunch."  We went to Blue Smoke.  

Salud!

Yummy French Toast  

We ordered some stuff to go - their signature BBQ chips and blue cheese & bacon dip.  And their dessert sampler.  I ate them while putting this post together.  I was too busy eating to take pics.  

A rare family photo 

What's a Sunday like in your City?   
Unknown Mami wants to know!   
Go on over to Sundays In My City.