Experience Interview For Parents

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Hello, everybody. I'm with a group of students who are working on a project in which we plan to make the community of Leominster, Massachusetts more autistic-friendly. We're working in small increments of the project and right now we're targeting a non-chain restaurant to test out an autism-friendly night that can be implemented more often and in more places after the "event" plan is refined. I wanted to know if anyone would be willing for an interview about the possible struggles you may experience with your child when going out to eat such as sensory overload from lights or crowds, the long wait for food, and such problems.

If any parents could input how they help their children cope, what sets them off in busier environments, or what the optimal environment would even be, I would love to talk with you and see how we can work to bring this solution about.

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Email: [email protected]
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Hiya

From the wording of your post you seem to only want to talk to parents of autistic children. You know, us autists are capable of talking for ourselves and telling you what we like or don't like. Also, a lot of us are adults. In fact, most autistic people are adults, so there is no need to focus on children.

Sorry to dump the politics on you, good luck with your project

^ I agree. The parents of the child aren't experiencing the sensory overload, and can only guess what things are behind it. Please talk to the actual Autistics for their insights. An outsider might assume that because someone becomes agitated whenever they enter a certain room while the lights are on, that the brightness is the cause, but they may not be able to hear the loud buzzing that the light produces.

Oh, I can see how I came off pretty unfairly. I apologize about that. I only meant it in that sense because the current tier of the project is targeting how to work with younger children who might not be able to cope as easily as adults who have had years of experience. In reality, I guess I'm not even sure if that's how it works. I'd love to hear from anyone on this subject, but the main "worry" of our group was that there would be children who may be unable to cope as well as adult Autistics during the events and that outbursts may cause chain reactions.

But, please, I'd love to hear from anyone who feels they may have valuable input; I'd assume most of the people on this forum have a much better understanding of the topic and the lifestyle than I do.

^ I understand. Just remember, we used to be young children, so I still think that our perspectives and observations may be more helpful than new parents who are just trying to cope.

It's important to note that no environment is going to be completely ASD friendly, because we all have different needs. I think the biggest and most universal change that could be made is with fluorescent lights.

Perhaps if some of the venues you are targeting have two or more (somewhat) separate areas, one could be designated for low lighting, minimal noise, limited smells, a fewer visual distractions. Then the other could be for the people who need full lighting and fun music. Other things to consider would be how the silverware feels, the noises it makes as it touches plates, and offering a variety of options in the food so that ones without off-putting textures/consistencies can be selected.

Hello, I am one of the classmates of the OP. All these suggestions are great, but what we really need is a chance to have someone have a good talk with us, and allow us to question them. Whether you are an autistic person who has grown up yourself, or a parent who has had experience raising a child with autism and has a good understanding of what makes your child have an overload or just what sets them off in general.
Thanks for all the suggestions! They will definitely be put into consideration!
If anyone is willing to help us feel free to contact either me or the OP.
My email is [email protected]
Thanks you!