Buffets and Restaurants

It was not long ago when we were unable to go to a restaurant with Zach unless it was buffet style and he picked it.  Due to communication barriers and some behavioral issues, going to a restaurant was a challenge as we never really knew or could understand what Zach wanted.  Not to mention if the item he wanted at that moment was not on the menu there was always potential for verbal and physical objection followed by a public meltdown.  However, we were not going to be held hostage from going to restaurants, and we needed to get Zach use to that type of environment and social interaction. 

The best way we found to ease and introduce Zach to the restaurant world was by way of buffet style.  It seemed like a safe bet, because most buffets have something for everyone’s taste buds and appetite.  At first we let Zach pick the restaurant and he usually went with an Italian buffet where he could fill up on salad, pasta, garlic bread, and any kind of pizza he wanted.  After a short time we decided to start picking buffets that had more of a variety so the rest of us could enjoy something else besides a bunch of carbohydrates.  While at more inclusive buffets Zach surprised us with some of his selections and he started to broaden his food choices. 

It took a while for Zach to get use to the Restaurant atmosphere before we could take him to a typical restaurant where you have to remain seated while the wait staff takes your order and brings your food to your table.  The first time it happened I happen to be in New Hampshire with my daughter visiting my parents.  My wife called to tell me she just had lunch at the Olive Garden Restaurant with my son and he did awesome.  Since this time we have been to several different restaurants where Zach orders his own food, waits patiently for his meal to arrive, and uses proper manners and behavior throughout the meal. 

Recently, Zach asked me to take him to Taco Bell (not exactly your sit down eatery), and prior to going he looked at the menu online and printed out the items he wanted.  Upon arrival to the restaurant, Zach ordered his own food, picked a place to sit, and used proper manners.  Granted he polished off 7 tacos before he was done, but we had a great time.  He has come a long way from no restaurants to eating at buffets and finally graduating to a typical restaurant.  Maybe Zach will let me pick the next place we go to eat and be ok with it…we will see.