April is Autism Awareness month. I would like to share a story about our family but mostly our wild and wonderful son.
Wild East Pan Asian is our "safe" restaurant. Our 11 year old son is on the autism spectrum. We go there every Sunday for lunch. We feel welcome and at home the moment we walk in. The owner greets us by name, the sushi chefs wave and our favorite waitress starts Shane's order of two California rolls, miso soup (with a side of ice cubes to cool it), a spring roll and a special orange drink that only he can open. They even gave him a wrapped Christmas gift last year.
If Shane has a meltdown, they give him space and don't get offended if he does something others may deem inappropriate.
Not all businesses and restaurants are friendly, accepting and welcoming to families with children on the spectrum. It's an incredible experience when we find one that is willing to get to know Shane for all of his shine and awesomeness and look past some of the behaviors that may occur. Thanks to the entire staff at Wild East. Your kindness and generosity means more than you'll ever know to our family and others like ours.