This social story developed by ASERT explains what to do when you go to a restaurant.
Going out to eat at a restaurant can be fun. I go out to eat at a restaurant to spend time with my family and enjoy the food.
Every restaurant is different. Restaurants have all kinds of food. Some can be noisy and some can be quiet, some can be crowded and some can have less people, some can have bright lights and some can be darker.
When I get to the restaurant, I may be seated at a table right away, or I may have to wait in a line or in a lobby.
When my table is ready, the waiter will lead me there. I may be seated at a table or a booth.
I will decide what I want to drink. I will look at the foods on the menu to decide what I want to eat.
The waiter will ask what I want to drink and eat. Each person at the table takes a turn. I know it is my turn when the waiter looks at me and asks me what I want.
I have to wait for my food to arrive. This may be a short or a long wait. I could bring something with me to keep myself busy during this time, such as a book or small game. I should not bring anything that makes too much noise so it does not bother other people in the restaurant.
When the food arrives, the waiter will place my food in front of me on the table.
I eat only my food and not anyone else’s at the table.
When I am done eating, I stay seated and wait for everyone else to finish eating.
When everyone is done eating, the waiter will bring a bill and someone at the table will pay for the food with cash or a credit/debit card.
After the bill is paid, I can leave the restaurant.