Sensory Strategies for Eating Out at Restaurants 

Sensory Strategies for Eating Out at Restaurants 

Jeanette Loftus

Eating out at restaurants can be so enjoyable for most but for children who struggle with sensory processing disorder it can be challenging, causing them to feel anxious and uncomfortable. Children experience sensory overload in restaurants because it is loud with too many different sounds at once, crowded with too many people, different foods that they don't usually eat or the unfamiliar smells in the restaurant.

This can be extremely overwhelming for a child with sensory differences. There are several sensory strategies to help children with sensory differences enjoy eating out at restaurants. 

There are some common sensory challenges for children while eating out at restaurants. There are too many  loud noises happening at one time with multiple conversations, overhead hanging lights at your table, unfamiliar food smells, different food textures and visual clutter in the restaurant, this can all trigger sensory overload for a child who struggles with sensory differences. 

It is important to understand your child's sensory needs and help them learn new sensory coping strategies so that going out to a restaurant can be an outing for them to enjoy too. 

Preparing everything ahead of schedule is very important when planning an outing to a restaurant with a child who is struggling with sensory processing disorder. Look at the restaurants online reviews and do your research on a restaurant for their noise levels, menu options and which times are less busier than others. It is better to choose a restaurant that is quiet and not crowded. 

You can call the restaurant and plan ahead of schedule. Call the restaurant and ask them about your child's possible sensory triggers. Bring sensory tools that may benefit your child while attending the restaurant such as their noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, sensory fidgets or a weighted vest. 

Some parents create a sensory calming back pack for outings that are filled with items that can help your child to stay comfortable while away from home and regulated. 

Let your server know about your child's sensory needs or dietary restrictions. Restaurants can be quite accommodating. You can request a more quiet seating option away from others such as a booth. 

If you notice that your child is getting overwhelmed, you can take them outside for a sensory break or in the bathroom away from others in the restaurant. Give them a moment to calm down and feel regulated again.  This would also be a great time to practice some mindful breathing activities.

Try to be understanding with your child when you are out with them to eat at a restaurant because this can take a lot of effort for a child who has sensory difficulties. Sometimes for us to be able to enjoy the experience we have to lower our expectations of how we want things to go while we are out so we can have a positive experience. Bring a friend with you to help support you through this new outing. 

Introduce your child to restaurants slowly. Brining them to a loud and overwhelming place to start will usually end in a sensory meltdown. Starting with a smaller, quiet place could bring you and your child success. Praise your child and reward them for their positive experience. Acknowledge and celebrate your child's successful restaurant experience.