50's PrimeTime and Autism

[prlady13]

My son is on the spectrum and I've always avoided this restaurant because I wasn't sure how he would react to the servers in character. Children on the spectrum tend to take things literally so I figured if the server were to tell my son he couldn't have dessert unless he cleaned his plate, he would be very upset,. Has anyone had any experience with their ASD child at 50's? Any tips?

 

[ireland_nicole]

Ymmv but it was def not my kids fave. Very crowded, she didn't love the interaction, or the unpredictable nature of the noise when something would happen at a table next to us. I explained everything to her, an she didn't melt down, but didn't enjoy it either.

 

[jmartinez1895]

My child is not on the spectrum, but he has an extreme case of OCD. We tried this place and when we checked in we told the hostess about our situation and she passed it on to our server. Our server acted just like they do at any other place. She was very nice, but was not in character while at our table.
I would hope that this is something they could do for you as well.

 

[scojos]

my son has hfasd and LOVED 50s and it was his first request when i said we were returning!! we did tell hostess, and we warned him it was role play, he carried his plate into the kitchen *** he was "naughty" and the lady at the table next to ours was on her mobile phone and was made to stand by the wall with a napkin stuck to her nose for 10 mins and he howled with laughter. i think u have to judge how your child will react (as an aside, they were very obliging and put the food in seperate bowls *** he has issues with things "touching")
hth
tracy

 

[tinkslite]

she loves Disney, and even loves interacting with characters, but the adults in her life being treated like little kids scared her.

 

[babyberger]

I had originally booked for our family, but after reading about the interaction and talking to DS who is also on the spectrum, we decided it is better to skip 50's PT. He loves Sci-Fi, I think he gets to just zone out with the movies and he enjoys the darker setting, so we will just stick with what we know wont set him off.

 

[tinkerpea]

I think it will be okay. The food there is so good. And really comforting. It is truly comfort food. One child at a table near ours - they gave her a mint milkshake and she was all smiles. All googley happy smiles for miles.

I dont think the OP is worried about how good the food will be Its the actual interaction between the CM and the child/parents of the child that effects a child on the spectrum "or adult" anybody with AS takes things very literal they dont get jokes like other people and do not normally understand sarcasm,I.E if you said to go play with the traffic they would think you actually ment it!!

To the Op my son has AS and will be 10,I also have not tried this place for fear of what he will be like! I do know that my son watching an adult get told of could swing him either way he "could" be in stitches with laughter and find it great fun OR it could send him to melt down if it happened to one of us.

If you want to give the place a try and you tell your server the issues then they will just make sure not to be in character for your table

 

[prlady13]

Thanks everyone for the tips! I will be letting the hostess know beforehand and getting him well prepared usually fends off any chances of a melt down. I always carry his ear plugs along to the parks since he's very sensitive to noises. I'll have those handy in case it gets too loud during dinner. Keeping my fingers crossed! Thanks again!

 

[ladyjubilee]

My son is on the spectrum and I've always avoided this restaurant because I wasn't sure how he would react to the servers in character. Children on the spectrum tend to take things literally so I figured if the server were to tell my son he couldn't have dessert unless he cleaned his plate, he would be very upset,. Has anyone had any experience with their ASD child at 50's? Any tips?

We went this year and had a really nice time. We let the host know that it was ok to give my nephew a hard time, but to be gentler with my son. We didn't specifically ask, but they did put us in a less congested alcove with helped too.

My son enjoyed it....and ate not only a good portion of his food, but some of everyone elses too. Which for a little guy that only eats sporatically was pretty amazing.