Eating out can be tough for people with autism. Restaurants often have loud noises and bright lights. This can cause sensory overload.
But one restaurant in Cornelius, North Carolina, is changing that. Jim Gordon, owner of Peninsula Prime steakhouse, is making his restaurant autism-friendly.
Simple Changes Make a Big Difference
Gordon and his staff offer "sensory bags" to guests. These bags include stress balls, fidget spinners, pop-it toys, and earplugs. Gordon's daughter is autistic, so he understands the importance of sensory needs.
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Start Your News DetoxHe also added a new menu with pictures of food items. This helps guests who are non-speaking order their meals easily.
Nancy Popkin from the Autism Society of North Carolina praised these efforts. She said it means a lot to families to find places that care. After her son was diagnosed with autism, her family avoided restaurants for five years.
Popkin noted that a restaurant offering to meet these needs provides a "gift" to the community.
Encouraging More Restaurants to Join
Gordon hopes other restaurant owners will follow his lead. He believes a few extra steps can make a huge difference.
He sees it as a win if more restaurants participate and create welcoming spaces. Peninsula Prime is located at 19918 N Cove Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031.
