Going Out (original date 3/16/2012)

With my boys we desensitize them to sensory issues & OCD behavior. We do not allow them to use electronics unless they are in the car or waiting room. We feel electronics encourage kids with Autism to avoid socializing in public.  We bring sensory items to help them regulate during our activity which varies depending on the activity.
Before we go into a store, restaurant or event - We set the expectation for the behavior, let them know their reward if they follow the rules & what their consequences are if they break the rules.  Always have a small treat in mind for when the behave. Store - they can get a candy bar at the register, restaurants dessert if they behave & eat their dinner, having small toys or books in the trunk after a larger event.
Stores - Bring snack & drink and have them help me find items. When Karl had a lot of trouble being around people & was a runner - We got him a stuff animal leash backpack & I sewed a 1lb weight in it so he could regulate.
Church - bring weighted lap pad, ear muffs, books, snack & drink.
Baseball & Basketball Games - Weighted lap pad, baseball hat, ear muffs, sunglasses, snacks and activities like small toys & books.
I keep a Sensory Bag in the Trunk at all times, plus have a car organizer with snacks & books filled at all times. You never know when you have an unexpected stop.
We bring a time out spot with us everywhere, when they start to have a meltdown over something we try to redirect them. If they cannot/will not redirect we give them a choice - choose the redirect activity (varies depending on child & where we are) or they get a time out. I know many feel time out are wrong or don't work with kids on the spectrum but when done like this it helps them a great deal. I am not demanding to them that they do what I want them to do. I am giving them a choice of doing what I want them to do or a time out. Giving them the choice makes them feel that they are in control and it helps them make the right decision. With time they begin to redirect all on their own and can handle many sensory situations. There can always be something that can come up when you least expect it but the more they overcome the better they will handle new things.
When I am handling the boys Sensory Issues, OCD behavior or quirks, I think to myself how each will affect him as an adult. Will he be able to act like that & keep a job? Will he eat enough when living by himself?? Will he be able to go shopping for himself??  Desensitizing & redirecting them helps them handle things life will throw at them.
When doing anything with our kids the beginning is always hard, just be consistent each & every time and it will get easier each time you are out. Never break the #1 rule - if they do not behave  - do NOT give them a reward. Start off with small time frames & increase each visit.