My grandson, who has Autism, is particular about his food; he doesn't like it when different items on his plate touch each other. This isn't unique to him. My granddaughter, who does not have autism, also gets extremely upset if her beans touch her chips or if peas come into contact with chicken nuggets! Both are under the age of 10 and their experiences at meal times can be distressing.

This is a common issue among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). According to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5), individuals with ASD often have sensory sensitivities including preferences for certain textures or types of food.

We believe that all restaurants offering sit-down service should accommodate these needs by providing compartmentalized plates and autism-friendly children's crockery. This small change could make a significant difference in the dining experience for families like ours.

We call upon local health departments and restaurant owners to mandate this accommodation as part of their service standards. By doing so, we can create an inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy their meals without stress or discomfort.

Please sign this petition to support more inclusive dining experiences for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families.