FAQautism

“We seem to be stuck in a rut on weekends,” said a parent of two youngsters with special needs, including a son diagnosed with autism. “It is rather challenging to get away from the house, so we are looking for ideas to spice up the weekends with activities right here at home.”

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SPECIFIC STRATEGY For a change of pace some Saturday, encourage your youngsters to help you open I-HOP (International House of Pancakes) right in your own home for a late brunch or twilight supper. The menu can include any foods that you have on hand – waffles, pancakes, omelettes, breakfast tacos. sausage biscuits, blueberry muffins, scrambled eggs and other breakfast favorites. Of course, special dietary needs should be taken into consideration. As much as able, encourage the kids to help take orders and serve the “customers.” If your youngsters are non-readers, put pictures of the “menu” on a paper so the family members can point to their choices. The kids can also help stir pancake mix, pop waffles in the toaster, set the table, clear the table, run the dishwasher, and generally take care of the I-HOP “customers.” Maybe someone will even leave a tip!

One popular dish that nearly everyone can help prepare is PIGS IN A BLANKET. Just wrap cocktail sausages in canned biscuits and bake for about 10 minutes at about 375 degrees. I like using the fluffy canned biscuits, peeling off just a few thin layers to wrap the sausage, making it easier to cook and less doughy. For a special treat, help your youngsters prepare FRIED APPLES: Melt half a stick of real butter (not margarine) in a heavy fry pan, wash 5 apples and slice (best when you leave the peel on), put apple slices in butter, sprinkle with sugar or Splenda and some cinnamon. Stir occasionally while cooking over low heat about 30 minutes or until very soft. YUMMY!

NOTE TO LISTENERS AND READERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. You can click on a button to send me an email with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solutions. Check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. www.FAQautism.com

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