HE ATE THE CRUSTS!!!!!

Last Wednesday, Riley had his last session of Connects (a Canucks Autism Network social program for young adults). They went to White Spot (a local restaurant) for a windup party. As always we were a bit hesitant because as you all know, Riley generally only eats food items at Sushi places (his plain udon) or Pizza Hut when he’s out without us.

I had previously checked out the menu at this restaurant (more specifically the kids’ menu) and lucky for us they had a grilled cheese sandwich.  Riley had been there at Christmas with his IWNS group and well…he pretty much picked the sandwich apart and left a heaping pile of crusts and grilled cheese bits.

We didn’t want to make a big deal about someone having to cut off the crusts for him so G just gave them the heads up in case they wondered why he wasn’t eating/picking at his food. When G went to pick Riley up, they said he ate the entire sandwich. Crusts and all!  Whaaaaa????  Shocked does not begin to describe how we felt. Peer pressure for the win!!!    

A couple of days later I decided to try this at home. I set a grilled cheese sandwich with crusts at the table and called R.

He came.

He sat.

He started to eat without a second glance. Or at least I don’t think he did a double-take. I can’t be sure. I was avoiding all eye contact.

About 30 seconds later he finally commented “Like White Spot.” I poured on the positive reinforcement and even went so far as suggest perhaps he could also eat his toast with the crusts on. He replied with a resounding YES!

Then this morning I made R’s toast with crusts and put them on the table.

He came.

He stood there.

He looked at the toast. 

He looked at me.

R:  What’s this??

Me:  It’s toast with the crusts on.

R:  This is different.

Me:  Yes. Like grilled cheese.

R:  I don’t like it.

Me:

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