Exploring New Places

September 9, 2012January 16, 2021 Joel Manzer

Whenever we can, I try to take Short Stack to new places and change up his routine a little.

This happened on Labor Day, in that rather than Farm Fresh or Wal-Mart, I took him to Kroger’s.

Now, he know’s our usual Farm Fresh and Wal-Mart – and for those locations, they know us. So their reactions are rather predictable as they have already been introduced to my son and know about his responses in grocery store situations.

But, just as life changes things up for us – we try to change things up a little for Short Stack.

He needs to know that there are other places, other options and opportunities – and even if it’s just a different grocery store – there are similarities.

Now, the local Kroger’s is a bit louder than Farm Fresh and even Wal-mart – and it was a period of adjustment as we walked the aisle’s to find what we needed to pick up.

With the repetitive ‘That way’ and pointing from Short Stack, I kept cruising right along.

Of course there were the odd stares and younger kids were commenting about him – but we just kept moving forward. Moments of laughter ensued as he rode in the cart and I pushed.

But, when it gets to where he gets too active and acts out – I put him to work pushing the cart. This turned out to be a positive change this time.

Now, there was one odd and unexpected moment that came about – a retired gentleman walked up to us and politely asked if there was something different with my son.

I just said, “it’s just Autism – why do you ask?”

It was a good conversation overall – but it’s been awhile since things like that happen as it’s a new place for us to try out.

We’re used to the usual stops – so this stop wasn’t just a new place for Short Stack, it was a new experience for the both of us.

Have you introduced new routines and places with your child? How did it work out for you?