Overcoming the Behavior Challenge of Going Out to Eat for Adults: An Intervention Guide for Support

Overcoming the Behavior Challenge of Going Out to Eat for Adults is a supportive, step-by-step guide for adults—and those who support them—who experience stress, anxiety, or sensory overload when dining out. For many neurodivergent adults, including those with Autism, ADHD, Intellectual Disabilities, or Anxiety, restaurants can feel unpredictable, overstimulating, or socially overwhelming.

This guide, created by a multidisciplinary team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), and Registered Nurses (RNs), offers practical strategies to make eating out more comfortable and empowering.

You’ll learn how to:

• Plan and prepare for restaurant outings with confidence
• Use visual supports and calming strategies to manage overwhelm
• Build coping skills for noise, crowds, and waiting
• Communicate preferences and advocate for your needs
• Turn stressful outings into enjoyable, achievable experiences

Whether you're working toward more independence, supporting a loved one, or guiding clients in community participation goals, this book offers the tools to build skills, reduce anxiety, and improve quality of life.

Going out to eat should be enjoyable—not exhausting. You GOT THIS.
— The OBC Team: Dr. Holthaus, BCBA Melissa Killam, and SLP Maggie Kuykendall