Autism Friendly Dining in South Australia
If the thought of dining out makes you anxious, you’re not alone. 58% of autistic individuals avoid going to pubs due to crowds and noise levels.
To help make South Australian venues more inclusive for the Autistic and autism community, we’ve partnered with the Australian Hotels Association – SA Branch to deliver the Pubs with Heart project. Through this project we have been working with venues to ensure Autistic South Australians feel welcome in our fantastic bars, hotels and restaurants.
We consulted with autistic people and their families to find out what prevents them from going out, and what would make a venue more comfortable for them. From this feedback we’ve been able to provide recommendations to venues to help them be more inclusive.
As a result, a variety of venues now host sensory friendly dinners, events and provide specific menus designed in collaboration with the venues’ chefs that cater for sensory preferences.
We have also worked with the participating venues to create Access Guides for each – this can be a helpful tool for planning your outing and learning about what to expect at the venue.
Step by step guide to make your venue more inclusive
We’ve created a comprehensive guide to assist hospitality venues – bars, pubs, restaurants, cafes etc. to be more inclusive and accessible.
Enhancing Accessibility and Inclusion Guide for Venues
Make your venue more welcoming for the Autistic and autism community and open up a world of possibilities. Just take a look at what other South Australian venues are doing to be more inclusive in our Autism Friendly Dining Directory below.
Autism Friendly Dining Directory
Roulettes Tavern
Low sensory noise and lighting
Sensory friendly menu items
Sensory friendly dinner
When
Held on the second Wednesday of each month.
Here’s what to expect: Check out the Access Guide
Brompton Hotel
Low sensory noise and lighting
Break-out space
Sensory friendly menu with divided plates
Sensory friendly dinner
When
Held on the last Tuesday of each month.
Here’s what to expect: Check out the Access Guide
Arkaba Hotel
Low sensory noise and lighting
Break-out space
Sensory friendly dinner
When
Held on the first Monday of each month.
Here’s what to expect: Check out the Access Guide
The Oak & Iron Tavern
Sensory friendly menu with divided plates
Low sensory noise and lighting
Break-out space
Sensory friendly lunch
When
Held on the second Tuesday of each month. The next quiet lunch is on Tuesday 15 July and is followed by an optional, sensory friendly session of Smurfs at 2.30pm at Wallis Cinemas Mount Barker. You can book your tickers here.
See the sensory friendly menu
Here’s what to expect: Check out the Access Guide
Marion Hotel
Sensory friendly quiz night
Sensory friendly quiz
When
Held quarterly
Here’s what to expect: Check out the Access Guide – Venue Check out the Access Guide – Quiz
The Beachside Restaurant
Sensory friendly menu items or options
Low sensory noise and lighting
sensory toys
Sensory friendly brunch & lunch
When
Held on Monday 15 July.
For reservations, please contact:
phone – 08 8235 1991
email – hello@beachside.net.au
The Strathmore Hotel
Low sensory noise and lighting
Break-out space
Sensory friendly lunch
When
Held on the fourth Sunday of each month.
Here’s what to expect: Check out the Access Guide
Bridgeport Hotel
Low sensory noise and lighting
Break-out space
Take home fidgets
Sensory friendly dinner
When
Held on the last Monday of each month.
Here’s what to expect: Check out the Access Guide
The Albion Hotel
Low sensory noise
Sensory friendly menu items or options
Break-out space
Sensory friendly lunch and dinner
When
1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month
Here’s what to expect: Check out the Access Guide
Learn more about Autism Friendly Venues across SA through our Autism Friendly Charter.
Autism Friendly Charter
The Autism Friendly Charter is a free online learning platform and inclusive business directory that was developed by Autism SA in partnership with autistic individuals and their families to assist businesses, organisations and venues to build understanding, awareness, inclusivity and capacity.
Only 4% of over 205,200* individuals on the autism spectrum believe business and organisations know how to support them.
*Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia: Summary of Findings, 2018
Stories from our community
David’s story
“My name is David and I have been enjoying a nearly 17-year career as an employee at Autism SA. Outside of work, I am married with two children and on the weekends, I enjoy umpiring Aussie Rules Football during winter and cricket during summer.”
Charlie’s story – an entrepreneur
“Charlie spoke to us about his journey creating a small business, the importance of inclusion, and encouraging other businesses to consider inclusive practice and products.”
My brother Tom
“Hannah Neale is a 25-year-old professional whose younger brother, Tom, was diagnosed with autism when they were children, we spoke to Hannah about her personal experience.”