If you’re a parent who’s taken your child out to dinner you know how difficult it can be. But for parents of autistic children, the task can be even more challenging.

A recent government survey of parents indicates that 1 of every 45 children is diagnosed with autism, a range of conditions that present challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. Before dining out, parents must take into consideration that children with autism can be bothered by noisy places or they can be disturbed by changes in their routine. 

Chicago’s new Autism Eats supper club is offering parents a night to dine with their children without feeling judged. Morning Shift talks to David Dunworth, co-founder of Autism Eats, about his inspiration for starting the chapter and what the dinner experience has been like.