Going to Shabbat Lunch: A Social Story
by Melissa Nunes-Harwitt
My family is shomer Shabbat and we like to spend Friday night dinner or Saturday lunch with friends. A autistic relative of mine has always struggled with the formality of these social interactions. When they were about 13, I created this social story. When I knew we would be at a Shabbat meal together, I would read it with them earlier in the day. I also encouraged them to bring it to the meal so they could look at it when they got anxious.
The goal is to blend validation, encouragement, patience, and self-soothing. We all have to stretch ourselves in certain ways to participate in community, but it should never be to the point of denying our own needs. This story reflects the specifics of what this relative could handle at the time and what they found challenging. Each of us has their own comforts and challenges and these can even change from day to day. I encourage families to adapt this story for their own preferences and environments.
You can read the social story here.
Melissa Nunes-Harwitt is a therapist, social worker, activist, Jewish educator, and lay leader. She lives in Rochester NY with her two teenagers.