Outback Steakhouse Asks Family To Leave Because Son With Special Needs Is ‘Too Noisy’

Credit: Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com

A Baltimore, Maryland family was asked to leave an Outback Steakhouse after a fellow diner complained that their 4-year-old son Killian was being too noisy. Killian has a motor disorder called Childhood Apraxia of Speech, which leaves makes it difficult for him to communicate what he needs or wants. A manager of the Glen Burnie, Maryland restaurant apologized for having to ask them to leave, but still did so. Killian’s mother, Amanda Braun, now has Outback looking to partner in the fight against Childhood Apraxia of Speech, in hopes other families won’t have to suffer the hurt and embarrassment theirs did.

Enjoy Your Dinner, Now Please Leave

https://www.facebook.com/ajbraun1/posts/10162166655015597

According to Today, Baltimore, Maryland mother Amanda Braun said she and her family were eating at the Outback when the manager came over and asked how their meals were. After answering, he said that another diner had complained that their 4-year-old son Killian was too noisy and they were going to need to leave.

Braun said that Killian was born with a motor disorder called Childhood Apraxia of Speech, and often made it difficult for the muscles he needs to make clear sounds work together for clear speech. Braun said that Killian was simply playing a game on her phone, though, and trying to eat his dinner, but the manager still insisted they needed to leave.

To soften the blow, a few minutes after asking the family to leave, he brought them a $20 Outback credit to use at a later time, explaining he was sorry for the ‘troubles.’

Whatever Happened To The Golden Rule

Outside, the family was shaken and Braun said Killian’s brother Caleb was visibly hurt. He asked how a family could be asked to leave a restaurant when there was a special need involved, and said the way Killian was treated wasn’t right. Sad that a little boy understands the inequity better than the adult manager.

A family asked to leave Outback is raising awareness for childhood apraxia
Image: Amanda Braun/Facebook

Braun said it hurt, and she was frustrated, and after she cooled off a bit, she shared about the experience on Facebook. The post went viral, and Braun has been in touch with Outback’s corporate offices who were very sincere and apologetic.

No Money, Just Awareness

But what we love most about this story is not Braun’s advocacy for her little boy. No, we love that she wasn’t posting about the experience for any monetary compensation (although, um, we’re pretty sure dinner should have been free and a bit more than $20 should have been offered a compensation!). She said she wanted to raise awareness, and Outback’s regional Vice President Jackie Myers suggested that the company make a donation into the charity of Braun’s choosing.

Braun asked Myers about being a sponsor for the 2019 DC Walk for Apraxia, and Myers thought it such a fabulous idea that they’re going to look into doing a food truck for the event as well. Additionally, Outback will incorporate new disability training in the next few weeks for all employees.

A corporate spokesperson said that sometimes, they fall short in making all guests feel welcome, and hope that their increased training will prevent another issue such as this.

Braun says she isn’t mad at the manager who requested they leave, saying he’s human and humans make mistakes. She’s glad that a negative experience like theirs is being made a positive one with Outback’s support.

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