An American mother casually enjoying food and drink at a diner with her autistic children was challenged by another woman for their talking and laughing, in a TikTok video which has gained more than 1.6 million views on the platform.
Inthe clip, posted by user @Bamskye2426 on Tuesday, the woman – who is referred to as a ‘Karen’ – can be heard telling the parent that “this is not the place” for her and her children, suggesting that they go to a Chuck E. Cheese instead.
Adding text over the video, the mother writes: “According to Karen this isn’t the place for autistic children. It’s a dive diner.
“Also note the kids aren’t yelling, she is. The kids didn’t leave the table to bother anyone, she did.
“No one had a fit except her and the kids were only laughing and talking.”
The text added that the ‘Karen’ then “went on to demand and get free food”.
Commenters also shared their criticism of the woman’s remarks, with several pointing out that her clothes don’t exactly scream fine dining…
“Am I wrong – it looks like a family-style restaurant? She’s wearing flip-flops? But it’s not the place for kids? So many questions” wrote one, to which @Bamskye2426 confirmed that coloring books were provided and they were in a “very family-oriented spot”.
Another user said: “Karen is not exactly dressed like she’s in the Ritz.”
“I would only agree if this was some upscale restaurant with fine dining. But Karen is wearing leggings and flip-flops. Sorry, kids are allowed,” commented a third.
The video is one of several posts about the incident, witha second clipshowing her two children laughing and enjoying themselves, and anotherfocussing on the mother’s interaction with the ownerof the diner.
“Notice another woman says ‘get a free meal now’ and the poor owner is here assuring us that we did nothing wrong and still all six kids are silent and adults are yelling.
“More proof that I, my friend, and my kids did no wrong. They laughed and talked – these ‘adults’ refused to pay, screamed and ran at our table,” The parent wrote.
How dare anyone talk in a place as social and casual as a diner? We can’t believe her nonsense either, and to the families affected, we say: laugh away.
Awesome. Mom you did well. Kudos to you. It’s alright to bring your autistic to a family oriented restaurant. Let them color, let them laugh. There’s nothing better than to see children laughing and having a good time. Keep doing what your doing. Very proud of you.
What is wrong with people? Let kids be happy and filled with joy. They were not screaming. You have to stop telling everyone else how to live their life and how to raise their children. Children are our future, lift them up. And she had a problem with toddlers laughing and enjoying a good meal, shame on you. I love all children.
This “Karen” needs to get over herself. It also seems she might be jealous of these families. It is such a shame because children with disabilities are the best and most loving children you will ever meet.
It looks like that karen could miss a few meals and it would not even hurt her
Where I come from this is a great way of getting yourself hurt, lady.