Being a parent to an autistic child can come with unique struggles. Because of autistic people’s sensory needs and desire for routine, many of them rely on “safe foods” with a consistent appearance, taste, and texture. In the case of TikToker Damen Hensley’s son, this is chicken nuggets.
In the clip, which has amassed 1.5 million views, Hensley (@damenhensley) highlighted just how important Wendy’s chicken nuggets are to his son. He claims that he has bought twenty for the past two years, pretty much every day.
“It’s what he likes; he doesn’t like anything else,” he explained. “We like the feel, the taste of Wendy’s nuggets.”
However, there was a problem. Holding up the nuggets, he shows viewers that they seem to be in what appears to be “Wednesday”-themed packaging.
“Can we not do themed packaging?” he asks. “He won’t eat them now.”
Hensley then went on to add that he had to go back to search for old nugget sleeves, which he had put aside for situations like this, but remarks that he is running out.
“Can we just get the availability for normal packaging?” he asks. “I know it’s a very niche, weird request, but I’m begging you, Wendy’s, just send the regular sleeves to the store so I can get them!”
@damenhensley UPDATE: Jackie in the comments is sending us some!! God bless you @Wendy’s but can we have some options out there for the parents of picky eaters or autistic kids. #fastfoodlife #fastfood #wendys ♬ original sound – Damen Hensley
Good news for the Wendy’s fan
Fortunately, reaching out on TikTok yielded results for Hensley. In the comments, a user said that they were a general manager at Wendy’s and might be able to help, to which Hensley replied, “I appreciate it, tag me if you find some.”
In the video description, Hensley provided an additional update, writing, “Jackie in the comments is sending us some!”
Fellow parents related
Meanwhile, in the comments section, fellow parents of autistic children related to Hensley’s struggle.
“This is not niche anymore,” one wrote. “1 in 31 kids are autistic, and familiar packaging is their jam. My son’s is McDonald’s nuggets. It’s not crazy for companies to accommodate this need.”
“Bro thank you for speaking on this!” a second said. “My son is also autistic, and I’ve had to ask fast food employees for years if they know if there’s a special branding or something coming up, and if there is, I ask to get extra normal holders leading up to the change so I can switch them before he notices. Our Wendy’s BUILDING got a makeover 3 years ago, and it took about a year for him to be okay with that change.”
While a third added, “As a mom of an autistic son, this is legit a real emergency situation.”
Hensley didn’t immediately respond to The Mary Sue’s request for comment via TikTok comment. Wendy’s didn’t immediately respond to The Mary Sue’s request for comment via email.
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