Children on the autism spectrum can seem to be a major disruption to the casual shopper in a busy store. The bright lights, loud noises, and crowded aisles can lead to sensory overload for an autistic child. Other people in the store may just assume that this child is “bratty” or out of control. This is a common misconception.
Plymouth mom campaigns for ‘sensory-friendly’ shopping for daughter with autism #spd
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Too much stimulus can cause a meltdown for children with autism.
A Plymouth mom decided to initiate a change by petitioning large stores to consider adding a low sensory checkout lane for people with autism. Some stores have taken this to heart and have developed this type of checkout. Also, some malls are setting aside time for children with processing disorders to see Santa Claus in a low sensory environment. These are the types of changes that are needed for these children and their families.
Author Quote
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“This would go a long way in creating an accepting environment for children that experience sensory overload issues by checkout time after a shopping trip in your stores.”
"Key Takeaways:
1
Shopping centers with honking horns and traffic can be overwhelming with a child with sensory disorders and autism.
2
One in forty-five years ages three through seventeen have been diagnosed with autism somewhere on the spectrum.
3
NavyAnna Jackowski is advocating for sensory-friendly lanes at grocery stores and shopping centers to reduce the meltdowns that kids may experience due to the entire stimulus.
