We all know that grocery shopping can sometimes be a stressful experience especially when we are rushing, but our shopping experiences can be considered to be nothing compared to the experiences people with Autism experience whilst trying to carry out their weekly shop.
The whole experience can sometimes overwhelm those individuals who sometimes report feelings of sensory overload, and become overwhelmed at all of the noises and sounds that are present in supermarkets and shopping centres. The weekly shop can especially be a daunting experience for young autistic children who attend the supermarket at peak times.
Well now the overwhelming experience will be no more as one devoted supermarket has made the extra effort to make its store less stressful for their Autistic costumers. The supermarket at the centre of the new change Scally’s Supervalu in Clonakilty have said they have decided to make it easier for their autistic customers by having a specially designated Autism-friendly shopping evening from 7-9pm every Tuesday evening.
The supermarket say they are carrying out a number of changes so that their store is accessible to everyone and they hope this move will help those with Autism have a much better and less distressing shopping experience.