Awareness leads to change of practice....

[misshelenc]

makes life that tiny bit easier for us all

Comments

[mplsindygirl]

Nice. I hope it is well attended, but not crowded, and that they continue the practice.

I go shopping late at night to avoid the crowds, but the lights and other stimuli are still overwhelming.

[misshelenc]

I think whatever works best for you, late night shopping, or early mornings, are quieter and if you can fit them into your lifestyle then it's worth aiming for where you can. For me, I have found wearing a hat helps me, quietens things down.
Over Christmas some of the toy shops in the UK had 'autism friendly' shopping days so you could bring your child and get them a present with no music on and lower lights and things, I bet it was a life saver for some families.
Hopefully the idea will spread throughout the world and become common place.
xxx

[powerjen51]

There are times when supermarket or any shopping can overwhelm my senses, even if I'm there for a few minutes. I don't think ordinary people are aware just how much a meltdown can cause us in terms of anxiety attacks or the most minor of noises can sound like a jumbo jet screeching overhead. I had one recently which nearly caused me to walk out with unpaid groceries but I held it in just.

Maybe ASDA could possibly roll this out nationwide instead of just in Manchester?

[misshelenc]

I think they will trial it in Manchester and hopefully get some feedback and then roll it out. I would definitely use the time in my local one. I don't really expect individuals to understand but large companies should be more enlightened. I think lots of people without autism/not yet diagnosed would appreciate the calm as well!
xxx

[ertla]

Kudos to them. I don't have a severe problem with noise, but muzak makes me tense at best, and more commonly angry. In person shopping is very aversive. Lots of local shops have lost my business to internet shops, and I've been waiting for a good solution for groceries. I hope this idea eventually spreads to my continent.

[misshelenc]

I do too, just for you and similar people. They are owned by Walmart so maybe someone can put pressure on them if they want to, citing the UK as an example! I am hoping they will get feedback from Manchester and move the scheme out nationwide.
xx