Though some supermarkets have taken steps such as introducing 'quiet hours' to make their outlets more inclusive for autistic people, they need to do more according to recent research carried out at the University of Reading.

Sensory Hug® Mini in the Bulldog theme

The research program has resulted in the publication of an in-depth guide which details practical ways in which supermarkets can improve their services to autistic people.

Many years of work have gone into the research, which attempted to identify what makes the supermarket environment such a challenging one for many people with autism and other sensory-processing differences. A key aspect of the research involved replicating a life-size model of a supermarket, in which participants in the study were able to experience different approaches in the reduction of sensory overload. 

Some of the major aspects of supermarket shopping that were found to be challenging for autistic people were changing temperatures, strong odours, loud noises and bright lights. Online shopping would appear on the surface to be a viable alternative but that was shown to have its own set of challenges, with autistic participants reporting problems with unknown people delivering their shopping and with requested items being substituted.

Key pieces of advice to supermarkets published in the new guide include: 

• Providing all supermarket staff with relevant training, as well as giving specialist training to create 'autism champions'
• Reducing the amount of unnecessary sensory input (such as strongly-smelling cleaning products and background music) altogether, not just during 'quiet hours' 
• Providing clear maps of the store layout 
• Better management of crowded areas and an increase in the number of priority checkouts
• Providing designated quiet areas

The report pointed out that a minimum of 1% of the UK's population is autistic and, with many of these people avoiding supermarkets altogether, said supermarkets could be missing out on as much as £13.5 million of revenue every week, equating to over £700 million a year.

In her concise summing up of the research, the leader of the project Dr Cathy Manning said: "Supermarkets and other retailers really need to up their game to better meet the needs of autistic and neurodivergent people." 

You can help by writing to the head office of your preferred supermarket and asking them how they plan to improve their establishment to make it more inclusive for autistic people and those with sensory-processing difficulties. It's a good idea to mention that you are considering shopping elsewhere if such improvements do not materialise: nothing motivates a supermarket more than the threat of losing a customer's loyalty to a competitor!

The Medigarments Ltd SDO® (Sensory Dynamic Orthosis) collections of dynamic Lycra® garments have been repeatedly proven to help autistic people manage better in stressful environments such as supermarkets.

How dynamic Lycra® helps with sensory-seeking behaviours

Conditions that are characterised by difficulties in sensory processing (such as ADD/ADHD, SPD/SID and autism) can be difficult to manage. Clinical evidence and observation has proven that the application of deep pressure, otherwise known as 'dynamic compression' can help manage these sensory seeking behaviours.

Sensory Hug® Maxi in the Mermaid theme - back detail

Delivering dynamic compression has in the past been challenging as the pressure must be consistent and continuous in order to produce the beneficial effects. To solve this pressing issue, the Sensory Hug^®; one of 'The World of SDO^®' garment ranges by Medigarments Ltd, was created.

Crafted from dynamic Lycra^®, garments from our leading SDO® Sensory Dynamic Orthosis collection have been shown to help reduce both the incidence and severity of the atypical sensory behaviours often associated with neurological conditions like autism and ADHD.

The sensory and proprioceptive feedback the garment provides helps to reduce overactivity, anxiety, restlessness and other negative patterns of sensory-seeking behaviour. These marked decreases directly result in corresponding increases in things like attentiveness, concentration, body awareness, stability, independence, calmness, coping ability and general functioning.

For more information on our Sensory Hug^® and other SDO^® ranges, please visit the product pages on Medigarments Ltd's website or reach out to our expert clinical team who are happy to assist you. For more special features like this one here, please subscribe to our free email newsletter or alternatively spread the word by liking and following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

The Sensory Hug^® is part of The World of SDO^® Sensory Dynamic Orthosis range of dynamic Lycra^® compression garments by Medigarments Ltd. Sensory Hug^®, SDO^® and Sensory Dynamic Orthosis™ are trademarks of Medigarments Ltd.