Over this week the national autistic society is promoting autism hours here in the UK for shops to help autistic people feel more relaxed in that environment. So I thought I’d share what shopping means to me as an autistic person. Shopping is without question very stressful and an environment I really try to avoid. Many autistic people say the lights bother them but this isn’t the case for me. It’s more about the social interaction. Firstly it can be incredibly busy so if I have to go I’m very careful at what time I do go. So generally mid week and very early in the morning to avoid crowds. I won’t spend long in any shop, I would have already planned what I need, where it is etc. And I will walk fast to ensure it’s as quick as possible. I will use self checkouts where possible to avoid speaking to people. I wouldn’t ask where something was or for anything out of stock, again to avoid speaking to people as this can be in incredibly stressful. Some shops have greeters, this is a massive NO. I wouldn’t even go in if I saw somone at the door who’s sole purpose is to speak to me. The other big stress is members of staff coming up to you and asking if you need any help. This Drives me insane. I just want to be left alone, yes I get they are just trying to be helpful but for me and many other autistic people can be a huge stress. I hadn’t planned for that interaction, I’m not prepared for it, I don’t know what to say them where for non autistic people a conversation or even a no thanks just comes naturally. Most of the time I avoid, just because it easier or shop online but this in turn can have its drawbacks as I like to be able to see exactly what I’m getting. As you may gather it really is a battle and not just in shops but throughout and autistic persons daily life. The world is slowly becoming more autism friendly but the awareness and understanding just still isn’t what it needs to be. Here @danuel_b_roberts Also autistic who finds shopping equally stressful. @nationalautisticsociety #autism #autismawareness #autismhour #iphonex #sunset #spain #fuerteventura (at Playa de Long Beach) https://www.instagram.com/p/BooTW8dhb2g/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=qaglun8vmsm