Can an Autistic Adult Shop?

Shopping, while a simple activity for most, can sometimes present unique challenges, especially for autistic adults. Understanding the nuances can help create a more inclusive environment.

Autism and Shopping: A Personal Perspective

Yes, anyone who is alive can shop. It’s not a complicated task, and autistic individuals are capable of critical thought, just like anyone else. I, for instance, enjoy shopping more than most, despite it occasionally being a challenge. It’s a task that requires the ability to manage crowds, silent communication, and sometimes, self-discipline.

Yet, my love for shopping often comes with a downside: it can lead to a significant dent in my bank account. While I derive pleasure from the process, it’s not due to any particular excitement, but rather the satisfaction of finding just the right item, or the quiet anonymity it allows. Shopping can be a solitary experience where I can choose my own path, often moving unobtrusively through the store. Occasionally, the sales staff might offer their assistance, but I can usually manage to avoid them if I need to.

Autism and Shopping: A Broader Perspective

Shopping is not a hurdle for most autistic individuals. My severely autistic cousin, who also has an intellectual disability and seizures, can still shop with a list. Even those with more severe conditions often have the capability to handle the task, provided the environment is not too overwhelming.

As an autistic person myself, I can appreciate the organization and planning that goes into successful shopping. While I enjoy the activity, I do prefer less crowded environments. Despite this, I indulge in a bit of Amazon addiction, preferring the convenience and efficiency of online shopping. Many autistic individuals can manage shopping both alone and with assistance, depending on their individual needs and circumstances.

Challenges and Accommodations

Not all autistic individuals can shop independently. Many nonverbal autistic people require assistance or specific accommodations. Noise-cancelling headphones, for example, can be a real life-saver when the environment gets too overwhelming. The autism spectrum is vast, encompassing a wide range of experiences and abilities. Therefore, it’s crucial not to assume anything about a person just because they have autism.

However, it's important to note that the majority of autistic individuals can shop, even if they require some level of support. When considering taking an autistic person shopping, it's essential to respect their choices and comfort levels. If they say they can’t do it themselves, it’s best not to pressure them, especially since they have lived their entire lives with autism and understand their own abilities.

Shopping During the Pandemic: A New Normal

In the age of the pandemic, the experience of shopping has changed for many. For me, it’s become a pecuniary quest, where I search for specific items ranging from wooden planks to metal remnants, a rotary table that fits on my metal lathe, or high-quality kitchen tools. On the other hand, when I shop for food, it’s a quick and efficient process. Living alone, I have the final say on what I eat, and since I’m a supertaster, I tend to stick to my preferences. Self-checkout has become a life-saver, and during the pandemic, I often feel sorry for the non-autistic (NT) shoppers who queue up for cashiers. They mostly seem to be seeking human interaction, while I find it a necessity for certain transactions but not for the ones that can be completed independently.

Conclusion

While shopping can present unique challenges for autistic individuals, it remains a viable and enjoyable activity for many. Understanding and accommodating these differences can make the experience more manageable and enjoyable for all involved. Remember, the world is diverse, and so are the ways in which people navigate their environments.