As you’ve probably read or heard, Autism impacts a person’s communication and social skills.  But one other area that is not properly  addressed, and sometimes even goes unnoticed, is that children with Autism also face difficulty with processing sensory information. This means that their brains have trouble receiving and responding to information from the senses.

As a result, too much bright light or excessive noise can be overwhelming. When a child with Autism experiences this sensory overload, you may notice some behaviors such as shaking their leg restlessly or rocking back and forth.

Others will knock their head or flap their hands, while some may even scream – it’s not because they are trying to misbehave, but it’s a way of coping and self-regulation, according to Doctors.

Walmart Initiative to sensory problem Accomodation

In response, Walmart has taken the initiative of providing a calmer shopping experience for families with children with sensory sensitivities. The initiatives began not long after they began testing a sensory-friendly hour in a few of their stores. The changes made were dimming the lights, reducing noise levels and limiting store traffic.

The TV walls were changed to a static image, music was turned off, and certain store activities were reduced or eliminated. Customers’ feedback was nothing but positive towards these changes, as they felt more relaxed and focused during their shopping experience. It seems the modifications had a big impact on the overall mood of the store.

This feedback motivated and encouraged the company to continue with these changes to create a more enjoyable shopping experience for their customers.

The initiative’s start date

This initiative by Walmart is an example of how inclusive organizations can be towards individuals with sensory sensitivities, such as those with Autism. By providing a calm and less overwhelming shopping environment during these designated hours, Walmart is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming space for everyone.  Starting this Friday 10th Nov all Walmart stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico will offer sensory-friendly hours from 8am to 10am. There’s no date set for when these hours will end.

It is hoped that during these designated hours, children and adults with sensory sensitivities will feel more at ease while shopping at Walmart. It is an initiative that will also benefit caregivers who may have previously found it challenging to visit the store during regular business hours. By offering a specific timeframe for this community, Walmart is demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity and creating a welcoming space for everyone.

Illinois Autism Center

Walmart is an example of a company making strides towards inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Other organizations can also take inspiration from this initiative and implement similar measures. For instance, Illinois Autism Center is steadfast in advocating for inclusion and providing quality services for individuals with Autism and their families.

ABA therapy is one of the many services offered by Illinois Autism, which focuses on developing essential skills and promoting independence for individuals with Autism.