SHOPPING TIPS FOR DCR MEMBERS.. wandsworth.gov.uk/info/200013/business_support_and_advice/1446/open4business-february_2013/3 Consider home deliveries for regular, heavy or bulky goods – book online or by calling customer services Call customer services in advance of going to larger stores to see if they can keep you a car space/provide a wider than average trolley/help you on arrival/departure Pick your store visiting times: if your child has sensory overload, try to go when the stores are at their quietest or seek out smaller shops with familiar faces Give the child a small job or purpose, such as helping with shopping, so they don’t just feel dragged around See if the store has quiet area or ‘safe space’ where you can take your child if they get anxious Check out your till options and avoid cashier points with lots of tempting sweets on display Bring back-up distractions – digital games/reading/music Make shopping a game – play food bingo Keep small, wandering children safe with a wrist-strap or reins Line up a post-shopping reward as an incentive Have WAND card leaflets at the ready to hand out to other customers or to staff Remember to show appreciation to staff who are helpful and commend them to the store manager FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS: “I don’t want to be treated differently but it will be great if showing the WAND card encourages people to show consideration. It can be stressful enough just getting out without the added stress of having to explain your child’s condition, especially when there’s a queue of people waiting behind you” “I consider shopping is the main opportunity for my child to explore the environment outside of home. Avoiding visiting supermarket is like denying the only opportunity to experience out of home environment.” “It is difficult at the shops because my son needs a lot of care and it is difficult to concentrate on the reason why you are there. Also, he will grab attention of other people to us, this will make me feel inferior” “My child is five and finds communication difficult. He wants to only travel in a trolley, then stands up. If shopping is slow, he will ‘play up’. He may scream or lean over the side. It is very stressful – people stare. A special ‘seat’ trolley where older children could be strapped in would help and also a ‘chill out’ place for meltdowns”
Posted on: Sun, 28 Jul 2013 21:23:08 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015