Most of the time, yes. He doesn't try to get out of the shopping cart nearly as much as he used to and entertains himself with singing or repeating some of the words I say to him when we go up and down the aisles. He's a decent shopping companion now. 😁
June 29
My son does this every week with his teacher and para educators. ILS (independent living skills) shopping. We send a list of items to buy.
June 25
What a great question — does taking a child or adult with autism grocery shopping make for a positive experience when they get to choose their own foods?
Grocery shopping can actually be a wonderful activity for someone with autism! It combines light physical activity with real-world decision-making, which can be really Show Full Answer
What a great question — does taking a child or adult with autism grocery shopping make for a positive experience when they get to choose their own foods?
Grocery shopping can actually be a wonderful activity for someone with autism! It combines light physical activity with real-world decision-making, which can be really empowering.
Here are some tips to make it a smoother experience:
- Let them choose — picking their own fruits, snacks, or meals gives a sense of control and can reduce mealtime battles
- Keep it familiar — sticking to the same store helps with routine and reduces sensory surprises
- Go at quieter times — avoiding busy periods can help manage sensory overload from crowds and noise
- Keep it short — shorter trips can be more successful than long ones
- Make it predictable — walking through the same aisles in the same order can feel reassuring
Many MyAutismTeam members have found that involving their child in food choices leads to better eating habits overall, especially with things like fruits and healthy snacks.
One thing to watch for is sensory overload from bright lights, loud music, or strong smells in stores. Having a plan to step outside or take a quiet break can really help if things get overwhelming.
June 25
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