Navigating the Holidays with Autism: Part VI: Grocery Shopping Online

Grocery stores can be very stressful for anyone, but when you add the specific issues of autism and Asperger’s Syndrome they can add on a whole other level of stress. Everyone knows the irritation and frustration they feel when being jostled by a crowd while holiday shopping. Add to that, the cacophony of sounds such as the electronic beeping of the register, the constant ringing of cell phones going off, the announcements over the loudspeaker, the music being pumped through the intercom, and various children, laughing and crying. Don’t forget about the smells of the bakery, the deli, the butcher department, and the cleaning agents used throughout the store! All of this coming at once with no filter can quickly overwhelm an autistic individual making them want to run for the hills or worse lead to a meltdown in public. Shopping online offers a way to avoid this unless absolutely necessary. Furthermore, with websites such as https://scanshop.io/ taking off, 3D online shopping is becoming increasingly more popular. This goes above and beyond regular online grocery shopping, as you can shop for clothing too via an online portal that allows you to view things in 3D before you purchase them. This allows the shopper to take their time before purchasing anything. It gives you the chance to stay safe in the sanctuary of your own home and significantly reduce exposure to additional stressful factors which can erode the holiday spirit!

Each chain is different, and careful review of their policies should be done prior to engaging in an online shopping experience. The basic way it works is that the store’s website will have a section where you can go and place items in your grocery cart. Most websites have pictures of the exact item so you know what you’re ordering. Once you pay with your credit/debit card, a time can be scheduled when the groceries can be picked up. This new way of grocery shopping can be of tremendous benefit to those on the autism spectrum. Many supermarkets even have designated parking spots for online shopping pick-up and will deliver the bags right to your vehicle.

Stores which offer this online shopping experience vary from state to state and their procedures change with each participating chain. Some of the larger chain stores may participate, but only offer it in certain locations. Checking an individual store’s websites and speaking to their customer service departments can clear up many questions you may have. Some stores which are known to participate are: Piggly Wiggly, Walmart, Harris Teeter, and Sam’s Club.