So if you’re new here, welcome! Some things you should know: I am part of a neurodivergent family. We’re all pretty spicy… except for our daughter who seems to be completely neurotypical. I dunno where she got that from. But I digress lol.

So my husband and I are completely different shoppers. We both love shopping, but we have our different approaches to actually doing the shopping. I like to get up early on a weekend and do my shopping, or get it over with in the middle of the week while everyone is at work. But he has our only car at work all day, so I usually end up having to wait until after work to get the shopping done. My husband hates going to the stores because of all the people and noise, so he prefers to order online and have things delivered. Which is fine and completely understandable — except I hate delivery fees… and tips… and waiting.

So we’ve struggled finding a middle ground between making late-night runs after work and burning away money in Instacart fees and tips.

I came across an article about a Target that offers “quiet hours” to its shoppers once a week. I immediately started wondering how common that is because, well, that’s a freaking brilliant idea. Especially with the increase of autism awareness globally.

Then I did a quick Google search to see if anyone else was doing that because surely they were, right? The only thing that popped up was a Forbes article about Walmart, stating that the superstore is planning to implement ‘sensory-friendly hours’ in all US stores (including Puerto Rico) from 8 am to 10 am daily. These hours would include dimmed lights, blank televisions, and no music throughout the stores. The article also states that the company is planning to engage with shoppers during these times to understand other ways to improve their quiet hours, as “quiet” can be experienced differently for each person. Hmm. Neat.

Now, I’m not one to frequent Walmart, but I certainly would during these hours because quiet and serenity while grocery shopping sounds absolutely delightful.

Imagine a world where everyone had quiet hours. Like, imagine being able to go to a car dealership and actually look at the cars without being bombarded by salespeople trying to fast-talk you into making an impulsive $30,000 purchase? Or going to Best Buy to look at new TVs without sound systems bellowing out Guns n’ Roses on the next aisle while another section is showcasing the newest sound system by blasting the soundtrack to GTA? Or looking for comforters at Ikea without having to bulldoze through hundreds of lost people with huge, empty shopping carts and screaming kids who are clearly ready to leave?

Okay, maybe that last one is a stretch. But just imagine a world where companies allow for less chaos. Or better — encourage — less chaos. Wouldn’t that be nice? Nothing against people who are completely fine with chaos. It’s just that I’d like the option to not have to deal with people and crazy-loud stores simultaneously is all. And I’m sure I’m not alone in that desire.

When I was Googling sensory-friendly locations, all that came up were family entertainment places. I live in Georgia (a state well-known for being slow to progress or accommodate), so maybe it’s just here… but I feel like there’s something off about that. It’s as if people still believe that kids grow out of autism; like it doesn’t follow them into adulthood. In reality, many people just grow to mask or learn ways to better manage their discomfort in public. Honestly, the ’tism only gets more difficult with age for most.

So things like grocery shopping, or looking for a new TV, or shopping for furniture in a showroom, or buying clothes gets to be less of an enjoyable experience and more of a crippling experience for many auties. And truthfully, its difficult even for neurotypical people. But I don’t think we’re ready for that conversation yet.

I’m excited to see that Walmart is experimenting with sensory-friendly hours and I truly hope that the other giants will take part. Because it’s truly a remarkable step in the right direction. Let’s make shopping more accessible, without forcing us to shop exclusively online. Especially if y’all are gonna require that we pay these redonkulous fees for delivery.

Anyhoot, that’s my rant for the day.

And as always, I’m proud of you. Keep going. You’ve got this.

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About the Author

Alexandra is the founder of the ‘Tism Things platform and owner of online business The Shop by ‘Tism Things. A proud stay-at-home wife and mama to two amazing, smart, and empowered littles, Alexandra frequently spends her time learning about autism and ADHD, its effects on families and caregivers, and ways to support individuals with either or both conditions. Driven by her son and husband’s autism and ADHD diagnoses, Alexandra prides herself on employing creative methods to adapt her household into one that welcomes people of all neurological types, aiming to foster a sense of inclusivity, understanding and acceptance among anyone’s path she crosses.

When she’s not in a ’tism rabbit hole on the internet or playing with her babies, she’s likely out shopping, cooking something yummy, helping out her grandparents, or out in the garden trying to keep her plants alive in this Georgia heat. Honestly, probably that last one.