Supermarket Introduces Sensory Support Boxes

The Morrisons Foundation is collaborating with the National Autistic Society to introduce Sensory Support Boxes at supermarkets to help autistic and neurodivergent customers have a positive shopping experience.

The boxes, which include a range of toys like fidget balls, spinners and squish mats to encourage calmness and focus, will be available in all Morrisons supermarkets by May.

Customers wishing to access the items simply need to speak to a colleague at the customer service kiosk at the start of their shop.

More than one in 100 people are autistic and there are 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK. Routine activities such as the weekly shop can be difficult for neurodivergent people with loud music, bright lights and busy environments contributing to anxiety.

“The Morrisons Foundation Sensory Support Boxes are a brilliant initiative to support autistic and neurodivergent customers while shopping,” said Peter Watt, Managing Director of National Programmes at the National Autistic Society.

“Supermarkets are a key part of all our lives, but for many autistic customers they can be a loud, bright and crowded environment, which can be overwhelming, especially for those with sensory sensitivities.

“During World Autism Acceptance Month (April), it’s really important for all business and retail spaces to learn more about the changes they can make to be more inclusive and accessible for autistic and neurodivergent people.”

For further information about World Autism Acceptance Month, visit https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/acceptance-and-awareness/world-autism-acceptance-month