Sask. stores turn down the volume for people living with autism through ‘sensory shopping’

(Carla Shynkaruk / CTV News)

For those with developmental disorders like autism, shopping can be a struggle — the bright lights, noise and the crush of the crowd can trigger sensitivities in some living with the condition.

But some stores in Saskatchewan are working to make the experience more manageable.

Growing up, Derek Swicheniuk just knew he was different.

“I never fit in,” he said.

Being diagnosed with autism as an adult, four years ago, felt like a blow at first, says Swicheniuk.

“My first reaction when I read it [the medical diagnosis] was that I was broken and there was something wrong with me,” he told CTV News.

After much research, he realized that wasn’t the case.

“That diagnosis doesn’t define who I am. It’s a piece of paper to help explain all the 52 years of my life — to understand what I was going through. But then to try to explain that to somebody, they don’t understand,” he said.

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He describes autism as his superpower, allowing him to see situations differently at his job and problem solve in a succinct way.

Now he helps others learn about autism and recognize the signs, so they don’t have to go through life like he did — with so much uncertainty.

“That would have helped because the frustration was tough.”

An everyday activity like shopping can be challenging for him and others with autism because of certain triggers in the stores. Even a sound like the beeping of a pricing scanner at the till can be an issue.

That’s why some stores have added sensory shopping hours, like the SaskTel Store in Stonebridge.

“We dim our lighting, we turn off our TVs and any of our digital advertising. The scanners that make noise, we shut down that noise too,” said Kristen Moser, director of SaskTel Corporate retail.

SaskTel joins Sobeys, Safeway, Wal Mart and others who have added sensory shopping to some locations over the past few years.

“A lot of the kids that we service, they have sensitivities that might be more heightened than a typical person and that could be bright lights, loud sounds, unexpected noises,” said Alex Scott, director of family programs with autism services of Saskatoon.

April is World Autism Month, and having businesses be more welcoming is a good start to accomplish the goals of the campaign.

“It’s not only about awareness. It’s about acceptance. It’s about understanding and inclusion,” said Alle Guarnieri with Autism Services of Saskatoon.

Autism Services of Saskatoon estimates 1 in 35 people have some form of autism with an increasing number diagnosed each year.

Swicheniuk feels that awareness about autism is increasing and hopes that his efforts to expand the conversation about autism are helping.

“I’ve had people I don’t know contact me and ask for advice,” he said.

Programs and various events are planned throughout the month and details can be found on the website.