Being Autism Friendly

Promoting autism-friendly practices in local businesses can help create a more inclusive community and improve the quality of life for autistic individuals and their families.

What is Autism?

Autism is now understood as a complex, invisible condition that a person is born with. It is a developmental condition which means that the way a person communicates, interacts and understands other people, and the world, is different to those who do not have the condition. It can be described as a “spectrum” which means it impacts different people, in different ways, to differing degrees at different times and in different situations.

A Great Day at St Patrick’s Day Parade Waterford today. Well Done to everyone involved. A Community working together to make Positive Change.

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An amazing day yesterday in The Mansion House, Dublin where Waterford has been declared the first Autism Friendly City in Ireland.

We would like to thank the Waterford Chamber, WLR, Healthy Waterford and everyone who supported us so far on our journey.

Thank you to AsIAm for creating the initiative and all their support. We would like to thank all those who have collaborated with us over the last three years. Congratulations to Killarney and Drumcondra who were awarded Autism Friendly Town status.

We look forward to continuing meaningful change in the future.

How to be Autism Friendly

Creating an autism-friendly environment in businesses and shops will generate a more inclusive society.

Here are some ideas of how to make your business or shop autism-friendly:

Environmental Adaptations

Simple changes to the physical environment can make a big difference for autistic people.

For example, reducing noise levels, minimizing bright or flickering lights, and providing a quiet space for individuals to take a break can all help create a more autism-friendly environment.

Clear Communications

Provide clear communication: Autistic individuals autism may have difficulty understanding social cues and verbal communication.

Providing clear, concise, and visual communication can help autistic individuals feel more comfortable and supported.

Sensory Friendly Experiences

Many autistic individuals have sensory sensitivities and may find certain stimuli overwhelming.

Offering sensory-friendly experiences, such as quiet shopping hours and reduced sensory input, can help create a more inclusive environment.

Partner with autism groups

Partnering with local or national autism advocacy organizations can help businesses and shops learn more about autism and connect with the autism community.

These organizations can also help promote autism-friendly businesses and shops to the autism community. See our Directory HERE.