What do these principles mean?
The principles address common challenges that people on the autism spectrum face when they are out in the community. Although every person on the autism spectrum is an individual and may find some things difficult and others not, by applying as many of these principles as possible to your business you will address the most frequently occurring challenges reported by people with autism.
What is SERVICE?
Sensory: The right kind and level of sensory stimulation is important. Volume should be audible but no overwhelming. Aim for low odour products and perfume free environments.
Equipment: Use furnishings and fittings that absorb sound, are accessible or clearly and purposely limit access, and assist in arranging clear spaces.
Respectful: Greet with a smile, offer support and wait, patience for processing is key.
Visual: Clutter free, clearly signed using pictures or place markers wherever possible and natural or solid colours with matte finishes are best.
Intentional: Ensure that whatever you have in the space and the things you say are necessary and serve a purpose. Is the language used clear and concise? Is it necessary to put many items around the counter or have posters near important signage?
Create Zones: Create spaces that are easy to navigate, provide cues to the function, and use furniture or colour to indicate movement through the space. Have lower stimulation options using dividers, seat placement, mirrorless/non-reflective views, or low volume/no echo spaces.
Environment: The overall environment should be neutral. Natural ventilation, low decibel fans, natural or incandescent light wherever possible.
Principles
| Best Practice | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Audible music not overpowering | Echos |
| Windows double or triple glazed | Banging |
| Absorbent materials for floor, ceiling, and walls | Loud noises |
| Best Practice | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Low odour products | Strong Smells |
| Odours, perfumes, air freshners |
| Best Practice | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Clean Surfaces | Air dryers |
| Non-reflective surfaces | Bright colours, bold patterns |
| Sound absorbing | Strong textures |
| Self-serve options | Shiny surfaces |
| Low shelving | High shelving |
| Best Practice | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Warm greeting | Rushing |
| Patience for processing | Excessive offers/choices/questions |
| Respectful and kind | Judgement |
| Offer support and wait | Assumptions |
| Best Practice | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Calm colours- cream, tans | Bright bold patterns |
| Matte finish | Shiny finishes |
| Natural Materials |
| Best Practice | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Pictures and symbols | Clutter |
| Concise labels | Vague signage |
| Pictorial language | Unnecessary signage |
| Label areas | |
| Visual instruction-demonstration | |
| Social procedure*/menu on website for preparation | |
| Plain English |
* For an example on social procedure you can download an example here
| Best Practice | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Create displays, speak, and interact thoughtfully and purposefully | Things in the environment that serve no instructional or communicative purpose |
| Provide a social procedure* to prepare before visiting | Language that is vague or excessive |
* For an example on social procedure you can download an example here
| Best Practice | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Option of spaces with lower stimulation | Multifunction areas |
| Storage, seating, waiting area, and ordering or service counter visually separate and organized | Visual clutter |
| Navigable environment | Non-discript areas, vague space |
| Cues to function | Narrow Aisles |
| Cues for instruction- one way circulation | Crowded spaces (items in aisles, difficult to move around |
| Clear simple art | |
| Arrange furniture to indicate separate areas | |
| Clear Layout | |
| Colour or patterns to show movement through space |
| Best Practice | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Natural | Florescent |
| Incodenscent | Glaring/dull |
| Coloured Lights |
| Best Practice | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Natural ventalation | Overly Warm |
| Low decibel fans |
How can I show that I have implemented these principles?
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