How we help > Neuroinclusive retail

Aspect Autism Friendly recognises the impact of the current retail environment on Autistic people. Unwelcoming, sensory overwhelming and unstructured environments mean that Autistic people routinely have to avoid and cut short retail visits. The research completed by Inclusive Change add helpful data to demonstrate this impact and add details such as specific shopping occasions (like seasonal times, back to school or grocery shopping) and barriers (such as music, perfumes, lighting, screens, changed layout and signage). The Retail Insights also capture a range of simple strategies to reduce barriers. Aspect Autism Friendly supports the need for well trained staff, quieter shopping periods, more sensory friendly stores and wayfinding supports. We hope the research motivates retail environments to work with Autistic people and industry experts like Natalie to make shopping more Autism Friendly.

Tom Tutton, Head of Autism Friendly

Australia’s retail sector is a microcosm of the communities that we serve - both the customers who shop with us and the people we employ. The Neurodiversity In Retail research by Inclusive Change and Nature provides valuable insights for retailers and reminds us that our customers are not a homogenous group, with at least 20% of the population who identify with non-apparent differences and disabilities. Importantly, the research also provides the data to illustrate that inclusive environments will benefit all customers, not just neurodivergent customers. There is a broad range of opportunities to design inclusive shopping experiences for everyone - and good commercial reasons for retailers to do so. I hope this research will prompt retailers to further explore their own inclusion strategies and meet the call to action for a more inclusive retail sector.

Paul Zahra, Former CEO Australian Retailers Association

What Natalie and her Inclusive Change team have done is groundbreaking – businesses worldwide need to pay close attention to these research findings. We now have data to clearly indicate what many of us with brains that work differently have known for a long time: improving the retail experience for neurodivergent customers (approximately 20% of your customer base) directly benefits people of ALL abilities. Importantly for businesses, these often small changes can have big impacts on their bottom line.

Lisa Cox, Inclusive Media Consultant, Disability Advocate, TEDx speaker

The retail experience is such a big part of our lives today. Yet, for around 20% of the world’s population, it is not an accessible or viable option. Understanding the neurodivergent retail experience is crucial – but previous consumer and industry data hasn’t covered it. So this research and its findings are truly outstanding and unique. As a neurodivergent person myself, I understand the pressure points around this research and implore all retailers, big and small, to read, reflect and act upon it.

Asteria Grace, Neurodiversity Advocate

As someone who identifies as autistic, I fully recognise that neurodivergent individuals are just that: individuals with their own personalities, temperaments, likes and dislikes, and talents. So, it continues to astound me that retail seems largely aimed at extroverts. We introverts also spend money; we also have unmet demands. Inclusive Change and Nature’s study illustrate that learning how to market and, indeed, manage inclusively is not just good for neurodivergent individuals – it’s good for business.

Neurodivergent Executive and Autistic Advocate

We found Inclusive Change and Nature’s ‘Neurodiversity in Retail’ research fascinating. One of our ‘ah ha!’ moments was learning that the desires of neurodivergent shoppers can motivate a significant number of non-neurodivergent shoppers, too. Many of the actions suggested by the research are simple and cost-effective to implement. We are currently socialising some of these findings with our Disability & Access EAG, which should lead to meaningful action at our assets.

Ranil Illesinghe, Head of Research & Insights, Vicinity Centres

Inclusive Change’s research and findings will contribute significantly to the work of disability advocates who strive to improve inclusivity in retail environments for Australians. We look forward to working with you to raise awareness and further improve access and inclusion for all neurodivergent shoppers.

Justin Bruce, Former Director Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Aus/NZ HDS - Global