Common public triggers
Crowds, queues, music, bright lights, smells, tannoy announcements, traffic, people brushing past, temperature changes, waiting, hand dryers, unexpected changes, busy visuals.
Public place survival kit
Ear defenders, sunglasses, snacks, water, fidget toy, chew-safe item, visual card, comfort item, spare clothes, hat, wipes, small toy, phone with calming music, exit plan.
Strategies
- Visit at quieter times
- Use visual preparation
- Keep trips short
- Plan exits
- Give jobs to do
- Use headphones
- Offer choices
- Avoid unnecessary waiting
- Use quiet checkouts if available
- Allow breaks in the car
- Praise effort
Do
- Plan ahead
- Leave before overload if needed
- Ignore judgement from strangers
- Support your child's nervous system
- Keep expectations realistic
Don't
- Force them to "push through" every time
- Stay because you feel embarrassed
- Punish distress
- Forget recovery time afterwards
- Compare them to other children