This document provides tips for parents taking children with autism to the grocery store. It recommends having the child stay close to the shopping cart, either by holding on or walking beside it. Short trips with the child's favorite foods are suggested to keep them interested. Praise and a small treat are recommended when the child stays with the cart. Unloading items at the register and receiving the treat afterwards can help make the outing a positive experience.

1. Autism Spectrum Disorders
Tips & Resources
Tip Sheet 14
The Grocery Store
Having your child behave in the grocery store can be one of the biggest stress reducers a parent can have. Even
parents with typical children dread this trip. The most important skill your child needs to learn is to stay with the cart.
It is a nightmare to try and keep track of him while getting something at the deli counter.
1. Bring an assistant if you can when you first move your child out of the grocery cart and train him to walk beside
it. This assistant should continually bring your child back to the cart.
2. Have your child hold the push bar of the cart when you go solo. Put your arms around him on either side with
your hands gripping the same bar. If he places his feet on the lower shelf of the cart, you can push the cart
around like it’s a ride.
3. Raise one arm to let your child out and help him pick up the food and place it in the cart.
4. Go at a non-busy time to cut down on wait times when checking out.
5. Go and pick up only a few items, including your child’s favorite food. You want the trip to be short and your
child’s opportunity for success to be high.
6. Get your child’s favorite food fist. Place it in the bottom center of the cart, in plain sight but out of reach. He
will want to keep in close visual contact with that item.
7. Bring a small candy treat to give your child when he has stayed with the cart for an entire aisle.
8. Be liberal in praise.
9. Tell your child he can pick out one treat. If he wants something else show him the first treat. Tell him, “We got
this---you’ll get the other next time.” If he insists on the second item, get it, but put the first back.
10. At the register, have your child help unload the groceries. As soon as the groceries are paid for, give him his
treat and tell him what a good boy he is.
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Labosh, K. The Child with Autism Goes to Town: The Go Anywhere Guide-250 tips for Community Outings.
Prepared by: The TAP Service Center at The Hope Institute for Children and Families www.theautismprogram.org