Taking a child with autism to the grocery store can often feel like a daunting challenge. Many parents know the stress that comes with trying to manage behaviors like grabbing food before it’s paid for, running through aisles, or refusing to let go of a toy. The sensory overload, unpredictability, and long wait times can make the shopping environment overwhelming for neurodivergent children.
Fortunately, with preparation, visual tools, and structured support, grocery trips can become smoother, more predictable, and even enjoyable. In this article, we’ll go over practical, step-by-step strategies to make grocery shopping easier for kids with autism.
1. Prepare Before the Trip
Preparation is the foundation of a successful shopping experience. Children with autism often thrive on routine and predictability, so setting clear expectations in advance can help reduce anxiety.
Talk About the Trip in Advance
Start by explaining where you are going, what you will be buying, and what the child is expected to do. Use short, clear sentences such as:
“We’re going to the grocery store. We will buy bread and milk. We will walk together and keep our hands to ourselves.”
This gives the child a mental roadmap of the experience ahead.
Use Visual Schedules and Checklists
Visual aids can be powerful tools for communication and preparation. Create a simple visual schedule with images showing the sequence of events:
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First: Drive to the store
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Then: Shop for groceries
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Last: Check out and leave
You can also use checklists with pictures of items the child can help find. This helps them stay engaged and focused during the trip.
Introduce Rules with Simple Language
Explain key shopping rules ahead of time, using “first–then” language:
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First we buy the toy, then we play with it.
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First we pay for food, then we eat it.
Role-playing shopping at home can reinforce these concepts. For instance, pretend to shop for items in your kitchen, and practice waiting to “pay” before “eating” a snack. You can even use a timer to teach the concept of waiting, starting with short durations (like 10 seconds).
2. Prevent Unwanted Behaviors Before They Start
One of the best ways to manage challenging behaviors is to prevent them from happening in the first place.
Provide a Mini Shopping List
Give your child their own small shopping list with pictures. This not only gives them a sense of control, but also keeps them focused. Picture cards of items like bananas, cereal, or milk work great.
Keep Hands Busy
Idle hands can quickly lead to impulsive grabbing. Give your child something to hold, such as:
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A fidget toy
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The shopping list
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A small, soft item they enjoy
You can also let them push a small cart or hold onto the main shopping cart to stay physically involved.
Use Reward Motivation
Let the child know in advance that following the rules will lead to a reward. Use visual reminders, like showing a picture of the treat they’ll get afterward:
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“If you walk with me and follow the rules, you can have a sticker at the end.”
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“If you keep your hands to yourself, you can choose a small snack when we’re done.”
3. Use Social Stories and First–Then Language
Social stories are short narratives that help children understand and prepare for real-life situations.
Read a Shopping Social Story Together
Create or find a social story that describes a trip to the store from start to finish, emphasizing important behavior expectations like:
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Not eating food before it’s paid for
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Asking before touching items
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Staying close to an adult
You can read this story several times before the trip to reinforce understanding.
Manage Situations with Calm Responses
If a child grabs a toy or food item:
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Stay calm
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Acknowledge their interest
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Offer choices or redirect using first–then language
For example:
“I see you really like this toy. First we put it in the cart and pay. Then we can play with it.”
Or:
“We’re not buying this toy today, but you can choose between a coloring book or a sticker.”
If the child is hungry and grabs a snack, say:
“Oops, we need to pay first.”
Then offer a backup snack from your bag:
“Here’s a snack you can eat while we shop.”
4. Keep the Child Engaged and Close
Running in stores can be dangerous and stressful. Keeping your child engaged is key to reducing the likelihood of wandering or meltdowns.
Give the Child a Job
Assign simple roles during the shopping trip, such as:
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Holding a box of cereal
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Pushing the shopping cart
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Checking items off the list
Jobs like these give the child a sense of responsibility and keep them focused.
Use Physical Boundaries and Cues
Younger children may benefit from riding in a shopping cart or holding onto a specific part of it. You can also teach them to keep their hands on the cart handle.
If the child starts to run, gently guide them back and use cues like:
“Walking feet in the store.”
“Freeze!”
“First we shop, then we play outside.”
Stay calm and consistent in your responses.
5. Praise Specific Behaviors and Offer Small Rewards
Positive reinforcement goes a long way. Instead of generic praise like “Good job,” focus on specific behaviors:
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“Great job waiting in line.”
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“You’re doing awesome keeping your hands to yourself.”
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“I’m proud of how you stayed with me the whole time!”
At the end of the trip, follow through with a small reward if the child followed the rules:
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Choosing a sticker
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Extra screen time at home
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A favorite snack
Consistency helps build trust and motivation for future outings.
How to Make Grocery Shopping Easier for Kids with Autism – Final Thoughts
Grocery shopping is a skill, and like all skills, it takes time and practice to master. If a child struggles on the first few trips, that’s completely okay. Don’t give up.
Here are a few final tips to keep in mind:
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Start with short trips
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Use visual aids and social stories
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Bring backup snacks and distractions
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Be patient and celebrate progress
Every shopping trip is a learning opportunity. With consistency, understanding, and the right strategies, your child can grow more confident and successful in everyday situations like grocery shopping.
Also read: How to Use ABA to Reduce Screaming Behavior
About Olga Sirbu
My name is Olga Sirbu, I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Applied Behavioral Analyst. My goal is to support and empower families and individuals on the autism spectrum.
Autism Advance is dedicated to training parents and caregivers, providing practical tips, and teaching individuals how to educate kids with autism.
I share evidence-based practices to help you better understand and support individuals with autism. Learn practical strategies to help individuals with autism reach their full potential, as well as gain a deeper understanding and acceptance of autism.
Thank you for considering Autism Advance as a resource for your autism journey.
