Scottish Government Minister Christina McKelvie MSP visited Asda’s Larkhall store to see how Happy Little Helpers lists are making shopping easier for children with autism.
The representative for Larkhall, Hamilton and Stonehouse heard from staff about the customers’ experience of the free Makaton shopping aids, which are now available across 384 of Asda’s stores.
Customers have found that the brightly-coloured boards capture children’s interest and help to give them a purpose and responsibility during a shopping trip, making the experience more fun for both parent and child.
Makaton is a unique language programme, using symbols and signs for objects to help children ask for items they want, but might struggle to communicate verbally.
It helps develop a range of communication skills including, understanding, attention, listening, recall and organisation of language.
Created by Asda employee Jenny Barnett, whose son has non-verbal autism, the Happy Little Helper shopping lists feature a whole range of products from milk and eggs to bread and bananas that can be added to the list then ticked off when they go in the trolley.
Equalities Minister Ms McKelvie said: “It was wonderful to see Asda’s Happy Little Helpers scheme in action.
“Many parents use Makaton as an aid to communicate with their young children and the scheme helps to remove the stress of in-store shopping for children and parents.
“I would encourage more businesses across the country to consider what they can do to make the shopping experience more inclusive for all.”
Asda Larkhall store manager, Amie MacLean, said: “The aim of the new boards and symbols is to make shopping that little bit easier for Makaton users, so I was delighted with the positive feedback from the minister.
“Asda is proud to be the first major UK supermarket chain to offer Makaton nationwide.
“Any shoppers who would like to try out the shopping lists should visit the customer services desk in store on arrival, and a colleague will be able to advise on how to borrow a board and symbols for use throughout their shop.”
Though originally designed for children with autism, the Happy Little Helpers lists are available to all children and adults.
The board also has a clip so it can be easily fastened to a trolley during a shop.
There are now further moves to help shoppers with autism in the works. Building on the success of Happy Little Helpers lists, Asda has begun working with The Makaton Charity to make stores even more accessible.
Stephen Hall, chief executive of The Makaton Charity, said: “We are thrilled that Asda are incorporating Makaton into their stores.
“The Makaton Friendly scheme, which recognises establishments of all kinds where Makaton users will feel comfortable, is going from strength to strength.
“We are working with schools, emergency services, attractions, retail and hospitality outlets including many well-known brands.
This ensures that the excellent work done by organisations such as Asda continues within the community so that all customers feel welcome.”
