Sensory box in Hartlepool welcomed by woman with ADHD
The boxes include fidget toys, stress balls and other tools to help neurodivergent people navigate busy environments
Last updated 25th Mar 2024
The introduction of a sensory box in Hartlepool to help neurodivergent people better navigate busy, loud and crowded environments has been welcomed with a woman living with ADHD.
The boxes were launched as a large-scale trial in 50 Tesco Mobile phone shops across the country, supported the National Autistic Society, to make visiting one of their stores, such as Hartlepool's, a more positive experience for neurodiverse customers.
The initiative came after interviews and research conducted with neurodivergent consumers and parents of neurodivergent children found in-store shopping to generally be ‘challenging’.
Tash Dean, 31, was diagnosed with ADHD three years ago.
"Things like going into loud environments so shops, offices, busy town centres, that causes me a lot of sensory issues..."
She struggled all her life, from school years to her adult life in many environments which can create a sensory overload.
She said: "Things like going into loud environments so shops, offices, busy town centres, that causes me a lot of sensory issues so it's too much, but I always make sure I've got my noise cancelling headphones on."
"Having these little tools for example ear defenders or fidget spinners make everyone feel welcome is such an incredible thing."
"I still struggle today, but I'm a massive advocate for diversity and inclusion, especially in this space because I grew up feeling so out of place."
Along with many other neurodivergent people, she welcomes the introduction of these sensory boxes, which she labelled a step forward in inclusion.
She said: "I feel like businesses are understanding what it means to be neurodivergent, and how we can make a neurodivergent person feel comfortable and safe in a neurotypical world."
"I still struggle today, but I'm a massive advocate for diversity and inclusion, especially in this space because I grew up feeling so out of place."
The National Autistic Society found the majority of people who are neurodiverse to avoid retail where possible, often by adapting shopping times to avoid the environment which can cause overstimulation.
"...I don't see it as a defect or disability, I use it as a superpower."
Many neurodiverse people have had to adapt for years, sometimes by finding their own solutions.
Although Tash struggled for years and continues to face daily challenges, she learned to adapt to her ADHD and now celebrates her difference.
She said: "All these things that make me feel different have actually allowed me to progress in life, and I don't see it as a defect or disability, I use it as a superpower."
Tesco Mobile’s Sensory Support Boxes include noise cancelling ear defenders, sunglasses and fidget toys, as well as emotion cards to help customers communicate their feelings easily (who may be non-verbal).
Tom Davis, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager at Tesco Mobile, said: "We're proud to be leading the way and making shopping experiences more accessible and enjoyable for our customers."
"Customers who visit our Phone Shops are often digesting quite a bit of information and making decisions that require attention and focus, which may be difficult and overwhelming."
"We intend to roll out the sensory boxes to all 500 of our phone shops across the UK as well as continuing to develop them to ensure they are as helpful as possible for a diverse range of needs."
The boxes which will be available at Tesco Mobile stores across the country, including in Hartlepool.