Shopping & Consumer Skills
Summary
Autistic adults 18+: shopping/consumer skills. Sensory strategies, budgeting, comparison, scripts for sales pressure/returns/scams. Monthly budget (needs vs wants), written lists, 24-hour wait rule, off-peak hours, comparison tables, consumer rights (CFPB, FTC, 211). Goal: confident, intentional spending.
Key Points
- Foundation: Budget (needs $300, wants $100, savings $50); written lists; 1 debit + cash; receipt folder; return policies; off-peak (weekday mornings); headphones; max 2 brands.
- Scripts: Upselling ("sticking list, pass"); Pushy ("look quietly"); Return policy ("policy? Days? Receipt?"); Return ("return, hasn't used, receipt"); Scam ("don't respond unexpected money, delete, contact official").
- Needs vs Wants: Questions (break if don't buy? Health/safety help? Borrow/wait?). Yes = need. If not = want. Budget: Needs $300, Transport $80, Wants $100, Savings $50.
- Comparison: Table (Item, Price, Quality, Return). Reviews: ignore extreme, look middle; sensory comments; dates. Fake: all positive, similar, same date.
- Sensory: Online (filters, wishlist wait 24hrs, check shipping/return, 1-2 sites). Impulse: timers/"only 2" trigger - pause 24hrs.
- Escalate for: Chronic overspending debt (NFCC, counselor); Scam (FTC, freeze, police); Predatory sales contract (Legal Aid, State AG); Return denied (BBB, CFPB); Can't budget (NFCC, OT).
This guide supports autistic young adults (18+) with sensory-friendly shopping strategies, basic consumer rights, comparison skills, and online/offline safety nationwide. It focuses on simple budgets, clear decision steps, and scripts for handling pressure, returns, and scams so you can buy what you need without being overwhelmed or taken advantage of.
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