How Autistics Are Mistaken for Shoplifters: A THREAD.

#ActuallyAutistic #AllAutistics #Retail #LossPrevention

I've spent half of my life in retail, and was pretty good at spotting shoplifters.

But since being diagnosed with autism, I realized that I was really learning how to spot autistics.

Here are the ways autistics are mistaken for shoplifters:

1. Fidgeting:
Autistics often fidget or ’stim’ to self-regulate in stressful or overstimulating environments. It doesn't mean that we're nervous about pocketing your merchandise.

2. Looking Around Constantly:
Autistics are often overloaded with visual details, darting their eyes around erratically to make sense of it all. We are not looking for trouble.

3. Lack of Eye Contact:
Autistics are known to avoid eye contact because it’s painfully intense and overwhelming. We are not being dishonest.

4. Unusual Focus on One Part of the Store:
Autistics find comfort in specific interests, and have a hard time breaking away from them. We may be at your store to enjoy that interest. Doesn't mean we're stealing.

5. Frequent Trips to Changing Rooms or Bathrooms:
When overstimulated, autistics retreat to a safe and quiet area. We also may use the bathroom more when anxious. Unless we're carrying a ton of merchandise, leave us alone.

6. Atypical Customers:
Autistics are atypical by definition, and sometimes stand out as peculiar and a bit ‘off’. Do not confuse this with suspicious behavior.

7. Inappropriate Clothing:
Autistics have sensory sensitivities that affect how we dress. Some may wear coats in summer, others prefer loose, baggy clothes. We aren't using them to hide merchandise.

8. Wearing Sunglasses Indoors:
Autistics who are sensitive to bright fluorescent lights may choose to wear sunglasses indoors to protect themselves from sensory overload. It also helps us avoid eye contact, which is also okay.

9. Unusually Frequent Shoppers:
Autistics find comfort in sameness and routines, and may spend much of their time at your store. Some autistics have nowhere else to go. We have no ulterior motive.

10. Talking to Self:
Autistics sometimes talk to themselves to sort out their thoughts in an overstimulating environment. We are not 'druggies'. Oh, and they aren't necessarily stealing either.

11. Not Answering Questions:
Some autistics are either nonspeaking, have selective mutism, or are unable to talk under pressure. We aren't hiding anything. We just want to hide.

12. Distracting Associates with Excessive Talking:
Autistics can talk nonstop about their interests to anyone who will listen, and can’t always tell when its unwanted. Unless we came in with someone else, we're probably just happy to talk at you.

13. Looking at Security Cameras:
Autistics are drawn to patterns and unnoticed details, and may look at security cameras as they shop. Usually we're just admiring the spots on the ceiling tiles.

14. Leaving Abruptly:
When overstimulated, autistics may quickly escape the situation and abandon their merchandise. Unless the merchandise is a duffel bag of high ticket items, we're leaving for personal reasons.

15. Wanting to Be Left Alone:
Autistics usually like to be left to their routines and thoughts, and only ask for help when its needed. Stealing something in your absence probably never occurred to us.

16. Nervous When Spoken To:
Autistics are nervous to begin with, and even plan our conversations in advance. Unprompted questions are a nightmare. So yes, we're nervous when you get in our face and imply we're stealing.

17. Not the Store’s Demographic:
Our interests aren’t bound by social conventions, so we may be a different age, gender or race than your normal clientele. Let people enjoy things.

18. Carrying a Bag or Backpack:
Autistics find comfort in our hobbies, same-foods, stim tools or even plush animals. We need bags and backpacks to carry them. Unless the bag was empty when we came in and full when we're done shopping, we're not stealing.

19. Being a Person of Color: No explanation needed.

Note:

Some autistics are shoplifters too. I shoplifted once because I was curious to see what would happen.

I was a privileged white boy, so not much happened at all.

The fact that so many autistic PoC are incarcerated or worse... that’s why I wrote this thread. #AllAutistics

Now here are some ways shoplifters differ from autistics:

1. Shoplifters Prefer Large Groups.
They do this to cover more ground and distract associates. Autistics usually prefer solitude or a few friends/family members.

2. Shoplifters are more likely to be Smooth Talkers.
Autistics generally aren’t.

3. Shoplifters are Repeat Offenders.
If someone has shoplifted before, they’ll probably try it again. Recognize INDIVIDUALS, not people who fit a profile.

4. Shoplifters are Loud and Social in Groups.
Autistics CAN be loud and social in groups, but will probably be geeking out about their favorite interests.

5. Shoplifters Like High Traffic.
Shoplifters can easily steal when stores are busy and chaotic, when staff is spread thin. Autistics don’t like any of those things.

6. Shoplifters Target High-Ticket Items.
An autistic is going to focus on things that they enjoy. Shoplifters are focused on the price tag.

7. Shoplifters are looking around for associates.
Autistics are usually looking around at things, or avoiding looking at associates.

8. Shoplifters steal things.
Autistics may act suspicious, but usually don't shoplift. Thats what shoplifters do.

So glad this thread is taking off, and hope people will think twice before calli the cops on innocent autistics.

If you’re new here, I’m an #ActuallyAutistic author, illustrator and cartoonist!
https://www.steveasbell.com/ 

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