Overcoming the Behavior Challenge of Going to the Store for Adults: An Intervention Guide for Support

Overcoming the Behavior Challenge of Going to the Store for Adults is a compassionate, practical guide designed for adults—and those who support them—who experience stress, anxiety, or behavioral challenges during trips to stores or shopping centers. For many neurodivergent adults, including those with Autism, ADHD, Intellectual Disabilities, or Anxiety, going to the store can feel overwhelming due to crowds, noise, sensory input, or social expectations.

Created by a multidisciplinary team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), and Registered Nurses (RNs), this step-by-step resource helps individuals build the skills and confidence needed to navigate shopping experiences with greater ease and independence.

You’ll learn how to:

• Prepare for store trips with visual supports and social stories
• Identify and manage sensory triggers and stressors
• Practice coping tools for busy environments and unexpected changes
• Build routines that support success and reduce being overwhelmed
• Advocate for support needs while working toward greater independence

Whether you're building daily living skills, working toward community goals, or supporting a loved one, this book provides evidence-based strategies and compassionate guidance to make shopping more predictable and empowering.

Going to the store doesn’t have to be a struggle. You GOT THIS.
— The OBC Team: Dr. Holthaus, BCBA Melissa Killam, and SLP Maggie Kuykendall