Autism-Friendly Business Certificate
Chapter 5

Assessment and Implementation Plan

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IN THIS LESSON

By the end of this module, participants will be able to:

  • Evaluate their current level of autism-friendliness.

  • Identify areas for improvement.

  • Create a customized Autism-Friendly Action Plan for their business.

  • Commit to ongoing progress and community engagement.

5.1 Why an Implementation Plan Matters

Awareness alone isn’t enough — businesses need a clear action plan to turn knowledge into lasting practices.
An implementation plan:

  • Helps prioritize changes.

  • Keeps staff accountable.

  • Shows customers you are serious about inclusion.

5.2 Step 1: Self-Assessment Checklist

Evaluate your business in these areas:

  • Environment: Are lighting, noise, smells, and layout accessible?

  • Customer Service: Do staff use clear communication and allow flexibility?

  • Policies: Is there a written autism-friendly policy in place?

  • Community: Do you promote sensory-friendly events or partnerships?

  • Digital Presence: Is your website/social media accessible and clear?

👉 Businesses should score themselves honestly to see where to start.

5.3 Step 2: Set SMART Goals

SMART = Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound

Examples:

  • “Reduce background music volume by 50% during all operating hours by next week.”

  • “Introduce a sensory-friendly shopping hour twice a month starting next month.”

  • “Train all new staff with our autism-friendly guide within their first 30 days of hire.”

5.4 Step 3: Create an Autism-Friendly Action Plan

Action Plan Template (3 areas):

  1. Immediate Changes (within 30 days):

    • Example: Lower lighting in one section of the store.

  2. Medium-Term Changes (1–3 months):

    • Example: Launch a sensory-friendly hour once per week.

  3. Long-Term Commitments (3–12 months):

    • Example: Add autism-friendly policy statement to website and signage.

    • Example: Partner with local autism nonprofit for community events.

5.5 Step 4: Staff & Customer Feedback

  • Share your plan with employees and ask for input.

  • Ask autistic customers/families for feedback:

    • “What could we do to make your visit easier?”

  • Update your plan yearly to reflect progress.

5.6 Step 5: Public Commitment

  • Post your Autism-Friendly Statement on your website and in your business.

  • Display your Autism-Friendly Certificate proudly.

  • Share updates on social media (e.g., “We now offer quiet shopping hours every Wednesday 9–11am!”).