I am a resident of Exeter, Devon, UK, with autism (diagnosed as a child). I love this city and I love the life I have here. However, one thing that I would change about Exeter is the lack of autism accommodation in the High Street and other public areas of the city.
I have just been to the Christmas Market. While I enjoyed myself, I have to admit that the autistic experience of the Exeter Christmas Market (for some) would perfectly horrible. Loud music, lots of lights, too busy and no special needs safe spaces. I understand that the majority of visitors to the Xmas Market might not have Autism or other neurodivergent conditions, I believe that the market should cater more to its neurodivergent visitors by the addition of safe spaces where we can go to escape the sensory overload.
I also believe that these safe spaces should be implemented on the streets of Exeter year-round. These could be quiet huts where people with special needs could go to just calm down when the sensory overload from the outside world or any other mental health issue just gets too much and we just need to unwind and sit quietly and perhaps talk to our support workers, carers, parents, relatives or friends to calm us down and ease the burden. Trained mental health volunteers or even paid mental health first aiders or counsellors could even be at some of these safe spaces to help out neurodivergent kids or adults if needed.
Also, I am kindly asking the restaurants of Exeter to please turn the music down and create more relaxed environments for all customers, including those with special needs. For some individuals, this isn't just a small deal; this could all help avert major meltdowns and anxiety episodes.
The safe spaces could even help to save someone's life, if they were dealing with suicidal ideation or even if they had suicide plans and were able to talk to a compassionate volunteer, counsellor or mental health first aider.
Thank you.
