Vagaro is happy to once again shine a light on Autism Acceptance Month. April used to be known as Autism Awareness Month, but the designation was changed in 2021 to Autism Acceptance Month1. Why? Well, the reason is pretty straightforward. Awareness means knowing about something, but acceptance means embracing & including it. When we increase the understanding and acceptance of people with autism, we help create a world in which autistic individuals are fully supported, championed and celebrated2.
When I heard the request for an Autism Acceptance article come through the editorial pipeline here at Vagaro, I decided to take this one on myself. Hi—my name is Stephanie, and I lead the Copy Team here at Vagaro. I’m not usually one of the writers you hear from—at least, not directly on this platform—but I made the decision to take this article on because this one hits home for me. I have two younger siblings who are on the autism spectrum, and I was recently diagnosed myself. So, first, what is autism? Per the Autism Speaks organization:
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.
Bringing this reality of so many to the forefront (hello, 1 in 36 children & 1 in 45 adults2) and talking about what you can do as a business owner to support acceptance is key. Making your clients who are on the spectrum more comfortable in their experience at your business is not only thoughtful and inclusive, but it also bodes well for your overall success. In short, when you make folks feel welcomed and accommodated for, you become a real and ongoing resource in their life. Here’s how you can do just that.
[Check out the full survey insights, advice and tips for improving accessibility HERE]
6 Accommodation Tips
1. Implement Online Booking
An online booking system offers a streamlined process, visual aids & clear descriptions when scheduling an appointment. There are many types of autism, and for some, these are helpful tools to get the task at hand done.
2. Utilize a Check-in App
Having a digital check-in app for your business is a big one, as it relieves the social pressure and offers flexibility for clients who may feel more comfortable bypassing the front-desk situation upon appointment arrival.
3. Go Digital with Forms
When you ditch the paperwork for digital client forms, you’re giving your clients the flexibility to complete them from the comfort of their own place & pace. This can eliminate a lot of potential pre-appointment stress that some individuals on the spectrum may face. This also allows you to ask clients beforehand about any special accommodation requests (if they prefer a quiet appointment or separate area, specific sensory needs, etc.)
4. Embrace E-commerce
Having an online store for your business where clients can browse and purchase from home (or anywhere, really) is the perfect tool for avoiding the potential anxiety of crowded brick-and-mortars or face-to-face interactions for those who don’t prefer it.
5. Lean into Text Marketing
If you want to streamline your customer communication, text marketing is the way to go. It reduces the need for extra in-person interaction for those who prefer to skip it, and it also ensures your clients are getting the appointment reminders, for example, that everyone can appreciate!
The Importance of Autism Acceptance for Your Business
We’ve already pointed out that many people (and many people you probably know) are on the autism spectrum. In fact, it’s believed that the following stats are on the lower side because many people are never diagnosed. But we’ve gathered some data on neurodivergence to put things into perspective as it pertains to your industry.
You read that right—half of our survey respondents identified as a person living on the autism spectrum or experiencing some type of neurodivergence, and over a quarter are aware they work with a neurodivergent teammate. Take, for instance, hair apprentice D’Arcy White over at salon hotspot Jack & the Wolfe in the UK—she says her autism is her superpower, and her colleagues agree. People on the spectrum are all so different—as different as people who are not on the spectrum, so if you’ve met an autistic person, you’ve met one autistic person. It’s important to not generalize or assume an autistic individual’s capabilities or nature. Instead, get all the information you need to provide the best client experience possible from your business intake form.
[Tip: Think about including a section for different needs you should know about for the best accommodations at appointment time. You can use a simple drag-and-drop box module in Vagaro Forms.]
So now let’s talk about what seems to be an uptick in diagnoses over the past decade. Have you wondered why that is? Some even talk of a so-called “autism epidemic” in recent years. But, the reality is, it’s more of an epidemic of autism diagnoses. The ability to be diagnosed is in thanks to science providing us the answers to what always existed, but had no name. Simply put: We know more now, so we are able to properly & accurately put a name to our lived realities. And when we are informed, we can act accordingly—which is why many businesses already practice personalized accommodation.
This is truly a heartening thing to see. But, as always, the number could (and should) be higher—especially when considering the other numbers we just went over. That’s where you come in with simple things like weighted capes in salons, or even offering disposable ear plugs for those who prefer it. These little accommodations go such a long way, and even further when it comes to loyalty & retention.
We are proud to offer online booking, a check-in app, and features like digital forms, an online store, and ways to market & communicate to clients with ease. These are just some of the ways Vagaro helps your business support neurodivergent clients. Here are some others…
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We offer an expansive library of online webinars that users can browse or even join in real time to get the answers they need.
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Next up in our online arsenal of flexible learning tools are our support articles. These lend to the different learning styles of individuals.Fun Fact: Autism is sometimes associated with Hyperlexia, which is a “splinter skill” that’s characterized by the uncanny ability to read at breakneck speeds. It’s often accompanied by a keen interest in numbers or letters (which is probably why I love what I do here at Vagaro).
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Whether you’re an individual on the spectrum or not, everyone learns differently. Our helpful training videos are built for Vagaro users to go at their own pace and learn all they need to know about our booking & business management platform.
The customer’s experience is what differentiates a one-time visit from a loyal client. For some individuals on the spectrum, repetition and routine are big strongholds in life, so making them feel comfortable goes a long way for them and can go a long way for your business when they come back time & again. If you’d like assistance in this endeavor, I invite you to activate your free 30-day trial of the booking & business management app that supports you at every step.
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