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25th Mar 2019

Lidl Are Stocking Sensory Products For World Autism Day

Éadaoin Fitzmaurice

It’s World Autism Awareness Day on Tuesday the 2nd of April and Lidl have created some amazing products to raise awareness and also to suit those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Last year, Lidl hosted a range of Autism Friendly Quiet Evenings across all Lidl Ireland stores nationwide so this is another step to further support its communities.

The popular grocery store will launch five products in time for the internationally recognised day. 


Two of these products are sensory friendly, meaning they are specifically designed for children with Autism and can help a particular sensory input. Whether it’s visual or tactile, it can help improve focus and concentration levels. There will be a sand and water table available for €29.99 that will encourage children to use their imagination and get creative. There will also be a Melinera Illuminated Salt Crystal Ball Lamp on sale, which can help create a tranquil and soothing environment. The 4 massage spheres, heated through the salt lamp can be used to massage your hands, feet, neck or back. 

One of the most practical products on sale is the ear defenders which can be used to protect a child’s hearing or calm them if disturbed or overwhelmed in noisy environments.

An LED Projection Night Light will also be available which projects colourful stars on to ceilings and walls while playing music to enhance visual or audible sensory stimulation. 

As well as this, Lidl Ireland has teamed up with Assistance Dogs Northern Ireland (ADNI) and Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland (AADI) to put two dogs through training. The two dogs, named Yogi and Kyra, will be given to families of children with Autism in Ireland and Northern Ireland. These dogs will be trained to provide a steady influence for the child, especially in public and social situations. They will also be trained to meet the needs of both the child with Autism and their guardians.

All assistance dogs are fully welcome into all Lidl stores nationwide, especially at Lidl s Autism Aware Quiet Evenings every Tuesday between 6pm and 8pm. Every week, stores are prepped to have numerous sensory adjustments in place to classify the store as being autism aware. Adjustments such as reduced lighting, no music, priority queuing and till scan sounds being lowered. 

Such a thoughtful idea that will benefit so many individuals and families.

Fair play!

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