To this day Tyler Price has to hold his breath when he walks past a nail salon.
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But the Corrimal resident knows navigating different smells, sounds and spaces around town on a daily basis is even more difficult for other people on the autism spectrum.
That's why Tyler was happy to talk to Corrimal business owners as part of a project which has identified factors or SERVICE principles that makes business environments more accessible for people with an autism spectrum disorder.
A website (https://www.autismfriendlycommunities.com) has been developed which hosts the developed SERVICE principles and will enable business owners to create more accessible environments for those in need in the Corrimal community.
It was launched on Tuesday to coincide with World Autism Day.
The project team from the University of Wollongong, Corrimal Chamber of Commerce and ASPECT South Coast School have been working on the project in partnership with individuals living with autism along with their families and carers.
"We went and spoke to business owners in Corrimal about what makes me feel more comfortable about their shop or store and what makes me feel more agitated. From this we came up with a list of general principles because everyone on the spectrum is different," Tyler said.
"For example low sound is good but no sound is bad. Also if it is too bright it is just as bad as if it is not bright enough. So it is a balance of stimulants."
Dr Andrea Garner said the website pinpoints how noise and overcrowding should be reduced where possible.
Properly labelling coffee cups to identify clearly what is large, medium and small can also help those people with autism.
Dr Garner said the main aim of the project was to have business owners visit the website and to use the audit tool so as to make their businesses more accessible for people living with autism spectrum disorders.
Low or no cost changes can be made to allow improved access for those people on the autism spectrum.
"Businesses don't have to spend a lot to implement changes which will make them more friendly or accommodating to people on the autism spectrum. It is just basic things that makes it easier for them to access and control their environment," Dr Garner said.
Tyler added such changes could be the difference between a successful outing and a distressing one, for a person on the autism spectrum and their families.
"I grew up having to overcome a lot of these obstacles and because I'm high-functioning it doesn't bother me as much these days but I know plenty of single mothers with small kids on the spectrum who struggle to enjoy a social life," he said.
A Corrimal Chamber of Commerce spokesman added the Autism Friendly Community - Corrimal Website was helping Corrimal work towards being the first Autistic Friendly Community in Australia.