Robbed of £2.40

I get stared at a lot for looking Jewish and Autistic, well today I went in a fish and chip shop, ordered the large chips for £2.40, and the woman who served me then gave me a frown and stared at me for a while, then three men also waiting for food started staring at me. I turned around to look out the window for a minute, at first the others were still talking to one another etc. then everyone went silent, after 10 seconds of the silence, I turned back around, everyone was staring at me, my panic attack had reached its peak, and I walked out.

Parents
  • Its true that people can pick up that we are different, but they may not know why.

    In my experience, fish and chip shops are social places (which is why I'm not keen on them) - the staff will usually be chatty types, and expect customers to be as well.  If you just go in and buy something, without any chit-chat they may think you are rude/unsociable, so that may explain your experience.  They may also have picked up on your anxiety.

    As always with autism there are things to work on.  Analyse, learn, and keep going - its all we can do.  A good CBT book will help.

  • I avoid our local chippy as it's so intimidating! The staff will sing loudly and ask personal questions and if you politely smile (making it clear you don't want to talk) they look really annoyed and keep staring at you. 

    I guess some people would see that as good customer service but I would argue you should cater for all people.

Reply
  • I avoid our local chippy as it's so intimidating! The staff will sing loudly and ask personal questions and if you politely smile (making it clear you don't want to talk) they look really annoyed and keep staring at you. 

    I guess some people would see that as good customer service but I would argue you should cater for all people.

Children