Last month was Autism Awareness Month, and Sunway Velocity Mall is making things amazing with their Autsome (“Autism is Awesome”) initiative! Sunway Velocity Mall aims to create a space for everyone, including those on the spectrum.
Why is Autsome so awesome?
The mall understands the needs of parents and families who have autism and the facilities and resources that are limited in most spaces. Parents can now sign their kids up for an Autsome membership and enjoy facilities and privileges for individuals with autism. At the same time, the mall is hoping to generate greater awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
How does it work?
Parents can sign up their children on the spectrum here or visit the Concierge Counter on Level 1. They will be entitled to an Autsome Kit, which includes an Autsome parking sticker for designated parking bays and a wristband.
Facilities available daily include:
- The mall’s first of its kind and specially designed Calm Pods at Basement 2, next to the AEON Travelator and at the Ground Floor, next to Haagen-Dazs.Â
- 100% sustainable Sensory Wall (made up of fabric remnants, paper pulp trays and other recycled materials) at the Ground Floor, which allows individuals to touch, feel and connect. The Sensory Wall was sponsored and designed by 3.8 Art & Creative, taking inspiration from Vincent van Gogh’s famous artwork.
Both spaces provide a tranquil and safe, serene space for individuals with ASD and their families. This will assist families to enjoy a stress-free shopping experience, while allowing the individuals to recharge and rest. The Calm Pods offer privacy and a quiet atmosphere, while the Sensory Wall serves as a sensory stimulation area.
Autism-Friendly Shopping Day Privileges:
Registered Autsome members can also enjoy special shopping privileges every Tuesday, except during public holidays – from 10.00am to 5.00pm.Â
- Shopping privileges, priority lanes, quiet sitting areas and deals at illy Caffe, Marks & Spencer, KidzB, Fitness Concept, An Viet, Salad Atelier, Juicy, ALL IT and more.Â
- Soft, calm music in common areas.
- Designated car park bays in Basement 2.
How to utilise these privileges:
Just flash the AUTSOME wristband for verification purposes. The mall’s security, customer care and frontliners have also been adequately trained by the Autism Behavioral Centre (ABC) to ensure they are accommodating to the needs of the individuals.
A Commitment to Being Inclusive
Sunway Malls have consistently championed the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) throughout the years, and this time at Sunway Velocity Mall, they are focusing on these two goals – Reduced Inequalities through the Autsome Initiative and Zero Hunger via the creation of The Farm.
The Farm
In partnership with Sunway XFarms and in line with the Zero Hunger initiative, the mall also has a rooftop farm known as ‘The Farm’ on Level 5 that serves as a green space in Kuala Lumpur, which produces fresh, nutritious, pesticide-free vegetables.Â
Find out more about Autsome facilities and privileges here. If you have a child with autism, we do hope the facilities at Sunway Velocity Mall will bring about a joyful shopping experience with you and your loved ones!
This post was sponsored by Sunway Velocity Mall. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok.