# Developmental Accommodation Brands are creating more serene environments for people with autism. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Nov 2, 2017 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/developmental-accommodation ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.0/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Developmental Accommodation trend? **Developmental Accommodation:** It is largely recognized that the man-made world is specifically designed for people without mental and physical disabilities, but some brands are beginning to change this fact. This can be observed in the fact that a select few companies are hiring, training or creating environments that cater to the needs of children and adults with autism. This shift comes as brands increasingly recognize the fact that consumers do not have one monolithic identity that can be catered to, but that they have diverse needs and preferences. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 26, 2016 to Apr 26, 2017 - Published: Nov 2, 2017 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Developmental Accommodation trend ### Accessible Retail Retailers are implementing quiet hours and other accessibility measures for customers with autism, offering innovative solutions for more inclusive shopping experiences. ### Dementia Awareness Airports and other businesses are raising awareness of dementia and training staff to create more inclusive environments for customers with hidden disabilities. ### Autism Employment Businesses are hiring more autism-affected adults and creating environments that cater to employees and customers with autism, helping to create a more inclusive workplace and society. ## What the Developmental Accommodation trend means for industry ### For Retail Retailers are exploring accessibility measures for customers with autism, including quiet hours and other innovations. ### For Travel Airports are training staff to create a more inclusive environment for travelers with hidden disabilities and raising awareness of dementia. ### For Restaurants Restaurants are offering employment to autism-affected adults and creating neurodiverse workplaces that cater to employees with autism, such as Sam's Canterbury Cafe. ## Workshop question How can your brand better accommodate individuals with physical or mental disabilities, or promote causes that serve these groups? ## Trend signals for Developmental Accommodation Trend score 4.0 out of 10, from popularity 60%, activity 53%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 60% - Activity: 53% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Developmental Accommodation trend 4 featured examples from Apr 26, 2016 to Apr 26, 2017. - [Serene Toy Store Environments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toys-r-us-store): Toys R Us Stores' 'Quiet Hour' is for Children Affected by Autism (Category: Business) Implication: Exploring opportunities to create inclusive and specialized store experiences for customers with specific needs. - [Noise-Free Retail Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quiet-hour): This Store Will Run a Quiet Hour for Shoppers with Autism (Category: Social Good) Implication: Retailers have the opportunity to differentiate themselves by implementing initiatives that take into account the specific needs of customers with disabilities. - [Dementia-Friendly Airports](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/world-alzheimers-day): Heathrow Airport Marks World Alzheimers Day with New Policies (Category: World) Implication: Incorporating dementia-friendly practices in airports aligns with the growing healthcare industry's focus on catering to the needs of aging populations with conditions such as dem… - [Autism-Supporting Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sams-canterbury-cafe): Sam's Canterbury Cafe Employs Staff on the Autism Spectrum (Category: Social Good) Implication: Opportunity for restaurants, cafes and other food services to employ and serve individuals on the autism spectrum to promote inclusion and diversity. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)