"Please give me the time and chance to speak and decide for myself. Patience, kindness and understanding can help people feel included and respected in public spaces."

Katie is 18 years old and enjoys watching television, playing football and spending time with her friends. She is kind, friendly and enjoys being part of her community.

Sometimes Katie needs extra time to process information, communicate her thoughts and make decisions. Busy public environments can feel overwhelming when people expect quick responses or become impatient.

Katie was in a shop ordering food when she began to feel under pressure.

As she was deciding what she wanted, the person behind her became impatient and started rushing her. Other people began speaking for her instead of giving her the opportunity to think and respond in her own time.

Neither staff nor customers recognised that Katie simply needed a little extra time to make her decision. The situation left her feeling pressured and unsupported.

Experiences like this can make Katie feel:

• Sad

• Worried

• Nervous

• Scared

• Angry

• Embarrassed

• Uncomfortable

Instead of feeling welcome and included, she felt anxious and under pressure in a public space that should have been accessible to everyone.

Katie deserved patience and understanding while making her decision and communicating in a way that worked for her.

People did not recognise that she was struggling and needed more time. Others spoke over her or made assumptions instead of allowing her to communicate independently.

Everyone has the right to access public spaces without pressure, judgement or feeling rushed. When this doesn't happen, it can make people feel excluded from their own community.

Simple adjustments can make public spaces much more inclusive.

Helpful support includes:

• Giving Katie extra time to think and respond

• Staff showing patience and understanding

• Respecting her independence and allowing her to speak for herself

• Clearly explaining options when needed

• Raising awareness of hidden disabilities and communication differences

• Creating calmer and more inclusive public spaces

These actions help Katie feel more confident, respected and supported when out in her community.