Autism initiative

BUSINESSES across Halton are being encouraged to take part in an inaugural event designed to help make the UK more autism-friendly.

The National Autistic Society has organised Autism Hour for the week beginning Monday, October 2.

Shops and services in Runcorn and Widnes which take part will dim their lights, turn down music and share information about autism for 60 minutes.

A survey by the organisation suggests 64% of autistic people avoid going to the shops, and 28% have been asked to leave a public place for reasons associated with their autism.

The charity is asking shops and services to take simple steps for one hour to help create a more autism friendly world – from dimming the lights and turning down music to sharing information about autism with employees.

National Autistic Society chief executive Mark Lever said: “Like anyone, autistic people and their families want the opportunity to go to the shops and services on the high street.

“But our research suggests that many find the often busy, loud and unpredictable environment of public places overwhelming and avoid them altogether.

“We hope that the National Autistic Society’s Autism Hour will provide a break for families in the week and in the long term will help spread understanding so that shops and services are more accessible every day of the year.

“A basic understanding of autism could transform the lives of autistic people and their families and avoid them becoming isolated or trapped in their homes. I hope businesses in place will take part and help to make the local area more autism-friendly.”

A spokesman for the charity said autistic people often find social situations difficult and struggle to filter out the sounds, smells, sights and information they experience which means they feel overwhelmed by ‘too much information’ when out in public.

Clarks and Toys ‘R’ Us are also amongst shops and services that have already signed up, after previously hosting quiet hours in individual stores.

Lloyds Banking Group is also supporting by educating workers and customers about the condition during Autism Hour.

The charity is calling on others to follow their lead and open up their businesses to autistic people.

For more information visit www.autism.org.uk