Bright idea is to dim it down

Shops in Wishaw will turn down the decibels and dim their lights as they join hundreds of others across Scotland participating in Autism Hour this coming week.

Organised by National Autistic Society Scotland it aims to make the experience of a shopping trip friendlier for the 58,000 people in Scotland with autism.

The initiative runs from Saturday to Saturday, October 5 to 12 and encourages businesses to help make their community more autism-friendly.

As well as more subtle sound and lighting staff in the stores will also be provided with information on autism to help them understand the issues faced by autistic customers.

Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson is calling on local businesses to make some simple changes and take part for an hour.

They can help by reducing volume levels, background noises and tannoy announcements; adjusting lighting; and educating staff and customers about autism.

The SNP politician said: “Autism Hour is a great initiative and I’d encourage shops, cafes and other businesses in Motherwell and Wishaw to get involved.

“Creating an autism friendly environment by dimming lights, turning music down having a quiet space can be easy to do and it goes a long way to making autistic people and their families feel welcome.”

Shops, cafes and other businesses are being encouraged to take part in the initiative now in its third year.

Shopping can be an overwhelming experience for people with autism who see, hear and feel environments differently from others.

Their experiences can be much more intense, and they often find social situations difficult and struggle to filter sounds, sights and smells.

Autistic people can find both noise and lighting in shops overwhelming, particularly fluorescent strip lighting.

National Autistic Society Scotland hope that participating in Autism Hour will lead to more shops and businesses introducing regular autism-friendly sessions.

Nick Ward, Director of National Autistic Society Scotland, pictured below with Ms Adamson, said: “I’m delighted Clare is supporting Autism Hour and encouraging businesses to take part.

“We know that two thirds of autistic people in Scotland avoid the shops.

And, shockingly, 27 per cent have been asked to leave a public place for reasons associated with their autism.

“They and their families want and deserve to have the opportunity to go to the shops, just like anyone else.

“Holding an Autism Hour is the first step to creating a more autism-friendly Scotland.

“Small changes can make a big difference for autistic people and their families.”

Shops and businesses can register their interest or find out more information at www.autism.org.uk/