Shops quietly go about their business during autism hour

Among the stores taking part in Autism Hour across Scotland is Morrisons in Wishaw.

However, the experience is nothing new for staff and shoppers at the store in the town’s Kirk Road.

They decided months ago to have dedicated times when the store would become more friendly for people with autism.

Store manager Julie Thomson explained: “We started three or four months ago across the 500-odd stores.

“We have listening groups with our customers every six to 12 weeks and through that feedback we realised it would be good to have something ideally for people with autism.

“We thought a Saturday morning when children are off school.

“We adjust the sound and staff are not allowed to put pallets on the shop floor. Operators turn down the sound of the beeps on the checkouts. We go to half-lighting and there’s no tannoy announcements.

Even the back door when there’s deliveries you’re not allowed to use the doorbell.

“We do everything we can do to minimise that risk of any adverse affect for the customer.

“It was through word of mouth at the start but we have point of sale signage now and as soon as you come in the store there’s a sign that tells you about what we call ‘quiet hour’, between 9am and 10am on a Saturday.

“It’s not just for people with autism, it’s to help people with ADHD, or anyone young or old who has any difficulties with the shopping environment.”

Barnardo’s and Pets at Home in the town are also taking part in autism hour.

Miriem Fraser, manager of the Barnardo’s Wishaw store, is well aware of the challenge shops can present for people with autism:

She said: “We have a few volunteers who are on the spectrum as well as customers.

“We put out a questionnaire to see if there was a certain time that would work best.

“We are going to try out two days, between 4pm and 5pm on a Thursday and 12pm and 1pm on a Sunday and we plan to continue it. It will help spread awareness.

“We will dim the lighting and disable the noise from the till, and the radio in the shop will be switched off as well.”

Pets at Home in Caledonian Retail Park will also be a lot quieter and dim the store’s lights between 9am and 10am on Saturday.