SHOPS and services in Monmouthshire can help to make high streets more ‘autism-friendly’ by taking part in the UK’s first Autism Hour, according to the National Autistic Society.

The charity is calling on businesses to dim their lights, turn down music and share information about autism for one hour during the week commencing Monday, October 2nd.

Mark Lever, Chief Executive at the National Autistic Society, 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 local businesses will take part and help to make the local area more autism-friendly’.

The National Autistic Society’s survey suggests that 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.

More than 1 in 100 people are on the autism spectrum which means that someone sees, hears and feels the world in a different, often more intense way to other people. 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.

Local organisations can sign-up for Autism Hour and download a free information pack by visiting autism.org.uk/get-involved/tmi/autism-hour.aspx.