What's On

Autism Hour

Thu 2nd November 2017

For autistic people, the world can seem full of too much information – and too little understanding. That’s why 64% of autistic people and their families avoid even going out to the shops. Shops can be too loud, glaringly bright and overwhelming for autistic people.

Matt, father to Isaac who was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, says, “Noise, lighting and crowds are all triggers for Isaac so either we avoid shops altogether or we have to put in a great deal of preparation to ensure Isaac doesn’t become overwhelmed.”

Add to this a public that doesn’t always understand autism and an everyday activity like going to the shops can become impossible for autistic people and their families. The result is 79% of autistic people feeling socially isolated.

That’s why, on of 2 October,  at 10am we are taking part in the the NAS Autism Hour. We will make minor changes to the Centre to make it more comfortable for those with Autism to visit us. These changes include:

  • Music turned off or low in malls and in stores
  • Hand dryers switched off in toilets
  • Lighting turned down