The National Autistic Society’s (NAS) “Too Much Information” campaign launches its latest phase on 2nd October 2017.
This campaign asks businesses to spend as little as one hour to make adjustments for people on the autistic spectrum. More than 1 in 100 people are on the autism spectrum which means that they may see, hear and feel 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. Noise, lighting and crowds can all make it difficult for an autistic person to access public areas. 64% autistic people told the National Autistic Society that they avoid going to shops because of their autism, and that shops and supermarkets are the most important places they want to become autism friendly.
The National Autistic Society’s ‘Autism Hour’ is supported by shopping centre owners intu and will take place in 13 of their shopping centres across the UK including intu Trafford centre and intu Lakeside.
Clarks and Toys ‘R’ Us are amongst shops and services that have already signed up, after previously hosting quiet hours in individual stores. The charity is calling on others to follow their lead and open up their businesses to autistic people.
An Autism Hour may include quieter music, dimmed lights, less people and talking to members of staff about autism and the campaign.
Dartford and Gravesham businesses who choose to join in this worthwhile campaign will receive an information pack and poster and be added to the National Autistic Society’s UK wide map for this campaign. This interactive map shows which businesses will be taking part and when they plan to hold their autism hour.
To find our more information about the National Autistic Society’s Autism Hour, please visit:
http://www.autism.org.uk/autismhour.
National Autistic Society Dartford and Gravesham are also available for help and advice. Please find us on Facebook as ‘NAS Dartford & Gravesham’, or contact Chairperson Mandy Garford Mandygarford4Autism@gmail.com.