
Credit: The National Autistic Society
The National Autistic Society’s Autism Hour has returned for its second year. Last year saw over 5,000 retailer taking part in the world’s first mass participation Autism Hour, and this year is no different.
AWARENESS
Taking place from Saturday 6 October to Saturday 13 October, Autism Hour will see organisations from shopping centres to businesses becoming autism aware. For autistic people the world can be full of too much information.
To support the needs and adjustments of autistic people leading charity the National Autistic Society launched the Too Much Information campaign to challenge myths, misconceptions and stereotypes of autism.
Part of the campaign involves asking shops and businesses to organise an Autism Hour, taking simple steps for 60-minutes leading to a more autism-friendly world.
ADAPTED
Simple adjustments from dimming lights to turning down music can make environments more autism-friendly. With an estimated 700,000 people across the UK on the autistic spectrum the call for improved understanding and inclusivity is imperative.
#AutismHour is here! 🎊
More than 10,000 shops and businesses this week will make adjustments to make shopping easier for autistic people & their families. Visit our map to find your local Autism Hour: https://t.co/7uM2PP7Jc0
Thanks @EntertainerToys for supporting our campaign pic.twitter.com/Mf1aaH4gBb
— National Autistic Society (@Autism) October 6, 2018
Alongside adapting lights and sounds, organisations are being encouraged to learn more about autism and share information to the general public about Autism Hour to help spread knowledge on the small adjustments that can help people on the autistic spectrum.
SUCCESS
After the great achievement of last year’s campaign, 2018 will see even more organisations getting involved. From eating out, shopping, leisure centres, to fashion outlets: The National Autistic Society is providing an interactive map for autistic people, their family and friends, to know accessible destinations to go and the organisations getting involved.
Today we're taking part in @autism #AutismHour from 10am. Find out more here: https://t.co/2KGnct7wsl pic.twitter.com/72JEbR2toL
— intu Metrocentre (@intuMetrocentre) October 9, 2018
This year over 8,000 shops and businesses have signed up to Autism Hour and it’s clear the campaign is going from strength to strength.