National Autism Hour Begins This Week
Written by SAPL on October 8th, 2018 in Sensory Sensitivties.
National Autism Hour started this weekend and shops around the world are being encouraged to partake in 60 minutes of observance to help everyone understand what sensory experiences those on the autism spectrum may experience when they enter public places.
In addition to modifying the store, participants have a chance to spread the word on how everyone can assist these individuals.
What will these retailers be doing during at least an hour during the week of October 6-13? Dampening the sensory experience in the follow ways:
Audio: Turning down store music, lessening announcements over the loudspeaker
Visual: Dimming the lights or turning lights off altogether, especially fluorescent lights, which are particularly bothersome to some on the spectrum
The National Autistic Society has compiled a few facts on autism:
1. Greater than 1 in 100 people have been diagnosed as being somewhere on the spectrum
2. In some parts of the world, that’s a total of over 3 million customers who regularly shop at some of the establishments who may be participating in the week’s activities
3. Some 64% of autistic individuals avoid going to retailers because of possible issues with their condition
4. 99% of people have heard of autism
5. Only 16% of autistic people feel the public understands them
