IF you are out shopping this week, you might notice shops are a little bit quieter. 

That's because between now and Saturday more than 10,000 shops and businesses across the country will be making adjustments to make shopping easier for autistic people and their families.

There are 30,000 Autism Hours taking place this week which includes  turning down music and other noise, dimming the lights and sharing information about autism with their employees.

The National Autistic Society launched the campaign to give autistic people a break from being overloaded with 'too much information'. 

A spokesman added: "For autistic people, the world can seem full of too much information – and too little understanding.

"That's why we launched the Too Much Information campaign to challenge the myths, misconceptions and stereotypes that contribute to 79% of autistic people feeling socially isolated and 64% of autistic people avoiding going to the shops."

What's involved in an Autism Hour?

Turning down music and other noise:

Overwhelming noise is a common barrier to autistic people accessing shops. Where possible, in-store tannoy announcements and other controllable noise should be reduced.

Dimming the lights:

Lighting, particularly fluorescent strip lighting, can be overwhelming for autistic people. Wherever possible, whilst maintaining a safe premises, lights should be dimmed or switched off.

Sharing information about autism with employees:

The charity says they don't expect everyone to be an 'autism expert' but they believe everyone should 'understand' autism.

A spokesman added: "We'll provide information about autism to help your staff make your customers' experience a positive one."

Which stores are taking part?

You can find your nearest store participating in Autism Hour by clicking here

In Warrington participating stores include both Sainsbury's supermarkets, The Entertainer, Clarks Shoes, Argos, Pets at Home and Home Bargains on Riverside Retail Park and Junction Nine Retail Park and a number of Co-Op branches 

A number of Trafford Centre stores will have quiet hours this week up until Saturday from 10am to 11am.

They include: 

  • Abercrombie & Fitch
  • Apple
  • Boots
  • Build a Bear
  • Burtons
  • Clarks
  • Dorothy Perkins
  • GBK
  • Glamourous
  • Hamleys
  • Hollister
  • Hotel Chocolat
  • John Lewis
  • Kutchenhaus
  • Legoland Discovery Centre
  • Lush
  • Monsoon
  • Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe
  • Pandora
  • Trafford Treetop Adventures
  • River Island
  • Sea Life
  • Silentnight
  • Swarovski
  • Waterstones