Morrisons has been working with the National Autistic Society and launched ‘Quieter Hour’ across all of their 493 stores. Every Saturday from 9am to 10am will see store lighting dimmed, background music switched off, loudspeaker announcements avoided if possible and other noises, such as the beeps at checkout counters, turned down.

Tom Purser, Head of Campaigns at the National Autistic Society, said:  “Around 700,000 people are on the autism spectrum in the UK. This means they see, hear and feel the world differently to other people, often in a more intense way, which can make shopping a real struggle.

“At the National Autistic Society we know that even small changes can make a big difference to the lives of autistic people and their families. Shops can help by lowering lighting and noise levels and giving staff training about autism.

“Morrisons’ Quieter Hour is a step in the right direction for autistic people and their families, making shopping more autism-friendly.”

Sign up to Autism Hour

The National Autistic Society is encouraging businesses and organisations to sign up to Autism Hour during 6 to 13 October.

The aim is to get thousands of shops and businesses involved to make simple changes and establish regular Autism Hours, as Morrisons have done.

Click here to sign up.