Doncaster stores urged to sign up for nationwide autism shopping hourÂ

The National Autistic Society is hosting its second Autism Hour when for one hour, shops and businesses across the country will be urged to make their shops more welcoming for people with autism.

Initiatives will include turning lights and music down and raising awareness about the condition.

The event will run between October 6 and 13 and firms can arrange events to suit.

More than 1 in 100 of the population have been diagnosed with autism '“ more than three million people across the country.

A spokesman for the NAS said: 'For autistic people, the world can seem full of too much information - and too little understanding.

'64% of autistic people avoid going to the shops so we're asking shops and businesses to organise an Autism Hour and take simple steps for 60 minutes that lead to a more autism-friendly world. 

The project involves:

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 NAS will provide information about autism to help staff make customers' experience a positive one.

Last year, more than 5,000 retailers took part in Autism Hour and there are hopes even more will get involved this year.

To sign your business up, click HERE