By CAROLINE WILSON

SHOPS across Glasgow will dim their lights and turn down the music in a show of support for children and adults affected by Autism.

Businesses and services across the UK are being urged to make a few small changes for 60 minutes on October 2 for an inaugural event which aims to raise awareness about the effects of living with the developmental disability.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others.

More than 1 in 100 of the population have been diagnosed with it.

People with Autism find social situations difficult and struggle to filter out the sounds, smells, sights and information they experience, making them feel overwhelmed by ‘too much information’ when out in public.

Overwhelming noise is a common barrier to autistic people accessing shops. Lighting, particularly fluorescent strip lighting, can also be overwhelming for autistic people. Wherever possible, whilst maintaining a safe premises, lights should be dimmed or switched off.

The event has been organised by the National Autistic Society Scotland and is being supported by Intu Braehead.

Miriam Gwynn, whose eight-year-old twins Isaac and Naomi are autistic, said: “Going to the supermarket or shopping centres can be so stressful.

“My children become overwhelmed easily and become distressed.

“Something as little as quiet music, no flashing lights and less queues can make the difference between being able to go or not.

“If more shops and staff were aware and understood autism my family would be less isolated and able to enjoy shopping like everyone else. During Autism Hour, I can’t wait to take my twins to shops they

Jenny Paterson, director of The National Autistic Society Scotland, said: “Around 58,000 people in Scotland are autistic. Along with their families, that’s over 232,000 customers waiting to be welcomed into autism-friendly businesses.

“Taking part in Autism Hour involves making small changes that help autistic people to access and enjoy the shops, cinemas, swimming pools and other public spaces that many of us take for granted. I really hope businesses in Glasgow will sign up and take part.”

Although everyone is different, people on the autism spectrum ma be under or oversensitive to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours, which can make everyday life extremely difficult

The may also find social situations and change a challenge, sometimes leading to extreme levels of anxiety.

Glasgow businesses can sign-up for Autism Hour and download a free information and promotion pack by visiting autism.org.uk/get-involved/tmi/autism-hour.aspx