Autism Awareness: Store Features 'Quiet Hour' For Shoppers With Autism

The retail store Asda came up with a remarkable gesture to help shoppers diagnosed with autism. The store will soon launch their "quiet hour" where individuals with autism can peacefully shop.

Asda Living's Cheetham Hill branch located in Manchester, England will soon launch their "quiet hour." The said activity is being sent towards shoppers diagnosed with autism and other special needs as per The Guardian. The retail store's aim is to provide a comfortable environment for their shoppers in order for them to enjoy their leisure time.

The "quiet hour" will start on May 7 wherein the retail store will turn off their music, television displays, escalators and even their PA system. The "quiet hour" is set every Saturday from 8:00 am to 9:00 am.

The store's manager, Simon Lea was the one who first came up with the "quiet hour." He came up with the idea after he saw a young man diagnosed with autism struggle as he went shopping. The boy had a hard time coping with the busy environment and the loud sound of the vicinity.

"When we open the doors you will be able to hear a pin drop," Mr. Lea told Manchester Evening News. "That's the plan. I suffered for many years with anxiety and I used to absolutely hate going into busy stores. If we can make a few small changes to give these customers a better shopping experience and make them comfortable then I know the store will be a better place to shop for everyone."

According to BCC, the National Autistic Society was delighted to know that Asda came up with "quiet hour." NAS pointed out that loud environment and bright lights can be awfully challenging for people with autism.

"Asda's initiative is a great example of an organisation taking the trouble to understand how autistic people experience the world and we hope other retailers are inspired to follow their example," Tom Madders, the NAS Campaign manager said.