Numerous shops, cafes and local businesses in Catrine took part in National Autistic Society’s Autism Hour, by offering an autism-friendly service.

Autism Hour is a project launched by the charity in 2017 to encourage shops and businesses to be more autism friendly.

Shops and businesses were supported by autistic children, adults and staff from National Autistic Society Scotland’s supported living service, Catrine Bank, and Daldorch House School by turning down music, dimming lights and shared information about autism to raise awareness among staff to create a calmer environment for 58,000 autistic shoppers in Scotland.

National Autistic Society Scotland staff also ran a series of workshops throughout the week so the public can understand more about the challenges facing autistic people.

It has been surveyed that 66 per cent of autistic people in Scotland avoid the shops and 27 per cent have been asked to leave a public place for reasons associated with their autism.

On Friday, October 11, Councillor Alyson Simmons attended a celebration event at a pop-up shop to accept thank you certificates which were presented by local autistic people, families and National Autistic Society Scotland staff.

From October 5-12, more than 1,250 shops and businesses across Scotland took part.

Autism is a life-long disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world.

Peter Jung, Head of Adult Services at National Autistic Society Scotland said: “I was so pleased how well the shops, businesses and local people in Catrine engaged with Autism hour. Once again Catrine came together to demonstrate their support for the work the National Autistic Society Scotland does locally, and I was delighted to present a certificate to say a big thank you for their continued efforts.”

Daldorch House School, based in Catrine offers fully individual care and education to autistic children from across Scotland.

Without the right support or understanding, autistic people can miss out on education, struggle to find work and become extremely isolated. Autism Hour is designed to highlight that small changes can make a big difference. The charity hope that businesses will be encouraged to introduce regular autism-friendly sessions after participating in the project.