NAS – Show your support for Autism Hour

10,000 Autism Hours are taking place from 6-13 October

It might seem early, but we know many of you are already planning for Christmas. However, for many autistic people Christmas shopping can be an overwhelming and unpleasant experience.

In fact, 64% of autistic people generally avoid going to the shops at any time, let alone the busy Christmas season. We want to change this, starting with our Autism Hour campaign.

Last year, the National Autistic Society engaged over 5,000 shops and services across the UK who committed to small changes that make a big difference.

But we need your help. Your gift could educate businesses on the simple changes they can make to be more autism friendly.

Kate Shaw, who is autistic, says, “Shops could also have better understanding of how Christmas is very difficult for a lot of autistic people because of the added sensory stimulation put around us. Christmas brings all kinds of different smells that you do not get all year round, so there is already an unfamiliarity which can make autistic people very anxious.”

We want to make it easier for businesses to be autism-friendly for people like Kate and to learn about just how positive these changes can be for autistic people and their families, especially in the run-up to Christmas. Could you help make a big impact with a gift today?

Making changes this Christmas and beyond

Crucially, we know that businesses that get involved in Autism Hour make long term changes. Morrisons supermarkets have introduced a quiet hour across all stores on Saturdays from 9am-10am.

Can you help us build a friendlier world for autistic people?

Together, we will be able to raise awareness of these small changes that make a big impact. And together, we can make real change and create a world that works for autistic people.
Thank you,

Ps Your donation will make a huge difference and you can find out more information about
how to get involved in creating autism friendly spaces.