Part of the autism hour campaign encourages businesses and public spaces to make small changes to become more autism friendly, and to introduce regular quiet hours.1
Where possible, in-store announcements and other controllable noise should be reduced and lights should be dimmed or switched off, if possible, while maintaining a safe premises. Training staff to raise awareness of autism and on how to provide autistic customers with the best experience possible should also be part of the plan.
As the environment in a shop or pharmacy can be overwhelming, it also helps to give autistic people more time to process information in the way they prefer, hopefully reducing stress and anxiety. The availability of a quiet room can be something to include on the business’s social media and instore signage along with details of when the store will operate its quiet hours.
During Covid, businesses have been setting aside regular store times for the vulnerable and there is no reason why this should not include autistic people. It can also help to have clear signage about face coverings and social distancing exemptions to help autistic people and to remind other customers of invisible conditions.