Shopping for holiday gifts can feel like navigating a minefield, especially when you add in the twinkling lights, festive tunes, and throngs of people. It’s a sensory overload that can be particularly challenging for children with autism. That’s why Toys R Us stores in the UK are rolling out a “quiet hour” specifically for families with autistic kids.
According to the marketing director at Toys R Us, Max Donovan, making a few simple tweaks to the shopping environment can transform the experience for children and young adults with autism. On Nov. 6, participating stores will tone down the lights, minimize fluorescent glare, pause the in-store music, and skip loudspeaker announcements. Employees will post autism-friendly signage and establish quiet zones for families to escape the overstimulation.
“It’s a simple trip to the store that can turn into a stressful ordeal for many autistic individuals and their families,” explained Sarah Lane, autism access coordinator for the British Autism Society. “When you have bright lighting and constant announcements, it can be overwhelming.” For some kids, this sensory overload can lead to physical discomfort—definitely not the holiday spirit we want to promote!
The quiet hour concept is brilliant. We’ve been champions of this initiative since another UK retailer started offering similar accommodations. And with Toys R Us being an American brand, we’re crossing our fingers that U.S. locations will follow suit. The expansive aisles filled with exciting toys should be accessible to everyone! “Small changes like this can greatly impact the lives of over 700,000 autistic individuals in the UK and their families,” Lane added. “We hope more retailers will take a cue from Toys R Us.”
We’re all for it! It would be wonderful if major stores like Target, Walmart, and others joined in the fun next holiday season.
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In summary, Toys R Us is paving the way for a more inclusive shopping experience by offering quiet hours for kids with autism, allowing families to enjoy the magic of the toy store without the chaos. Let’s hope this trend spreads across the U.S. and becomes a holiday staple!