High streets will go “quiet” later this year as part of a project to raise awareness of autism, it has been announced.

The National Autistic Society has asked shops and business premises to keep noise levels to a minimum for one hour in October.

It said “Autism Hour” will help draw attention to the difficulties posed by noisy environments.

Shops will turn down music, reduce tannoy announcements and dim lights to help create a calming environment, it said.

Shop workers will also be given information about autism and how they can support autistic people.

Clarks and Toys R Us are just some of the “big name” retailers to have signed up thus far.

Mark Lever, Chief Executive of the National Autistic Society, said: “We’re delighted by the response to Autism Hour so far. These simple steps will lead to a more autism-friendly world.”

The Society found that 79 per cent of autistic people feel social isolated and 64 per cent avoid going to shops. Likewise, a further 28 per cent have been asked to leave a public place because of something associated with their autism, while just 16 per cent of people with autism feel the wider public understands them.