Virtual reality has been used for the first time to increase the general public’s understanding of autism, with shoppers at intu Trafford Centre in Manchester donning headsets to experience a shopping centre visit from the perspective of an autistic child.
Recreating the sights and sounds of a shopping centre as experienced by someone on the autism spectrum, it is all part of work by the National Autistic Society and shopping centre owner intu to bring better support and awareness for autistic shoppers and their families.
It is the latest event in the National Autistic Society’ ‘Too Much Information’ public awareness campaign, launched in April to increase public understanding of autism. The charity found that 50% of autistic people and their families sometimes or often don’t leave their homes because they are worried about negative and judgemental responses due to a lack of understanding of autism.
Alex Marshall, the 10-year-old autistic star of the campaign film was at the launch and said: “I hate being in crowds and surrounded by too many people. Sometimes I need a lot of room, and when someone brushes past me, it’s as bad as someone pushing me. Small things can make me overwhelmed and have a meltdown.
See the full story here: https://www.intugroup.co.uk/media-centre/news/2016/june/virtual-reality-brings-autism-awareness-to-uk-shoppers/