For people with autism, a shopping center offers “silent hours”

In Montpellier (Hérault), the Odysseum shopping center has set up “silent hours” every Wednesday morning (from 8:30 am to 11 am), intended for people with autistic disorders.

This initiative was born from a discussion between the management and a mother, whose child is autistic. “By exposing the difficulties encountered by his child in his daily environment, especially in places open to the public, a discussion was initiated with the team of the center on the means that could contribute to a more adapted reception”, explains the management of the Montpellier shopping center.

In this time slot, in the aisles, in the car parks and in the hypermarket, the sound animation is completely cut off and the light intensity is reduced to the maximum. The shopping center is also working to extend the system to as many stores as possible. Thus, people with sensory disorders, and in particular those with the autism spectrum, can enjoy a more relaxed visit.