THE Cornmill Shopping Centre will go quiet on October 2 as part of a nationwide Autism Hour scheme.

The Darlington centre is supporting the National Autistic Society's initiative, where shops and services will take 60 minutes to provide shoppers with autism a break from the overload of too much information, from 10am.

Retailers are being encouraged to turn down their music and other noise and dim the lights where possible in a bid to show support to the millions of shoppers who suffer from autism or have a family member who has Autism and perhaps finds the busy shopping environment too much sometimes.

NAS research shows 64 per cent of autistic people and families avoid even going out to the shops, with flourescent lighting and loud music providing a sensory overload, making the trip too daunting.

Centre Manager Susan Young said: “The mall music will be turned off and lights dimmed to show support to any shopper who struggles with the hustle, bustle and noise."