An initiative to help families with autism do normal tasks has begun in the Maritimes and families in Central Alberta hope it heads this way too. 

A Sobey's in the Maritimes introduced a sensory-friendly hour every second Sunday to allow those shopping with autism in their family some ease.

“When families go in and these sensory issues initiate a meltdown, then of course parents with multiple children struggle in the stores,” explains Kitty Parlby, owner of Autism Inspirations in Alix.

“There’s also that feeling of judgement, everyone judging what’s happening and thinking they are spoiled kids or things like that and that prevents people from wanting to go out and it keeps them home, it keeps them isolated.”

She says this initiative could really help those small tasks like grocery shopping become normal again since loud noises and bright lights can often cause hardships while shopping.

 “It can bring a whole bunch of issues up that they might not get in a safer environment like at home, and it’s really hard for them to be part of the community and to get out and do normal shopping like everyone else.”

Some of the things the store has implemented during the hour include reducing lighting in the store about 50 per cent, the sounds turned down on the PA systems, music, telephones, and scanners at the register.

They also made sure that cart collection takes place before the hour starts so there's no loud clashing metal as the carts crash together.

Prince Edward Island stores implemented the idea just before Christmas and after their successful launch, it expanded to Nova Scotia.

“Children and adults with autism that go out often have sensory issues, and going into a store or a mall can be really hard.”

There is no word if the Sobey's chain will continue this initiative throughout the rest of their stores, but Parlby says she would hope to see it make its way to Central Alberta.