TV NATURALIST Chris Packham is backing a scheme which is bidding to make shopping a “less challenging” experience for those with autism.

The Springwatch presenter, who lives in the New Forest, was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in 2005. He described shops as “a difficult environment”.

The National Autistic Society’s Autism Hour is about creating an autism-friendly shopping experience and is designed to show shops and businesses the simple steps they can take to make shopping a much more pleasant experience for autistic customers.

From October 6 to 13 Autism Hours will be staged, with shops turning down music, dimming bright lights, and sharing information about autism.

Businesses backing the scheme include Entertainer, Sainsbury’s, Argos, Lloyds Bank, Halifax, Bank of Scotland, Co-op and Schuh.

Mr Packham said: "I rarely go into supermarkets. I find that environment really challenging, all of the bright lights, the confusion of the enormous complexity of goods in there, plus all the smells and the sounds.

“It’s a difficult environment. And that’s why I’m very keen to support Autism Hour, those shops which offer an hour where they make the whole atmosphere a lot more relaxing for autistic people.”