GLASGOW Science Centre will launch Autism Friendly Hours starting next month.

The new monthly events, which start on March 18, will see the attraction opening on a Sunday morning from 9am with all the fun but much less hustle and bustle.

As well as having the chance to explore hundreds on hands-on exhibits, guests can take part workshops, see a live science show and explore space during a planetarium show.

The move is part of a Community Learning programme, which supports groups and individuals to engage in learning and develop a love of science.

Sally Pritchard, Community Learning Coordinator at Glasgow Science Centre, said: “Everyone should be able to experience all Glasgow Science Centre has to offer and we are working hard to remove barriers to participation and encourage inclusion from all areas of society. We have engaged with Autism Network Scotland to make our staff more autism aware and help us understand what changes we can make to create an autism friendly visitor experience.

Glasgiw Science Centre can be an overwhelming sensory experience for people with autism so we are making adjustments to light and sound levels to allow them to visit without additional stress. In the Science Mall, calm corners and quiet rooms with weighted blankets and ear defenders will be available for visitors to use and custom maps of the Science Mall have been created that highlight potential noisy areas and sensory experiences.”

Glasgow Science Centre has also been working with Glasgow City Council, who aim to make the city centre the first autism-friendly city centre in the UK. The council is working with the business community, Autism Network Scotland and other organisations, with an initial focus on high footfall locations such as shopping centres, transport hubs, museums, cinemas and key operational staff across the city centre.

Visitors to the first Autism Friendly Hours on Sunday, March 18 can become a computer programmer as they learn about code, explore the world of magnets, solve a crime in DIY detectives and explore the Universe in the planetarium.

Lighting and volume levels will resume to regular levels from 11am. Entry for an adult or a child with autism is £9, which includes one accompanying adult free. Standard Science Mall prices apply for additional guests. Glasgow Science Centre will gather feedback from visitors on the pilot events, as they work to make the attraction as welcoming and accessible as possible, for all.

For more information visit www.glasgowsciencecentre.org