- Starting November 10, Walmart will offer “sensory-friendly” hours in its stores from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Meanwhile, Walmart stores in the U.S. will dim overhead lights and turn off the music.
- For people with conditions such as autism, ADHD, and PTSD, low-sensory environments can be more calming.
Starting today, things will look a little different inside your local Walmart in the morning. Your local location allows him to start his day with a bit of quiet and reduced brightness.
Due to popular demand, Walmart announced earlier this week that it would permanently implement “sensory-friendly hours” at all stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Sensory Friendly Time was first tested during the back-to-school season. And after an “overwhelmingly positive” response, sensory-friendly moments will now become the norm.
During this time in the morning, stores dim some of the store’s lights, turn off the music and play “still images” on TV wall screens, Walmart said. Starting today, November 10th, Sensory Friendly Hours will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. every day. It looks like Sensory Friendly Hours are here to stay, as Walmart says there is “no scheduled end date.” .
Walmart said many customers liked the change and asked the company to maintain sensor-friendly hours. Much of the feedback seems to come from parents of children with autism.
Things like bright lights, loud music, and large crowds can cause sensory overload. People with autism, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to experience sensory overload.
Sensory overload can be extremely painful, both physically and mentally, for those experiencing it, experts previously told Insider. It can cause irritability, difficulty concentrating, racing heart, fatigue and a strong desire to escape from whatever situation a person is in.
Anyone can shop during sensory-friendly hours, although the main target may be people with certain conditions. If you usually find Walmart a little too chaotic, try going for an early morning run.
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