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An everyday activity such as a trip to the shopping centre can trigger a terrifying information overload for someone on the autism spectrum. Things that are background experiences for other people – blinking lights, tapping feet and ringing alarms – can overwhelm the senses of someone with the condition and trigger a reaction.

A 360-degree virtual reality video, created by the National Autistic Society (NAS), now lets you experience what it's like to be an autistic child experiencing such an information overload. The video puts viewers in the shoes of Alex, a real ten-year-old autistic boy, as he accompanies his mother on a trip to a shopping centre.


"I hate being in crowds and surrounded by too many people," said Alex. "Sometimes I need a lot of room, and when someone brushes past me, it’s as bad as someone pushing me."

The virtual reality experience was put together using the experiences and feedback of the autistic community. In the UK there are 700,000 people living with the condition.

The NAS launched its "Too Much Information" campaign to encourage public understanding about the condition. This 360 video follows their "Can you make it to the end?" video which challenged viewers to experience a shopping trip from the perspective of someone with autism.


"We're really excited to be the first charity using virtual reality to demonstrate what this aspect of autism can feel, see and sound like," said Mark Lever, chief executive of the NAS.

To watch the video in virtual reality, viewers can download the app here and watch in Google Cardboard or other VR headsets. It's also available as a 360-degree video on YouTube and is best viewed with headphones on for the most immersive experience.

The NAS will also be taking its video to shopping centres and schools around the UK to help improve the public's understanding of the condition.