A new scheme to turn Deal and Dover into an autism friendly district has garnered more support from shop and restaurant owners ahead of its launch tonight (Tuesday).

The Mercury has teamed up with the National Autistic Society (Dover and Deal Branch) to help business owners understand how to ease awkward situations when an autistic person enters difficulties while in their shops, restaurant or hotel.

Distinctive branding in shop windows will act as a seal of confidence to families and individuals who are affected, pinpointing to locals and tourists exactly which businesses are leading the way in tolerance and understanding.

Deal and Walmer Chamber of Trade has endorsed the free scheme, which we have called Autism Aware.

Chairman Peter Jull said: “We at the Chamber look forward to finding out how we can help people with autism and their families.”

"It will bring benefits to Deal and the wider area by attracting more visitors and tourists to the town” Charlie Elphicke, MP

Charlie Elphicke, MP for Deal and Dover, was quick to speak of the benefits to local commerce, tourism and improving the experiences of shoppers and diners.

He said: “Deal has the High Street of the Year so to have business owners autism aware is not only the right thing to do, it will bring benefits to Deal and the wider area by attracting more visitors and tourists to the town.”

Stephanie Hayman, of the Chequers Community Kitchen, said: “This is a timely and very helpful initiative and we are pleased to support the initiative and the local Autism Society.”

Autistic people sometimes take part in the Chequers Kitchen’s cookery classes or go as guests to the restaurant.

Tuesday’s 90-minute launch is at the Astor Theatre at 6pm and is open to business owners, restaurateurs, hoteliers and supermarket staff, anyone interested in promoting themselves under the Autism Aware umbrella.

A brief and informal talk will be given by a family support officer from the Kent Autistic Trust.

Already Dunkerley’s, the King’s Head, and the Astor Theatre have pledged to become Autism Aware venues, meaning they can use the branding on their websites, and in brochures, putting themselves and Deal as a town forward as a tourism magnet.

Jo Blamires, family support officer for the Kent Autistic Trust said, “Children and adults with autism can find shopping, eating out and other everyday activities extremely difficult to cope with because of sensory issues, anxiety or simply because their behaviour is not understood by other people.

“For these people and their families, a little understanding can go a long way so I am delighted to have been asked to contribute to this campaign.”

• Come along to the launch of Autism Aware at the Astor Theatre at 6pm on Tuesday. The informal talk is an opportunity to network with other businesses, discuss disabilities in an open forum and enjoy some refreshments. Email brobson26@googlemail.com for more information