Coles Wendouree will trial Quiet Hour from 10.30am to 11.30am on Tuesday each week.

It will allow people with autism to shop without the overwhelming sound and visual distractions that can lead to sensory overloads.

The trial is a joint initiative with Autism advocacy group Aspect Australia.

About one in 100 Australians are on the autism spectrum.

An Aspect study earlier this year revealed bright lights, register beeps and queuing were the most common cause of concern for people with autism.

In response Coles Wendouree will reduce these to prevent sensory overloads.

There will also be no PA announcements, except in emergencies, and extra staff to support the trial.

Coral Loader, whose son Corey has autism, said it was a big difference for people on the spectrum.

“When you walk into a supermarket it is a bit of a nightmare,” she said.

“You wouldn’t normally drag your kid to something that frightens them, but in our world we have to do the shopping, so you don’t get a choice.”

Coles first trialled the Quiet Hour in Melbourne, but will now roll it out to 68 stores.

The company chose Tuesday mornings because it was a peak shopping time for people on the autism spectrum and their carers.

At 16, Corey has become used to shopping, but Mrs Loader said it was good to see Coles make it easier for people with disabilities.

“There is a lot of white noise the kids are taking in while also trying to follow their parents,” she said.

Ms Loader said other shoppers often judged parents of children who were having a meltdown in the supermarket.

“I had people say to me, ‘why are you even bringing them to the supermarket’,” she said.

“You also want your child to have a normal life and be able to go out, not be stuck at home all the time.”

Coles Quiet Hour will be available to everyone with sensory overload issues, or who people who want to complete their shop.