The UK Government has issued new guidelines regarding how many times a day people with autism are allowed to leave the house during the cornavirus lockdown.
The National Autistic Society had called for clarification after the Government had said that nobody could leave the house more than once a day for exercise, reports Liverpool Echo.
The society announced on their website that they told the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) that going outside for exercise is “important to the health and wellbeing of many children and adults with autism”.
“Sometimes, autistic people may need to go to quieter places, away from other people, even if these places are further away from their home.
“They may also need to be accompanied by a carer or support worker who is not someone they live with.”
Today, more than ever, we should cherish those who dedicate themselves to our care, heedless of their own health as they work tirelessly to care for people in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
The society says there was confusion with the initial guidance given by the Government after some people contacted them to say they had been “Stopped by the police for going out with carers, or judged by members of the public for going out too often”.
“Even seemingly small changes can feel catastrophic to autistic children and adults, so the coronavirus pandemic has been exceptionally challenging for the 700,000 autistic people in the UK and their families.” said Jane Harris, Director of External Affairs at the National Autistic Society.
“Going out for a walk is an important part of many autistic people’s routine and changing that may jeopardise their health and safety.”
