Lockdown Eased For People With Autism

The UK Government has amended its guidance concerning the coronavirus lockdown to allow people with autism and learning difficulties to be allowed to leave their homes more than once a day for exercise, just as the restrictions were extended for a further three-week minimum.

The Guardian reports that the amendments came after lawyers in England argued that the previous government of allowing non-essential workers to only leave their homes once a day for exercise or to shop for basic necessities was ‘unlawful and discriminatory’ for those who require more time outside for their mental well-being, due to certain health conditions.

The updated government guidance states that people with specific conditions, such as autism and learning disabilities, who need to leaver their homes in order to maintain their health, will now be allowed to do so ‘two or three times a day.’

“This could, for example, include where individuals with learning disabilities or autism require specific exercise in an open space two or three times each day”, the guidance reads.

However, this should ideally be in line with an agreed care plan advised by a medical professional.

Further clarification to the rules states that those with autism or specific health conditions are allowed to travel further than their local area, and more than once a day, but this should be limited as much as possible and also “ideally in line with an agreed care plan”.

The rules for social distancing have also been reiterated, and people should remain two meters apart from other individuals who are not part of your household at all times to halt the spread of the coronavirus.

However, this does not apply to your carers who can remain in close contact with you even if they live separately.

While the updated guidance had been issued on the official UK government website, the gov.wales website does not mention the amendments for people with autism.

Additionally, a Welsh Government spokesman confirmed that the Welsh government's guidance "differs slightly from other parts of the UK," and that First Minister Mark Drakeford was "considering some changes to these measures”.

Speaking to Wales Online, Margaret Hay, mother to five-year-old Rhys, who has been diagnosed with autism, said: "I cannot imagine why the same guidance doesn't apply in Wales, I hope it's just a delay.”

Autism charities have criticised the ambiguity of the guidance, which they say uses unclear language that is particularly challenging for people with learning disabilities such as autism.

Scottish Autism said some examples of the phrasing required clarity, for example, the guidance that “ideally they should have a care plan agreed with a medical professional”.

The charity has pointed out that not everyone with autism has such a plan, but emphasises that exercise is still a crucial element for their general well-being.

Scottish Autism is now working alongside the NHS to ensure more accessible, easy to understand guidance is available.

If you are seeking support for autism spectrum disorder, then get in touch today.

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