Rules about wearing face masks on public transport and in shops are leaving people with autism in fear.
Face coverings will be compulsory in England’s shops from 24 July.
David Hilton fears public transport because of rules on masks
They have been compulsory on England’s public transport since 15 June.
In Scotland, everyone must wear a mask in shops and on public transport, except those with exemptions.
In Wales, face coverings will be mandatory on public transport from 27 July, again apart from those with exemptions. But people do not have to wear masks in shops in Wales.
In Northern Ireland, people must wear masks on public transport. The government there recommends wearing masks, but has not made them compulsory, in “enclosed spaces where social distancing is not possible”.
The rules are designed to slow the spread of coronavirus, but everywhere in the UK offers disability exemptions.
‘Simply cannot safely wear a mask’
Jane Harris, director of External Affairs at the National Autistic Society (NAS), said: “Many autistic people simply cannot safely wear a mask. It is very important that the rules say that people who cannot wear a mask due to a disability, don’t have to.
“The Government must communicate very clearly to shop owners, police and the public in general that some people cannot wear masks and the public should be understanding of this.
“Autistic people and their families have been through many hardships due to the lockdown. It would be totally unfair for them to feel trapped at home in fear of being harassed or abused for not wearing a mask.”
Fear of challenge
Nevertheless, some on the autism spectrum fear members of the public challenging them if they don’t wear a mask.
One of those affected in this way is David Hilton.
Hilton, who has autism, is avoiding public transport altogether.
He says wearing a mask would leave him scared and “uncomfortable”.
But the 48-year-old, from St Helens, fears people challenging him if he does not wear a mask.
Hilton normally takes a train to his job as a civil servant in Liverpool. He is working from home and plans to drive when his office reopens.
When the rule comes in for shops, Hilton says he may consider ordering online, but dreads corner shops.
Daughter will not wear a face covering
Parents have said some autistic children refuse to wear coverings.
One of these is Samantha Murray. She told the Leicester Mercury that her 17-year-old daughter Daisy, who has autism, will not wear a face covering.
And barrister Steve Broach has urged that disabled people “need everyone to know about the exemptions to avoid being harassed”.
Downloadable resources
The NAS has created a downloadable information sheet that autistic people can carry with them if they are worried about having to explain their autism while out and about. Click here to see and download it.
The organisation has also created an ‘I Am Autistic’ card, which you can print out and carry. Click here to see and download it.
Alternatively, you can also use the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower card. Order it here:
https://hiddendisabilitiesstore.com/hidden-disabilities-face-covering.html
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Published: 17 July 2020
