Big challenge for Scotland’s 58,000 autistic people

Scottish Government guidelines during the lockdown allow autistic people and those with learning disabilities to leave home more than once a day to exercise or travel beyond their local area should they need to for health reasons.

Nick Ward, director of the National Autistic Society Scotland said:“The lock down has fundamentally changed life and this can be very challenging for Scotland’s 58,000 autistic people, where for many, exercising in a safe way is very important to their physical and mental health and wellbeing.”

National Autistic Society Scotland is working to tackle the social isolation faced by autistic people across the country by launching a programme of online social groups. The disruption of daily life and routine resulting from the pandemic and the ‘lock down’has been very challenging for autistic people and their families many of whom are struggling with mental health and intense anxiety.

Research from the charity has also shown that two thirds of autistic people in Scotland feel socially isolated and this was before social distancing was introduced in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

The social groups programme online provide a safe and supported space where people can share their thoughts and gain confidence from each other as well as hearing from staff who can share information on staying safe and healthy. More information can be found at www.autism.org.uk.

Scottish Autism meanwhile have develoepd a digital version of the Scottish Autism Covid-19 Alert card at www. scottishautism.org/advice-line-plus. This can be personalised and can be completed

Huge enjoyment Lewis, pictured above with big brother Daniel, loves getting out with dad on early morning and night time walks but going further afield is just not possible either by the person with autism themself or by their carer.