Lockdown eased in NI for people with autism and learning disabilities

The UK government has updated its guidance to allow people with those conditions to leave the house for exercise more than once each day or to travel outside of their local area.

Kerry Boyd, chief executive officer of the charity Autism NI, said it is important police here are made aware of the changes.

“I am pleased that the UK government has relaxed the restrictions in order to support the autism community,” she said.

“I am in no doubt that this news will be welcomed by all of our autistic families throughout Northern Ireland.

“However, it is important that the PSNI is made aware of these changes and does not challenge any of our autism community unnecessarily.”

The updated UK guidance states: “If you (or a person in your care) have a specific health condition that requires you to leave the home to maintain your health - including if that involves travel beyond your local area - then you can do so. 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 - ideally in line with a care plan agreed with a medical professional.”

Ms Boyd said people with autism have been particularly impacted by the coronavirus restrictions.

“The sensory processing and communication difficulties that many autistic individuals experience can be compounded by a number of facilities and services being unavailable during this time and the new rules around social distancing,” she said.