I am going to do a very short thread on what I think about the new government guidelines on autistic people leaving their homes during #lockdownuk. https://twitter.com/AutisticPb/status/1249799972423376899

Firstly, this is very welcoming news. I think that it is important for autistic people to go outside to get some fresh air and exercise; it would feel overwhelming and stressful for an autistic person to have to stay at home for many weeks. #ActuallyAutistic

This is also a good thing because it doesn't break the routine of going outside occasionally. It would be a significant change for an #autistic person to have to stay at home for many weeks because of #lockdownuk. #ActuallyAutistic

Whilst the police does know about this new guidance, the police does not who is autistic and who isn't. It is not possible to judge whether someone is autistic or not by looking at them. Therefore, unfortunately, I can expect that anyone can get stopped by police whilst walking.

It is quite clear that autistic people will not get punished if they are going outside during #lockdownuk. However, it can be very stressful for an autistic person to get stopped by the police when they are walking outside during #lockdownuk. #ActuallyAutistic

Therefore, I have asked for clarity from the National Autistic Society ( @Autism) and some other people on what autistic people can do if they get stopped by the police for walking outside during #lockdownuk. Once I receive clarification, I will post it on this thread.

I would like to take this opportunity to reassure all #autistic people that you will not get punished if you go outside according to the new guidelines which can be found at https://www.autism.org.uk/get-involved/media-centre/news/2020-04-09-guidance-on-exercise-coronavirus.aspx. The police are aware of the new guidelines. #ActuallyAutistic

I hope you found this thread helpful. Once I receive further clarification, I will post it on this thread. Thanks.