THE Scottish Government has announced more than £200,000 in funding for autism organisations to help people with autism who are struggling to cope with lockdown restrictions.
The additional funding, which stands to help an estimated 47,000 people with a diagnosis of autism, has been granted in recognition of the “extreme changes” they have faced in recent weeks. Almost £160,000 will be given to charity Scottish Autism, which will allow its helpline to operate seven days a week, while more than £45,000 will go to the National Autistic Society for online support.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said that the funding was intended to help organisations develop ways of countering social isolation, which people with autism may currently be facing. She added: “It is important autistic people know this support is there to help them and how to access it. This funding will help organisations provide autistic people and their families with a source of up-to-date information to manage their physical and mental health and wellbeing, as well as reduce social isolation by helping them forge sustainable and meaningful relationships.”
When lockdown restrictions came in – specifying that you should only leave your home once a day to take exercise and keep two metres away from anyone not in your household – autism charities reported being contacted with multiple concerns. Many told campaigners they had been stopped by police – or shamed by the public – because they seen to be flouting the guidance in some way.
In response the Scottish Government relaxed its rules to allow people with autism to go out more if they needed to, and clarified that social distancing did not apply to carers.
However charities have continued to raise concerns about insensitive and inappropriate policing in some instances. Following a case in Glasgow where a young man and his mother were stopped by the police in the park, leaving both upset, Nick Ward, director of the National Autistic Society Scotland wrote to Chief Constable Iain Thomas Livingstone asking that police officers are made aware of changes.
In response to the funding announcement Ward said: “With this funding we can increase the number of online social groups, where people can meet and talk about the things that are important to them, form meaningful relationships and feel more connected.”
Deputy CEO of Scottish Autism, Charlene Tait, added: “We are all too aware of the impact this crisis is having on the emotional, physical and mental wellbeing of autistic people and their families. This funding will enable us to reach out and support people.”
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