Post #30 Face masks & coverings: exemption cards & ways to prepare your child

A further update regarding face masks and coverings - compulsory in shops and enclosed spaces.

It will be compulsory from 24th July to wear a  mask or face covering in shops and enclosed spaces. It is increasingly likely that your children will see people wearing  masks and face coverings, so preparing them for this change is essential.

Children under 11 are exempt. People with certain disabilities are also exempt so your autistic son or daughter should not be required to wear a face covering. However, as we know, autism is a hidden disability so you may need to carry an autism alert card to ensure those around you are made aware of your child's autism. You can download a card (free) from the National Autistic Society: NAS download autism alert card

Or: Exemption cards from keepsafe.org.uk/posters

Preparing your child is an essential proactive step to reduce their anxiety and fears. Both the wearing of any type of face mask or covering, and seeing others wearing such items, may cause increased anxiety. Wearing of masks may be difficult due to sensory hypersensitivities which mean that some children will not be able to tolerate wearing a mask or covering. Experimenting with different fabrics may help and using fabric which includes the child's favourite character may reduce anxiety and add some motivation.

Taking the fear out of face masks & coverings is essential. Practising both the wearing of and seeing masks might be done in fun ways at home to prepare your child. Play peek-a-boo or hide and seek wearing face coverings. Take photos of family members wearing masks and play 'guess who'.

Providing information about the use of face masks and coverings is an important part of preparing your child - a Social Story may be helpful (see my post 'Using a Social Story to prepare your child for going back to school - with symbols Part 3'). The Autism Research Institute have provided a Social Story 'I can wear a mask' which you may also find helpful: Social Story- I can wear a mask. 

Or try this story: Seeing other people wearing masks

https://www.autismresourcecentral.org/social-stories-for-young-and-old-on-covid-19/

There are lots of other examples of Social Stories available here: Social Stories for Young and Old on COVID-19

For youngsters who like to know the facts, an information sheet or a social article explaining why they may see people wearing masks or face coverings should help their understanding. Or direct them to a website where they can access information, such as: BBC news face masks update

Face masks and coverings create barriers to communication and pose particular difficulties as facial communication is reduced to 'seeing what eyes are saying'.

https://www.autismresourcecentral.org/social-stories-for-young-and-old-on-covid-19/

This will make visual supports for communication all the more important, to ensure that communication remains meaningful and to reduce anxiety. Recognising other people may also poses challenges and cause fear. Again, visual supports can help, for example by using photographs to ensure a person can be recognised. See this article by Linda Hogdon, with more ideas regarding face masks: Face masks & fear - use visual strategies

Face masks and coverings are likely to be with us for some time to come. This is another big change for your son or daughter and they will need support and time to adjust to make this a new routine.