A CAMPAIGNING East Renfrewshire man has welcomed a decision to relax lockdown rules for people with autism and learning disabilities.

Instructions issued by the UK Government state that people can only leave their home for exercise once a day, with police given powers to fine anyone who flouts the law.

However, the rules were amended last week to allow those with autism or learning disabilities to leave their home for exercise more than once a day.

They can also travel outwith their local area, which is contrary to the lockdown measures being followed by the general public.

Michael McEwan, chairman of East Renfrewshire Disability Action (ERDA), said the move will help to prevent vulnerable people having their routine broken.

He told the Barrhead News: “Those with autism and/or learning disabilities are often isolated as it is and, when you put the pandemic on top of that, it makes it worse for them.

“I was happy to see that the government are relaxing the rules for them because people with autism need to be stimulated and keep to their routine and, with everything that is going on, they don’t really know what is happening.

“If they don’t have their routine, it can become very confusing for them.

“If you break their routine, you will upset that particular person and life becomes slightly alien to them.”

The updated guidance was issued after lawyers were approached for help by two families with children on the autistic spectrum.

It 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.”

Anyone who would like more information about the support available through East Renfrewshire Disability Action should visit the website here.

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