We know that many autistic children and adults will want to pay their own personal tribute to the Queen by visiting the ceremonial and commemorative events that are taking place following her sad death, including the planned Lying-in-State.

With the number of visitors to these events expected to reach into the hundreds of thousands, there is likely to be limited scope for making these events and experiences autism-friendly.  However, there are some things that you can do to try and make your experience as comfortable as possible if you plan to attend. 

Accessible queuing scheme

The Government have arranged an accessible queuing scheme for people who want to visit the Lying-in-State but have “a disability or long-term condition which means they are unable to queue for an extended period of time”. 

You can apply to the accessible queuing scheme from 5pm on Wednesday 14th September. For details you should visit the Government’s guidance web page

Plan your journey

Getting to the events will be one of the biggest challenges.  Transport for London has shared some helpful guidance on planning and making your journey.

You can also read other autism-friendly guides to travelling by: 

• Train
• London Underground

Prepare for the events

Crowds, queues and noise will be an inevitable part of any visit to the ceremonial and commemorative events taking place in the capitals of the UK.  The biggest of these events will be taking place in London at the Palace of Westminster. 

Prepare yourself for the experience of these by visiting the Government’s advice web page. Where any visual guides are created, we will also share them here and on our social media.

There is a virtual tour of the Houses of Parliament, which includes Westminster Hall which you can look at before your visit to familiarise yourself with the environment. However, remember, it will look and feel very different when filled with hundreds of other people.

Take everything you need with you

Make sure you have everything you need.  Once in a queue or part of a large crowd it will be very difficult to get to a shop or café so take plenty of food and drink with you. But do bear in mind that any food or liquids must be consumed in the queue or disposed of before you enter the security search point at the Palace of Westminster. Take any essential medication with you as well as any sensory supports to help deal with what is likely to be a sensory overwhelming environment.

You can download our I am autistic card or My child is autistic card to take with you as a support.

If you can not cope with attending, plan your own tribute

If the idea of crowds, queues and noise is too much for you then plan your own personal tribute to the Queen.  You can follow the ceremonial procession on television, radio and online. 

Further information

Guidance has been issued for how public can attend Her Majesty The Queen’s Lying-in-State at Westminster Hall