Evidence shows that if people are in enclosed spaces, for example on a train or in a shop, face coverings can help protect people from both getting and transmitting coronavirus if most people wear one. Therefore, the Government has said there are a number of situations and places when most people should be wearing one.

Many autistic people will be able to wear a face covering and we have heard from lots of people who have prepared themselves to do so. But for some autistic people it is too hard to wear one. This might be because of the sensory differences autistic people experience which may mean they might become really distressed and want to remove their mask. So, there are important exemptions in place for autistic people who struggle to wear a face covering.

In England, you have to wear a face covering on public transport and private hire vehicles as well as public indoor venues and shops unless you have a legitimate reason not to wear one. We have told the Government that staff, the public and the police need to know about these exemptions so that you or the person you support aren’t challenged. We have also produced an information sheet that you can share with anyone who asks you why you are not wearing a face covering and you can also download our I am Autistic card. 

You do not have to prove to anyone you are autistic to be exempt but If you are challenged or harassed because you are not wearing a face covering, try and speak to a staff member or show them your I am Autistic card. If you don’t feel comfortable or safe to do so you don't have to and you can report any incident like this to the police. It’s not okay for people, whether that’s the public or staff, to challenge people aggressively.

Exemptions on face coverings

The Government has said that you don’t need to wear a face covering if you have a legitimate reason not to. This includes:

• not being able to put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability.
• if putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress.

Therefore, if you are autistic and are unable to put on a face covering or find putting on a face covering really distressing you do not have to wear one. If the person you are supporting is autistic this also applies to them. You also do not have to wear a face covering yourself if that person relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate. 

Other examples where you don’t have to wear a face covering include:

• young children under the age of 11 (Public Health England does not recommend face coverings for children under the age of three for health and safety reasons)

to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others. If you do wear a face covering, there are times when you are allowed to remove it when you’re asked to:

• in a bank, building society, or post office for identification
• by shop staff for identification, for example when buying age-restricted products like alcohol
• speaking with people who rely on lip reading, facial expressions and clear sound. Some may ask you, either verbally or in writing, to remove your covering to help with communication.

It won’t be compulsory for shop or supermarket staff to wear face coverings, but many staff will wear masks, or be behind screens.

What to do if someone asks you why you’re not wearing a face covering

You do not need to prove that you are autistic to be exempt. But, we recommend you download and print our information sheet that you can share if you are asked why you are not wearing a face covering and you can also download our I Am Autistic Card. 

• Download our information sheet
• Download our I am Autistic Card
• Download our My Child is Autistic Card
• Download our This Person is Autistic Card

If you are challenged and would prefer to use the non-branded exemption cards you can

• Download the exemption cards – print format
• Download the exemption cards – badge format
• Download the exemption cards - mobile format

If you are challenged or harassed because you are not wearing a face covering, try and speak to a staff member or show them your I am Autistic card. If you don’t feel comfortable or safe to do so, you can report this to the police. 

Individual places’ rules on face coverings

We have been hearing some businesses are going beyond the Government guidance and telling everyone they have to wear a face covering, even if it’s not an enclosed space. This is wrong – as they should be allowing you not to wear one as a reasonable adjustment under the Equality Act 2010.

Guidance on use of face coverings in schools in England 

For the lockdown period from 6 January, schools have only been open to vulnerable pupils and the children of key workers. From 8 March, when all students will have returned to school, the Government has said that students at secondary schools and colleges will be required to wear face coverings in some situations: 

• in the classroom unless social distancing of 2 metres can be maintained
• in the corridors outside of lessons 
• in communal areas where social distancing might be difficult
• when using dedicated school transport. 

These rules apply to all teachers and students however the guidance states that the same exemptions apply in schools as in other public places like shops and on transport.

Importantly for autistic children who might struggle to wear a mask, the guidance says, “No-one should be excluded from education on the grounds that they are not wearing a face covering.” School staff are expected to be sensitive to the needs of individual students.

If you want advice or are worried about these changes, you can find out more about what help and support is available.