Autistic young Spaniards struggle under lockdown

Post Reply New Topic

Madrid REUTERS
For Susana Cristo and other parents of autistic children,Spain's strict coronavirus lockdown is proving harrowing and has led to insults and harassment and even fines.

Unlike most Spaniards,autistic people are allowed to go for walks,but the government only specified this week after decaring it's state of emergency,and both police and civilians are often unaware of the sitiuation.

The neighbors in surrounding tower blocks insult us,take photos,said Cristo,36,describing times she and her four year old ventured into the garden of the apartment building in Madrid,one person even called the police.

Stimulus is vital for the well being and cognitive development of people with autism,who struggle to grasp symbolic and imaginary concepts.

Spain has about 450,000 autistic people and restrictions on movement have interupted and potentially endangered the learning process for younger children with autism.

We will hold on as long as we have to,said Cristo,if three children are spared harasssment because of this article,I'll be happy.

My autistic kid is more than happy never to go outside... just like her autistic mother