Are children with autism classed as vulnerable?

[Giveronyoursausage]

I've been given the chance to return to work but my employers don't want anyone who is at risk or living with someone at risk to return.
My ds has asd and I'm not sure if I can go or not can anyone help?

[ArriettyJones]

Autism isn’t on the shielded list.

Possibly my brain is porridge at this point but I’m not sure there is an official “vulnerable” list.

Certainly, autism doesn’t make you physically vulnerable, does it?

I have D.C. on the spectrum and that alone wouldn’t occur to me as a reason for extra precautions.

[NotEverythingIsBlackandwhite]

I would say no unless they have other issues. I don't think those who are 'just' autistic have any extra risk of suffering respiratory issues?

[FurryCat1978]

If your child has an EHCP I think you can access school provision in some cases; I was asked by my DDs school if I wanted her to be included in their list. She has an SEN Early Years Plan, with an EHCP in progress.

[pocketem]

Autism isn't on the list, clearly

[cabbageking]

There are different lists with different meanings.

He might be classed as vulnerable in school depending if he has an SEND need but that is not vulnerable re being at risk of catching anything. So in this case unless he has health issues ASD by itself is not classed as vulnerable.

[Fabellini]

Ds1 has asd as well as associated learning difficulties - he’s a young adult, not a child, but I am doing everything in my power to isolate us (and his younger brother), because if I fall ill, he certainly couldn’t manage at all.

[LittleRa]

Does she have an EHCP?

[LittleRa]

Sorry, I mean he

[Giveronyoursausage]

I'm well aware autism clearly isn't on the list thanks for the sarky comment. I was wondering how people were interpreting the learning disability part as my ds has asd associated learning difficulties.

[Giveronyoursausage]

Yes he has an ehcp hes 12 and wouldn't understand what would happen if anyone of us caught it.
I'm trying to shield him as much as possible.

[heartsonacake]

You are fine to return to work. You are not living with anyone who is at more risk.

[DottyWott]

My DS has autism and is more vulnerable in a real sense, although not by any official definition. Reasons include: he lacks awareness of feeling ill until a very late stage, he is prone to dehydration because he drinks a limited amount at the best of times, he has sensory issues which mean taking medication is a difficulty - I really struggle to get his temp down because I can’t get him to take paracetamol regularly, if he became v unwell and needed hospital care he would be very distressed and unlikely to comply with the the wearing of oxygen masks, nebulisers etc

[Giveronyoursausage]

That's exactly like my son and that's what I'm worried about.
I want to go back to work , I'm ready to go back luckily my employers are not forcing us back so I might just stay off another couple of weeks and see what happens.

[PumpkinP]

We were offered a place at school
For dd as she has autism and a ehcp, but we declined it. Autism on its own wouldn’t make you more vulnerable to the virus though.

[Saladmakesmesad]

The government advice about working from home hasn’t changed, why are they wanting you to return?

[Ineedtobecalm]

Are there behaviours associated with autism that might put them more at risk?

I have a ds with ASD and he's not good at personal space boundaries, constantly explaining the 2m rule but he would still go up to a stranger in the supermarket and start chatting.

[okiedokieme]

Autism is not a vulnerability issue - unless they have another condition eg dd has seizures

[Sleepyblueocean]

Children and adults with a learning disability are on the flu vaccine list so in that respect are vulnerable.

Dh has been put on the 'more vulnerable' list at his workplace because of us having a child with autism and a severe learning disability who requires a high level of care - not not working but given the choice of quieter shifts.

[GrumpyHoonMain]

Could he be admitted to hospital without any problems and allow any necessary treatment to go ahead? If not then the answer is he probably is more vulnerable and you should stay at home to ensure he doesn’t get it

[Giveronyoursausage]

Sorry I don't know how to tag people. I work in a warehouse and they are doing a limited reopening and are asking for volunteers to return. I'm currently furloughed.

[Sleepyblueocean]

Ds is not at extra risk in terms of his health but if he did need hospital treatment he cannot communicate, wouldn't be able to follow instructions or comply and his behaviour would be a risk to others if well enough to move ( pulling masks off etc).

[Sleepyblueocean]

The other thing to consider is how difficult would it be to care for your son if you got it more severely.

[Giveronyoursausage]

I think it's the what ifs that are bothering me the most and trying to get him to understand it all. I also have a daughter who is nt and younger than ds.

[TheRuralJuror]

Does he have an HCP (paediatrician, LD nurse, GP) who you could ask about his needs specifically putting him at higher risk and ask their opinion, by phone or email??

There are complex needs that will put some people at higher risk and it is a perfectly valid question

[Giveronyoursausage]

I never thought of emailing his paediatrician thanks