Autism, passport photos and looking at the camera

[MummySharkDoDo]

My dd is autistic, she is nigh impossible to get to look at the camera. She will sit neutrally but looking to the side always. Will they accept this if I add a note?

I would go to a professional passport photographer. I don't think they would accept anything not meeting their rules of which there are many.

Do you mean eyes to the side or head turned? Could you take your own photo on your phone?

We had the same trouble with my dd who has autism too but once they are over 5 they will not except it even with a note unfortunately. If your daugter is under 5 they are a lot more lenient.
We took my daughter to a professional. It took a while but we got one of her looking forward with open eyes eventually. Luckily the photographer was very patient.

Says if they are under 6 they don't need to look directly at camera, you can now upload photos online and tells you instantly if accepted. I would just spend £6 or whatever and get it done professionally.

I spoke to the passport office - they were really helpful. In my case, I had to include a medic's letter with the application.

She will sit nicely, neutral, but looking out the side of her eyes. Any attempt to get eyes toward results in an expression change in reaction for the darting look forward. Otherwise it’d be the perfect photo, it’s just her eyes. Considering we can’t do it at home when relaxed there’s no chance in a strange place with a stranger she would, she’d be pawing the door

They are not lenient at all. My advice, just try everyday at home. Take a few every day, one day you might hit lucky. Play the long game.

Does she never have eyes forward? Passport info says this:

If you can’t meet the passport photo rules

If you have a disability that means you can’t meet the passport photo requirements, you should:

explain in section 8 of the application form, or in the additional information box if you apply online

include a letter from your doctor or consultant that says what your condition is and whether it’s permanent or temporary

We sat DS on the sofa, put a white bed sheet on the sofa behind him to act as background. We put on his favourite show, waited for him to become engrossed then snapped some photos with our phones by holding them up in front of what he was watching. We’ve done that both times he’s needed his passport photo done and both sets of photos were accepted.

We wasted so much money trying to get a professional to get a phot but DS wouldn’t look at him.

I like the tv idea!