We asked our autistic colleagues for some tips about wearing face coverings when they are needed and what they have found helpful.

Prepare and practise

• Adjust to wearing a face covering by starting off with fun things – science experiments, cooking or just as a game.  Look at some fictional or computer game characters who wear masks.
• Put your mask in your pocket/bag/purse at the start of the day, or place it somewhere obvious so you don't forget to take it with you.  Make it a familiar and comfortable item rather than something awkward and different.
• Spray your face covering with your favourite scent (if you have one) to distract from any unpleasant or unfamiliar smells it might have. Alternatively, keep it outside for a few days or wash it with your normal detergent so it gets any synthetic smells out.
• Before you wear it for the first time rub the mask or face covering on your face so you can get used to the texture of the material on your skin.
• If you’re going shopping, make sure you have a list of everything you want before you to go the shop, and if possible where it is in the store, to help the trip be as short as possible. Face coverings are not mandatory in shops but some will still ask people to wear one, especially if it is busy.

Reducing anxiety about wearing a face covering

• Limit the amount of time you spend wearing it and do it only when it’s totally necessary, such as visiting a healthcare setting or a busy shop. Try to visit shops at quieter times of the day so you’ll spend less time in the shop and less time having to wear the face covering.
• Put your headphones on and listen to your favourite music or sounds while you shop, if you need to wear one in a shop.
• Carry your I Am Autistic card in your purse/wallet in case you have to take the face covering off or can’t wear one and need help explaining why. 
• Read the 'Mask Legislation'  information sheet so you know what the law is about wearing a mask. That way, if you need to take the face covering off at any point you can explain to people that you are exempt from the rules.
• If you are not wearing a face covering then let a trusted person know you are somewhere that asks you to wear a face covering and arrange for them to call you while you are there – if everything is fine you can reject the call but if someone is challenging you or you are becoming overwhelmed then you can answer it and they can support you verbally.
• Try to remind yourself that by not wearing a face covering as an autistic person you are still following the rules; the exemptions are there for a reason.
• Coping with the sensory aspects of wearing the mask
• If you can, buy a silicon mask bracket, this goes over your mouth and nose before the face covering to hold the fabric further away from your mouth to make talking/breathing a bit easier.
• You may never have noticed the smell of your breath before but any smells from your mouth will be intensified by wearing a face covering. Keep good oral hygiene and brush your teeth before you go out.
• You may need to put a scent free non-greasy moisturiser on the areas of your face that the face covering touches. This acts as a slight "tactile" barrier, but will depend of course on your ability to tolerate moisturisers on your skin.
• If you cannot tolerate a face covering, consider wearing a face shield when in enclosed places like shops or in places like a hospital or GP practice. These are now available quite cheaply online. This would give you a greater degree of confidence to go out and about as shielding has now been paused.
• Use all the things that you use the rest of the time to reduce anxiety when wearing your face covering. Things like counting, stimming in a way you’re comfortable, or distracting yourself can help. 

If you can’t wear a face covering remember...

• There will be perhaps a lot of other people not wearing face coverings for various reasons, especially where they are not mandatory - you will not be alone. As an autistic person, not wearing a face covering still means you are following the rules – the Government has included exemptions for a good reason.
• Whilst face coverings are now optional in the vast majority of places, some places will still ask you to wear a face covering and the Government says it “expects and recommends” that they are worn in crowded spaces. The exemption for autistic people still applies to these spaces.
• You might also find that you are able to wear a face covering some days when you feel calmer, but cannot on other days when you feel more anxious. This is absolutely fine and you can still rely on the exemptions when you need to.
• If you are challenged for not wearing a face covering, try and stay calm – you can use our resources to explain that you are exempt from the rules and do not need to wear a mask
• And remember – there may also be other people not wearing face covering for a variety of reasons.  Try and be considerate of their needs too and remember you won’t always be able to tell why someone isn’t wearing a face covering.