Tools/Links for a panicking Aspergers man

Hi all

I'm new to these discussions and forums, but I need some help. I have Aspergers Syndrome (am 23), and I just read that the government in England is going to mandate that masks be worn in all shops from July 24th.

I am freaking out, as I suffer with serious sensory overload when anything is in contact with my mouth/nose (public transport has been hell, been walking almost everywhere where possible), I'm wondering if anyone has any advice as I rely on doing my food shopping in store (I can't get delivery slots anywhere near me). I haven't asked for help before now as I've been scared of people in public looking down at me but now it's too much.

If anyone has links to any places/websites that are able to help with some kind of (preferably discreet) way for people to identify that I have a hidden disability, I'd be more than forever grateful.

Parents
  • Hey,

    I felt pretty much the same way when I read the news report about masks. So far I've found them to be hell, and the only way I manage is by shutting off my other senses (e.g. sitting in my Dr's office with my eyes closed). This is less than ideal when attempting to shop.

    So far, my only solution is to order a mask that's more rigid, so that there's not a tonne of material directly touching my face, just the bit around the edge. It's not arrived yet, so will have to see when it does. I don't know if that'd help you at all. 

    Wrt food shopping, if you drive, or have someone who will drive for you, you could try 'click and collect' (this is Tesco's version, but other supermarkets offer it too), where you pick up food from a van in the supermarket car park. That way you wouldn't have to enter the store, and they're generally easier to get slots for I think. 

    I hope you can find something that works for you.

  • I'm at a loss regarding shopping. I have no family support, nor anyone who drives and is able to be helping with click and collect. Do you have any particular mask(s) which have helped in any major way?

  • buy a mask/make a mask with black polka dots. Then cut out some of the black polka dots so you have no problem breathing no one will notice the difference :)

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