Spain's strict measures on outdoor activity is proving especially difficult for families with autism sufferers and has led parents to make some difficult decisions.
Harassment and even the threat of fines for being outside have been weighed up against the wellbeing of loved ones.
Adam Reed reports..
The problems arising from lockdown measures being enforced in major cities around the world has been taking its toll in a variety of ways.
And for parents of children with autism in the Spanish capital of Madrid, the ability to have any time outdoors can mean so much more.
Unlike most of the country right now, autistic people are legally entitled to go for walks.
But it’s often the case that both police and civilians are often unaware of the rules.
Madrid resident Susana Cristo has been managing the situation with the needs of her autistic four-year-old daughter Olivia.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) SUSANA CRISTO ANZOLA, MOTHER OF GIRL WITH AUTISM OLIVIA, SAYING: “Some people have called the police, others have shouted at us, they have taken pictures of her." Autism suffers benefit greatly from regular physical stimulation, particularly outdoors.
Disruptions or interruptions to their daily ability to interact have been known to severely hinder the learning process for young children.
Susana fears a period of regression for Olivia, who's past sleep troubles have returned and faces a lack of opportunities to engage.
It’s a similar story for Irene Donoso, who has also become wary of being outdoors to accompany her autistic 20-year-old brother Marco on his daily walks in their Madrid neighbourhood.
She asks him why he likes to be outdoors, to which he replies "Because I want to have a walk." "Does this make you happy?” asks Irene.
Marco’s response, simply “Yes.” Spain’s state of emergency remains in place, although its near total shutdown showed signs of easing this week.
For relatives of those with conditions like autism, the confinement continues to force them to make difficult decisions to protect their loved ones.