They’ve lost their routines. Their normality has been destroyed, before it was as if every day they let themselves be guided on paths that led them to the same places, giving them a security that brought them meaning, tranquility and even joy, helping autistic children during the coronavirus crisis is another. priority that we must take into account. Today, many families face serious problems with this new reality.
Those who do not know firsthand what the life of a father, mother or even an educator who works with people with autism is not able to understand what a change like the current one means to them, it is obvious that we are all suffering. Circumstances We suspend all plans, tasks, customs and even jobs.
- However.
- In many households.
- It is possible to hear the frustration of these children.
- Adolescents or adults with ASD.
Some again show repetitive movements and behaviors. Others may explode in aggressive behavior. The vast majority resort to silence or even crying. If they communicated little, they now express much less because they are lost, diluted in new routines that they do not understand and in which they are lost.
It is therefore necessary for society to be more sensitive to this group and for families to receive help and have remote resources.
We cannot forget that this group of people has stopped receiving therapy and that their needs are no longer being met, many people with autism spectrum disorders have serious problems of self-regulation, and this can even put their families at risk.
Emotions and frustration accumulate like a time bomb and result in very problematic behavior. They can attack or self-harm. Most end up showing disturbing and repetitive behaviors, as well as ecolalia, repeating the same phrases several times.
Helping autistic children during the coronavirus crisis certainly involves considering a number of strategies, here are just a few examples.
Children and adolescents with ASD need to adapt to new routines, so they understand we can use drawings to specify what activity should be done at any given time.
We must give them clear, simple and positive instructions as soon as they rise, we can create a visual schedule and paste it on the wall for you to see.
A way to maintain normality? It’s allowing the child to look like he’s going to class. Avoid being in your pajamas all day. It is also essential to have a fixed schedule for the performance of schoolwork.
Most children, whether autistic or neurotypical, tend to have a special interest that is not always related to a specific school discipline.
Do many like drawings, animals, music, space, movies?We need to be creative when creating games or projects that keep them focused on this particular pastime.
One of the tips for helping autistic children during the coronavirus attack is also to stimulate movement, physical exercise, it is true that these children lack motor coordination and are usually arrhythmic, but whenever possible they should move and stay active.
We can find fun dances on YouTube, as well as simple exercises, to stimulate not only movement, but also positive emotions.
Another exceptional resource in this context is to rely on emotional maps, we only need to create drawings in which different faces express emotional states, such as sadness, anger, joy, boredom, etc.
Throughout the day, people with autism spectrum disorder may experience sensations and feelings they cannot communicate, it is recommended that they have the resources to express themselves, to show their loved ones how they feel.
Whenever possible, these children should not be constantly exposed to the latest information on the pandemic. This exposure should be reduced. Choose to edit movies and spend time on activities.
Children with ASD are very sensitive and can intensely internalize fear and distress.
Can you have the idea that your grandparents are going to die, that Mom and Dad are going to get sick, so we have to try to control what they have access to at all times.
To help during the coronavirus crisis, families cannot be alone, they should receive remote support, either with psychologists or therapists, through video calls, for example.
Families must also stay in touch with other families in the same condition. The support network between parents with children with ASD is always very important, ideas and humor circulate, as well as emotions, doubts and hopes are shared.
Let’s keep that in mind! We need to be more sensitive to this group and create bridges of help, as well as bonds of consideration and affection.