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COVID-19 Resources

While we, as a country, are in a better place with regard to returning to in-person learning and employment,  there might still be an opportunity where these resources could be helpful. We encourage you to explore these resources during other times of life disruptions.

We will continue to update this section of our website as a way to share resources and information with families and professionals.  If you have an individual need, please reach out to us by email.

Social Narratives

Some of our children may be worried about COVID-19 and may find it helpful to learn more about it.  Here are some ready-made social stories to help you talk to your child about COVID-19.

Creating Structure

Most children with autism prefer some level of structure and familiarity in their day-to-day routines.  While it is typically not possible to create the same amount of structure at home that children have at school, there are some ways to provide some structure at home so your child at least knows what to expect from day to day.  

  • Create anchor points in your day to give your child an idea of what to expect.  You don’t have to plan out every moment of the day, but provide some general idea of what you will be doing each day.  Below is an example:

o    Breakfast
o    Play with toys
o    Electronic time
o    Lunch
o    Play outside
o    Play with toys or electronic time
o    Dinner
o    Bath
o    Bed

  • Use visual supports to help communicate the routine or any upcoming activities to your child.  What type of visual supports depends on your child’s current skill level.  You can use pictures that you take on your phone, a written schedule if your child reads, or line drawings that you can typically find online.  You may also use a calendar with a picture or something that represents being home on each of the days that school is out.  Here is some additional information about how to use visual supports.

Day to Day Strategies

It can be difficult to find the positives in our current situation.  After all, none of us planned for or expected this to happen.  There are some ways to use the extra time we have with our children to connect and engage, and maybe even work on learning a few new skills.

Using motivation and interests

Using a child’s motivation and interests creates opportunities to engage and also to help your child learn new skills.  For example, is your child likes dinosaurs, you can read books with your child and work on skills such as sounding out new words, identifying objects in the pictures, or answering comprehension questions (Who, what when, where, and why).  If your child enjoys certain toys or activities, join them.  If your child initially prefers to play alone, just watch and observe while making an occasional comment about what they are doing.  As your child becomes more comfortable with you being part of the activity, you can ask questions, model new ways of playing with the toy/activity, and work on other skills based on your child’s current abilities (eg: turn taking, pointing or using words to request, answering questions, tolerating a new way of playing, etc).

Exercise

Take time to get outside, or get some exercise indoors.  Exercise is a great way for all of us to reset, especially when we start to get restless and anxious from extended time at home.  Research shows that exercise can help decrease self-stimulatory behaviors, hyperactivity, and aggression.  Add some movement time into your daily routine for the benefit of everyone in the house.   You can take a walk, go to the park, or go outside and play ball.  Anything that gets everyone moving is helpful.

Resources