Helping children with autism during covid quarantine

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many parents and children to quarantine themselves at home to stop the spread of the virus. Adapting to quarantine routines during the outbreak of COVID-19 is certainly not easy, especially for children with autism who often have difficulty coping with change.

During this time of uncertain quarantine, children with autism are most at risk of experiencing stress and anxiety due to COVID-19. Parents play an important role in conveying the right information and steps they can take to help prevent the spread of disease.

Tips for parents during COVID-19 quarantine

Children with autism may not understand what's going on. Or, they don't know how to show their emotions and fears. This will make quarantine more difficult for them.

You can help your beloved children face the COVID-19 pandemic in ways that are easier to understand, for example as follows:

1. Explain the situation about COVID-19 by telling a story

Information about COVID-19 is full of complicated terms. Even though the child understands, the information that comes repeatedly can make him confused. Make this information simpler by telling the child through social stories (social story).

Social stories teach children with autism about a situation and what they should do in that situation. These stories are usually accompanied by pictures to make it easier for children to imagine and understand them.

When you explain COVID-19 to your child, try telling stories using pictures, videos, emoticon , or other visual aids. Use this method primarily to describe things related to:

• What is the coronavirus and its effects on the body
• Wash hands and maintain health
• What is quarantine and physical or social d istancing
• New routines at home during quarantine

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2. Develop a new schedule of activities

The activity schedule will help children with autism adapt to new routines during the COVID-19 quarantine. Routines are also important so that parents can still provide reward to the child after he has done his activities well.

You can create a new schedule of activities or arrange it based on the schedule that the therapist has created. As an illustration, here is a schedule of activities during quarantine that you can adjust to your baby's needs:

• 07:30 AM: Wake up, have breakfast, shower, and get dressed
• 8:30 am: School on line follow the schedule that has been given
• 10:30 am: Rest while moving, walking, or stretching
• 12:00 PM: Lunch (have the kids make it together if possible)
• 13:30: School is over, children can play social media or chat with their friends
• 15:00: Light exercise by walking or dancing
• 4:00 p.m. Free time, but not for playing cell phones or watching TV
• 19:00: Dinner together
• 19:30: Free time, children can play on their cell phones, watch TV, read, etc.
• 9:30 pm: Get ready before bed

3. Provide a supportive environment for children

The surrounding environment also plays a role when children with autism undergo COVID-19 quarantine. For example, you can help your child stay independent by placing objects that they use frequently in easy-to-reach places.

Even if your child doesn't go anywhere during quarantine, let him keep his stationery and books in the bag. Or, if he really likes sensory toys that stimulate his sense of touch, let him play in the same special place.

In this way, you help the child to remain active and independent even when not leaving the house. On the other hand, you can also ensure the cleanliness of the child and the objects he touches frequently.

4. Limit the use of gadgets

Gadgets do provide resources that help parents care for a child with autism. However, this tool can also grab children's attention and thus hinder the routine. This is why parents need to wisely limit their use.

Quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic has indeed made children with autism easily bored. However, don't just rely on gadgets to make him learn. Try using other media such as toys, drawing tools, musical instruments, and so on.

Limiting gadgets will also protect your little one from news related to COVID-19 which causes fear and anxiety. So, make sure your child only uses gadgets during the specified free time.

5. Stay in touch with the therapist and fellow parents

Although autism therapy cannot be done directly, you still need to consult a therapist to monitor your child's development. Consultations also help you and your child adapt to a new home environment and routine.

If necessary, also take advantage of the network around you. Try asking fellow parents to find out what kinds of adjustments they make at home. You can also share suggestions for how to deal with problems during quarantine.

6. Manage the stress you experience

Changes in routine, work, and children's needs can certainly cause stress and anxiety. Stress and negative emotions can build up gradually, making it more difficult for you to convey something to your child.

You also need to manage the stress that comes up during this period. Try taking some time for yourself, whether it's taking a break or doing things that you enjoy. In addition, you can also consult a psychologist if needed.

Caring for children with autism in the midst of quarantine and the COVID-19 pandemic is a challenge in itself. You need to establish a new routine, be more patient with explaining new things to your child, and keep managing stress during this time.

Some of the simple adjustments above may make your day easier for you and your baby. Thus, you can also maintain personal hygiene and make efforts to prevent COVID-19.