Families of individuals with ASD know all too well that routine is crucial for their emotional stability, and any changes that must be made have to be incorporated patiently and most gently.
Unfortunately, that makes the recent pandemic of COVID-19 one of the biggest challenges that the global autism community faces to date. Not only is there the threat posed by the virus itself, but there is also the unavoidable need to urgently adjust routines as cities around the world are imposing quarantines and lockdowns for everyone’s safety.
Despite this, parents must remember that helping autistics cope with new routines is not as impossible as it looks. After all, they are still part of a spectrum, which means each one of them remains a unique individual with their own sets of challenges as well as strengths.
What this means for the current crisis is that they and their families should face it in their own terms rather than be overwhelmed by media noise and fear-based information. For starters, considering asking yourself these questions:
The answer to this can already vary greatly among people on the spectrum. And yet that alone should indicate that their families should not easily give in to panic and instead focus on their situation on its own unique aspects.
For one thing, they may be living with an autistic who rarely goes outside to begin with. (It could be for a number of reasons like they’re non-verbal, or that they don’t like the sensory stimulation brought about by life outside.) Any routine changes would more likely occur with other people in the family, which means everyone just needs to help the autistic get used to them being around the house more often.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that there are no autistics who are the opposite (and implementing changes would be challenging). The point, however, is to pay very close attention to how social contact and life outside really factors in your routine.
Another thing to keep in mind is that we live in an age where autism advocacy has still made considerable progress. (In fact, considering that this month is also Autism Awareness Month should serve as a big reminder of how far we’ve gone!)
You and your family are not going to be alone in the need for support. Right now there are already a number of professionals and public services fully aware that people with ASD are very vulnerable during this crisis and working to help them.
In fact, the UK has just relaxed some of the restrictions of their lockdowns on people with autism and other disabilities. Look to your own communities and local governments to see if there are any similar considerations being given to them. Avoid spending too much time on social media and communicate with fellow parents and families more directly. Focus more on knowing where to get your essential services and less on hearsay!
Perhaps the biggest challenge right now is the one faced by autistics who relied on schools for their special needs education. But as demonstrated above, there are many who understand this and are working to provide options.
For example, you can gradually help them adapt to meeting their educators in online classrooms. You can also start designating a room in the house as their own special reading room or a room full of sensory toys that they can use to calm down when they start feeling distressed.
And if they are currently in the midst of a some time of brain training program or therapy, ask their providers if it’s possible to have it done at home. You may be surprised to learn how easily it can be done.
In conclusion, the present pandemic is definitely a serious matter that puts many in the ASD community at risk with the sudden need to impose new routines. Still, every autistic and their respective families must pay close attention to their own situation. Coping with the changes may not be as impossible as it looks!
If you need any advice or support, then know that we at the Australian Tomatis Method are still here to help you. Please reach out if you need to, either by email at info@tomatis.com.au or by phone to Francoise at 0414 444 915.
Official Representative of Tomatis Developpement SA in Australia, Asia and South Pacific, Director of the Australian Tomatis® Method, Registered Psychologist, Certified Tomatis® Consultant Senior, Tomatis® International Trainer and Speaker, Co-author of the Listening Journey Series, 40 Years of Experience, Neurodiversity Speaker
