While everyone in the world is dealing with the impact of COVID-19, parents of children with Autism face a unique challenge. Children on the spectrum can be negatively affected by changes to their daily routines, making it difficult to adjust to a new normal. Use the guide below to learn more about the struggles parents are facing, and how you can help your child thrive during these uncertain times.

Parenting challenges

Children with Autism often have difficulty adjusting to changes in their routines and environments. With school closures and service disruptions, many schedules have been altered, leading to feelings of insecurity and anxiety for those on the spectrum.

For children with severe learning disabilities who rely on professional educators, behavioral therapists, and counselors, remote learning can also make it tough to stay on top of their studies, causing them to fall behind. In many cases, parents are faced with the task of taking on these roles without the proper resources or tools to help their children make up for lost ground.

What You Can Do

Parents of children with Autism can help by creating a “new normal” in their homes. Develop a new daily routine and help your child stick with it, including following their regular bed and wake-up times, meal and snack times, screen time, and household chores. If possible, work with your child's teacher to help them follow the same reward systems and behavior plans they relied on before the coronavirus.

Also, find ways to help them express their feelings and work through intense emotions by talking with them, doing crafts, writing, playing, or acting out their fears.

If you need more support or feel that “in-person” services would be more successful than remote learning, consider seeking out an individualized program through a certified ABA provider. In many cases, these services can be established through your health insurance or your school district.

If you're the parent of a child with Autism who is struggling as a result of COVID-19 disruptions, contact the dedicated and caring team at Compass Innovative Behavior Strategies in Concord, Nashua, and Keene, NH. Founded by parents of children with developmental disabilities, this private behavioral therapy program creates a natural learning environment for each student to help them meet their unique learning and behavioral needs. Contact them today at (603) 488-5008 to schedule a consultation, or visit their website to learn more about their programs.