Are you okay?
Seriously, are you okay? This last week has been quite a year for all of us.
COVID-19 came and threw our world upside down. For some this has presented huge challenges. In case you didn’t know, individuals on the autism spectrum need and crave routine. There is nothing happening in this world right now that even resembles normal or routine anymore. So now it’s up to us as caregivers to provide and maintain that structure or help our loved ones affected by autism figure out what that new routine should be for them.
E-learning or school closed and extra curricular activities cancelled for the foreseeable future- May 1, 2020 as of this writing
Many ABA centers closed and waiver services suspended
Many parents/caregivers trying to work from home
Libraries, movie theaters and museums closed
Restaurants closed or drive thru only and other businesses restricting hours
All of this and so much more to keep the health care system from being overloaded with the sick. It even comes with a whole new terminology for us to help those affected by autism to learn and understand like social distancing, community spread and flattening the curve. As if we didn’t have enough specialized disability related terminology to learn….
I don’t know about you, but I have spent the better part of the last week trying to create a new “normal” for my son on the autism spectrum. He’s significantly impacted and not on a diploma track so I’ve got more flexibility than some, but different challenges. Each day for us includes a time for physical, educational, creative and social activities. I’m going to include my schedule here in case you’re interested.
Wake up routine/breakfast
Physical activity- includes chores, yoga and stretches, walking the dog
School work- for us this is math, his favorite subject and reading
Lunch/break
Creative/social time- puzzles, music, drawing, painting, photography. If appropriate share your creation with others by mail or social media.
School work- science, history, keeping a journal
Dinner and clean up- yes I’m expecting his help here. Working on self help, following directions and fine motor skills
Relax time- bath, music, playing board games, TV
Bedtime
For my son, consistency is key. The more I keep to this schedule, the better the day is for both of us.
I’ve got a confession for all of you about myself. I’m a social introvert. Depending on the situation in which you meet me, I may be very outgoing and personable and in others quiet, observant, and less inclined to talk. I don’t necessarily think this is a bad thing, for myself I see it as a protective measure. Too much “peopleing” makes me feel overwhelmed, anxious and quick to anger. So in this time of “social distancing”, I’m intentionally choosing to see the good in this situation and to unplug myself from things that lead me to anger and anxiety- like social media. I instead hope to use this blog to connect with you perhaps less often, but in a more meaningful way. Some Facebook groups that I am a part of are posting information 6 times a day or more, which then is shared in multiple groups. I open the Facebook app and the notifications just overwhelm me. So my advice to you is: Do whatever it takes for you to be okay. There is no right way, just the way that works for you and your loved one on the spectrum. If you do need help, reaching out by email is best at myautismally@gmail.com
In the future I want my son to remember how much fun he had with his family enjoying the things that really matter during this very difficult and stressful time. We are definitely living more simply, but I want us to laugh more often and to love each other deeply during this time. This extends to those beyond the walls of my home to include all of you.
live simply
laugh often
love deeply
I’m okay. I want you to be okay too!