The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting all Americans. SafeMinds specifically recognizes the unique needs and challenges of the autism community during this unprecedented time. Our goal is to lessen the impact of COVID-19 on families by regularly monitoring and sharing resources that may help children and adults with autism cope with the uncertainty of the pandemic.
COVID-19 Shuts Down Portions of Important Autism Research
In mid-March 2020, Spectrum Autism Research News alerted the autism community to a troubling new problem with potentially long-term consequences. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists across the nation began to scramble figuring out ways to either continue or alter their research projects as colleges and universities were shutting down, sending their students home in order to transition to remote learning. These actions, intended to slow the spread of COVID-19, established situations where autism research was either halted or hindered, setting back promising projects including clinical trials.
Tools From UNC & ARI to Support Individuals with Autism During COVID-19
With more than 90% of all Americans currently under stay at home orders due to COVID-19, families are rapidly adapting to a highly unusual way of living. Almost everyone’s schedule has been disrupted. Students are now attending classes over the internet. Parents are working from home. Gym classes and social engagements take place over Zoom. Even medical appointments are occurring remotely through telehealth and telemedicine technology.
As Coronavirus Curtails School and Therapy, Parents Can Turn to Exercise Instead
Researchers in China reviewed the science literature from the U.S. and other countries to compile a meta-analysis of the effects of exercise on children and adolescents with diagnosed autism. “The results of the meta-analysis show that physical activity had a significant positive impact on social interaction ability, communication ability, motor skills, and autism degree of autistic children as well as the social skills and communication skills of autistic adolescents,” state the authors. “On the other hand, physical activity had no significant effect on the stereotyped behavior of autistic children and adolescents.”
Dealing with the Coronavirus Emergency For Autism Families
The media has done an excellent job promoting the CDC’s steps to protecting one’s self and others from COVID-19. However, teaching social distancing, proper hand washing techniques, and avoiding touching your face will be quite challenging for many of those on the spectrum. Someone with ASD may have sensory issues or lack understanding of personal space. Following multi-step directions may be difficult or not remembered without prompting. Getting used to staying at home or sheltering in place will disturb daily routines. Persistence, patience and perseverance will be the orders of the day to get through this trying time.
