• Why We Matter
    • WHAT WE DO
      • Mission
      • Impact
      • Vision and Goals
      • History
    • PROGRAMS
      • Friendship
      • Jobs
      • Leadership Development
      • Living
      • Family Support
    • MISSION IN ACTION
      • Featured Profiles
      • Videos
  • Take Action
    • Join a Program
    • Hire a Buddy
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
    • Attend an Event
    • Advocate
    • Join Team Rosemary
  • Find Programs
    • United States
    • International
  • Media
    • News
    • Press Releases
    • Blog
  • Our Supporters
    • Celebrity Ambassadors
    • Corporations
    • Foundations
    • Government
    • Team Relentless
    • Top Fundraising Teams
  • About Us
    • OUR TEAM
      • Founder and Chairman
      • Board of Directors
      • Executive Team
      • Office & Staff Directory
      • Career Opportunities
    • FINANCIAL INFO
      • Annual Report
      • Where The Dollar Goes
      • IRS Form 990
  • Donate
  • Attend an Event
  • Shop
  • Fine Art
    • Fine Art Collection
    • David Yarrow Photography
  • Members Area
Skip to Content
Donate
Members Area
  • Fine Art
    ▼
    • Fine Art Collection
    • David Yarrow Photography
Shop
Best Buddies International Best Buddies International
  • Why We Matter
    • WHAT WE DO
      • Mission
      • Impact
      • Vision and Goals
      • History
    • PROGRAMS
      • Friendship
      • Jobs
      • Leadership Development
      • Living
      • Family Support
    • MISSION IN ACTION
      • Featured Profiles
      • Videos
  • Take Action
    • Join a Program
    • Hire a Buddy
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
    • Attend an Event
    • Advocate
    • Join Team Rosemary
  • Find Programs
    • United States
    • International
  • Media
    • News
    • Press Releases
    • Blog
  • Our Supporters
    • Celebrity Ambassadors
    • Corporations
    • Foundations
    • Government
    • Team Relentless
    • Top Fundraising Teams
  • About Us
    • OUR TEAM
      • Founder and Chairman
      • Board of Directors
      • Executive Team
      • Office & Staff Directory
      • Career Opportunities
    • FINANCIAL INFO
      • Annual Report
      • Where The Dollar Goes
      • IRS Form 990
  • Donate
  • Attend an Event
  • Shop
  • Fine Art
    • Fine Art Collection
    • David Yarrow Photography
  • Members Area
Home: Best Buddies International logo
DONATE

COVID-19 Disruption: For Parents with Child(ren) on the Autism Spectrum

COVID-19 Disruption: For Parents with Child(ren) on the Autism Spectrum

COVID-19 Disruption: For Parents with Child(ren) on the Autism Spectrum

Mar 16, 2020 | News Archive |
The Mighty Logo

Dr. Liz Matheis, The Mighty — “The coronavirus (COVID-19) — the new viral strain that affects the lungs and respiratory system — has affected  our society, increasing our levels of anxiety.

Now that social distancing and self-quarantine are very real parts of our world right now, many children will be home for weeks to come without a real end date. If you’re a parent of a child with autism, this upcoming change in your schedule is likely triggering your own anxiety.

Autism is a neurodivergent way of showing up in the world, associated with characteristics like passionate interest in specific topics, difficulty with ‘typical’ communication methods, sensory sensitivities and using repetitive motions (called stimming) to regulate overwhelming experiences.

The change in the routine due to COVID-19 may upset or throw off your child. It’s a transition and transitions can be difficult and frightening for many kids on the spectrum — and you may be facing resistance from your child. So, how do you, as a parent, help your child with this upcoming change in routine and more time at home?

I have a few ideas on how we are going to get through this, one day at a time:

1. Keep it the same… as it’s becoming different.

I urge you to maintain a similar schedule from day-to-day. Set a wake-up time, a time for lunch (perhaps the same as your child’s school schedule), screen time and bedtime. If you can, try to mimic your child’s school schedule by having periods of time during which certain activities will take place.

It’s very easy for our children to be entertained by an iPad, television or computer, but stick to time limits. Create a visual schedule with times or duration for each activity and follow it throughout the day. Build downtime for you as well as your child so you aren’t overwhelmed either.

With that said, stick to your new or revised routine so that your child can rely on the familiar amidst the unfamiliar.

2. Keep it positive.

As you are staying open to your child’s difficulty with this change in schedule, try to embrace the extra time you have with your child and try to do something fun together. If you can, try to make the most of this time that we do have in our homes with our families.

3. Keep anxiety out of the mix.

If your child is sensing your anxiety about the change in routine and about the thoughts you are having about the coronavirus, it’s time to take some deep breaths, incorporate yoga, meditation or walks into your day to help you manage your anxiety.

As humans, we are creatures of habit. Many of us thrive on routine and familiarity and dread a change. I am sending all parents everywhere good health vibes, prayers and patience while we figure out our new normal over the next few weeks!”

 

Read the full article
Tags: CoronavirusCOVID-19Schedule DisruptionSelf-QuarantineSocial DistancingThe Mighty
2
Share

You also might be interested in

March 17, 2020 – A Message from Best Buddies International’s Leadership Team

March 17, 2020 – A Message from Best Buddies International’s Leadership Team

Mar 18, 2020

Over the past few weeks, there have been significant developments in the global, national, and local responses to the ongoing spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The following is an update on Best Buddies events and initiatives given the current COVID-19 situation.

Redemption Donates Online Proceeds to International Charities

Redemption Donates Online Proceeds to International Charities

May 11, 2020

Redemption, online clothing store, will be donating 100% of U.S online sales to COVID-19 relief, equally distributed to Best Buddies and Meals on Wheels America.

NPR News: ‘How To Talk About COVID-19 With People Who Have Autism’

NPR News: ‘How To Talk About COVID-19 With People Who Have Autism’

Mar 24, 2020

If you care for someone with a developmental disability that affects their communication skills, something like autism, how do you talk to them about the coronavirus pandemic?

[do_widget id=hb_latest_posts_widget-8]

Best Buddies International Logo

Best Buddies International

Global Headquarters
100 Southeast Second St, Suite 2200
Miami, FL 33131

Toll Free: 1-800-89 BUDDY (28339)

  • Find a US Program
  • Find an International Program
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Career Opportunities
  • Office & Staff Directory
newsletter
Want to connect
with Best Buddies?

Sign up for our emails

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
Privacy & Accessibility Statement
©2025 Best buddies international
A 501(c)(3) Organization
Prev Next