The coronavirus pandemic has affected day to day activities for most individuals around the world and completely overturned the life of autistic people and their families.
Pandemics are the same as other disasters in their fatalities, unpredictability, and persistent effects. Yet, they are different from disasters as they prevent people from gathering and converging and instead demand the opposite reactions of isolation, separation, and quarantine. These factors cause interference within family norms and rituals that usually protect family bonding during any kind of crisis. Such norms are especially relevant to the population with ASD, where repetitive interests and behaviors are a determining feature of the condition. Beyond their fatality and health consequences, pandemics of contagious diseases tend to produce widespread anxiety, depression, and psychological problems.
The current pandemic (Covid-19) has been proclaimed a public health emergency of international level by the World Health Organization. According to a recent study, children with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and autism spectrum disorder are among the
group of people highly affected by the pandemic. WHO has emphasized the need to pay attention to special vulnerable individuals during the outbreak.
The Covid-19 outbreak is affecting autism research in unusual ways. It is also affecting the diagnosis and treatment processes of the condition. For some individuals on the spectrum, life in quarantine is aggravating anxiety and many other autism traits. Children and women with autism, and the people who are living in group homes, are particularly hard hit by the pandemic. The experiences of people with autism have been almost as diverse as the condition itself.
Support for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder During COVID-19
As a caretaker for your autistic child, you need to learn the skills to handle disagreements and gather resources for effective social interactions. It is also important to understand and following the general guidelines about dealing with the circumstances under lockdown for autistic peoples and their families.
Emotional Support
The sudden changes and uncertainty caused by coronavirus is difficult for all families, but especially for the individuals and families experiencing autism and anxiety. Mindfulness, yoga, and meditation are linked to boost harmony and correcting the emotional imbalance, You should learn mindfulness techniques and supportive tips for managing the stress.
Exercise
School closures, limited therapies, and suspended recreational activities, coronavirus pandemic have left many people with few options for physical activities. Learn the skills for movement, sensory incorporation, and tips for exercises and physical activities that may help fill the gap.
Prenatal Care
If you or somebody around you are thinking of having a child – or maybe the child is already on the way, you must follow the precautions based on a nutritional perspective during the coronavirus pandemic. Learn ways for optimizing prenatal and preconception health through proper nutrition. Dietitians have vast experience using different diet modalities to help infants with autism and other disorders. Many nutritionists are available who work with children and adults with autism, digestive disorders, chronic illnesses, food allergies, and ADHD, and provide prenatal nutrition counseling.
Preparing for the school return
As children with autism prepare to return to school after the pandemic, help them with learning skills to cope with hygiene, social distancing, and ongoing change. The Stem Cells Transplant Institute is one of the best places to help your child with autism thrive. We have a board-certified team of health experts to examine, diagnose, and administer stem cells taken from the umbilical cord for the treatment of autism. We are committed to provide the finest-quality stem cell therapy service to every patient.
