Author Deanna Picon Offers Six Ways For Families, Friends And The Public To Support Autism And Special Needs Families During The Coronavirus Pandemic
Raising a child with a disability, while trying to balance work and family responsibilities is no easy task for even the most dedicated parents, under the best of circumstances. Managing all aspects of a special needs child care, while sheltering in place due to the coronavirus pandemic, is even more stressful and time-consuming.
“The coronavirus pandemic has created new challenges for all of us, but it has been especially hard for families with special needs children and adults,” said Deanna Picon, founder of Your Autism Coach, LLC [1], and author of The Autism Parents’ Guide to Reclaiming Your Life [2]. “During this difficult time, any act of kindness given by family, friends, and the public would be deeply appreciated by special needs families.”
The necessary structure, routine, and services for special needs individuals have been severely disrupted, causing additional stress and responsibilities in these family households. In most cases, special needs children have lost access to school and academic programs as well as physical, occupational, speech, and behavioral therapies. Many adults with disabilities aren’t able to attend day habilitation, vocational and recreational programs.
“Special needs parents courageously face autism and all the enormous challenges and responsibilities that accompany it on a daily basis. They may be your best friend, your cousin, your neighbor, or co-worker,” says Picon. “During this pandemic, they’ve assumed even more tasks and duties with full-time caregiving, homeschooling, and managing the challenging behavioral issues of their children.”
Family and friends can apply these easy tips to make a huge difference in the lives of special needs parents:
- Keep in touch and be supportive. Special needs parents often feel alone and isolated, so it’s really beneficial to let them know you’re there if they need you. With the pandemic, a majority of families are feeling even more isolated and anxious. Many parents are worried about the long term effects of the pandemic on their children including regression of hard-won skills. Text, email, or call to just say “Hello”. You can also use Skype, FaceTime, and other social media platforms to keep in touch and lend support.
- Listen without judgment. Allow special needs parents to vent, cry, and blow off some steam. No one expects you to solve their problems or provide solutions. A friendly face or supportive voice on the other end of the telephone works perfectly.
- Help with everyday tasks. These days, there are long lines everywhere you go. It’s common to spend one or two hours waiting to enter essential businesses like supermarkets, banks, or pharmacies. Many parents aren’t comfortable bringing their children out of the house for fear of a meltdown or possible virus exposure. Others can’t leave their special needs child alone at home while running essential errands. If possible, offer to shop for some groceries for these families while you do your own shopping. It’ll save parents much needed time and energy.
- Send a meal. A pizza pie, a box of chicken, or any take-out meal from local restaurants can make everyone feel good and valued. Not only would you be helping these families, but you would also be supporting local businesses who have been negatively impacted by the pandemic. Many restaurants are now providing free delivery services.
The public can also support special needs families in various ways:
- Express your support. Donations to local and national autism organizations are always welcome and appreciated. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, many fundraising events such as autism walks, have been canceled or postponed. These organizations need the public’s help more than ever to support special needs individuals, families, and the autism community. You can also purchase goods and services that contribute to autism-related causes.
- Increase public awareness. This is a perfect time to learn more about autism and other disabilities. Watch a TV news report, read an article, or go online to gain a better understanding of these conditions. Start a conversation with a friend or family member.
Your Autism Coach, LLC provides personalized guidance, comprehensive support programs, and seminars that address the concerns of special needs parents. Now on Twitter (@yourautismcoach), look for the latest parenting tips and advice from Deanna Picon. She shows parents how to overcome the challenges of raising a child with special needs while building a rewarding life for themselves.
https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/article/their-tears-and-fears-masks-and-more-how-to-really-help-your-child-thrive-in-the-new-normal/
https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/article/staying-calm-while-in-the-chaos-of-the-storm/
https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/article/new-insights-learned-from-being-in-lockdown/
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