Resources for children and families
This is a challenging time for children with challenges and disabilities and their families. Services have been disrupted, routines are not maintained, children may not understand why they can't be out and challenging behaviors may increase. Try to maintain some predictability, structure, routine and FUN in the day but don't worry if the usual expectations are relaxed a little during this time. Yup, the kids are going to be on electronic devices more, not eating all the right foods and bedtime routines may be off. Cut yourselves some slack and make sure to take care of your own wellbeing and be kind to yourselves. Don't panic that there won't be skill acquisition during this time and just shoot for skill maintenance. Schools and therapists are working on creative ways to serve children!
This is a scary and unsettling time for everyone but it will eventually come to an end. You are not alone. Get help if you need us and call if you need support.
Talking to Children about COVID-19
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Click the picture below for some great ideas about how to talk with children about COVID-19.
Special Education and IEPs
Click the picture below for information from the Department of Special Education providing services to children with disabilities during coronavirus.
https://portal.ct.gov/SDE/COVID19/COVID-19-Resources-for-Families-and-Educators
https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/special-education-coronavirus-faqs
https://youtu.be/ytFHflic7-Y
Distance Learning
Kids don't want to sit and learn? Don't go it alone! Try some creative strategies with many sites offering access for free during COVID
https://wideopenschool.org/programs/
http://www.khanacademy.org
https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html
Schools Out, Kids Podcasts Are In by Ali Wilkinson https://link.medium.com/uoXo0P4Eg6
Autism Resources
https://www.autismspeaks.org/covid-19-information-and-resources
https://nationalautismassociation.org/covid-19-resources-for-families/
How to talk to your child with ASD about frightening situations
Visual supports: Social Story about not sharing germs
ADHD Resources
CHADD has posted many excellent resources
Informative podcasts and in particular the one about educating kids at home..
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https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-school-closures-coronavirus-home/
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Click on the image below to get an easy to digest toolkit for parents about ADHD and school
Staying Sane in Uncertain Times
Mindfulness
So many children and parents are feeling so anxious and scared in these uncertain times. This is understandable! Children should be allowed to feel how they feel, but we do want to help them recognize these feelings and manage them so they are not ruled by them. Mindfulness is a great way to push the pause button - so children can be responsive not reactive to their feelings. Now is a great time to start a family mindfulness practice!
https://mindfullittles.org/mindfulness-practices-help-family-manage-coronavirus-anxiety/
A number of apps are offering free resources during this time. (click the pictures to get to the site)
Fighting boredom and making time for fun
Stuck at home? Take free drawing classes from famous illustrators https://www.fastcompany.com/90478307/stuck-at-home-take-free-drawing-classes-from-famous-illustrators
Reach out if you need help
https://uwc.211ct.org/
https://www.ctclearinghouse.org/topics/covid-19-resources-for-behavioral-health/
Helping Children Adjust to Wearing Masks
For some children with developmental disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, wearing a mask can present a challenge. To maintain safety, it is important to master this skill and not having it may limit important community participation. Here are some resources to help children desensitize to wearing masks.
This video shows to use desensitization techniques.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O55jhr9ETMM
These articles goes through desensitization steps
http://ethanproject.co.za/pdf/Sensory%20Challenges_Masks.pdf
