We’re living in a time that is uncertain for many of us across the world. Covid-19 has changed life for the majority and we have had to make many adjustments to manage this new way of living. We’re adapting every day to new instructions imposed by our governments to make sure we’re keeping ourselves and others safe.
When we think about how much life has changed in the past month, we need to remember how autistic children and their families may be affected. Many autistic children have routine and structure to help them manage with unpredictability and anxiety. As schools have shut here in the United Kingdom (U.K.) and in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, disruption is inevitable to daily routine. Hope Autism Society is supporting autistic children and their families in managing these changes.
On Saturday 11th April 2020 at 6pm (BST), Hope Autism Society delivered its first ever workshop on how to best support autistic children during the Covid-19 pandemic. We had never imagined that our first ever workshop would be presented virtually, however, delivering the workshop via the Zoom app was an incredible experience as people from across the world came together for an hour and a half.
32 people across the world joined the workshop to learn and support one another on helping autistic children. Parents, carers, family members and teachers attended from the United States of America, U.K. and across the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. At a time where many of us are restricted and are unable to see our loved ones, this workshop united our communities and provided an opportunity for us to share our knowledge and experiences on supporting autistic children. The momentum received from this workshop is one that we want to continue working towards, every day and throughout the world for autistic children.
During the workshop we covered a number of topics, including why may this period be difficult for autistic children, strategies to support them and a Q&A. Changes to daily life, routine, plans and environment can be difficult for autistic children, especially if they struggle to understand or make sense of why all these changes have suddenly occurred. During the workshop we thought together about how we may help a child to understand change, whether that is by using social stories, visual forms of communication or simple and clear language. Furthermore, reassuring the child that they will be okay, including sensory activities into their routine and enjoying the time you have with your child.
Another topic we touched upon is you looking after your mental health. We did not forget about how this pandemic may have affected you as parents and carers as your plans and routines could have also been affected. Some of you are working from home, continuing to be incredible parents and home-schooling your children. Here at Hope Autism Society we understand that as parents and carers how resilient and hard-working you are, but also how this pandemic may also be affecting your mental wellbeing. We recommend that you take the time out for yourself to stay connected with your support system, implement your own routine, be mindful of your thoughts and feelings and exercise where possible. You are also very important.
Hope Autism Society aims to unite communities from all backgrounds, cultures and religions. We believe that we can all learn from one another. We will support autistic children across the world making sure that their voices are heard clearly in our communities. Only together can we provide opportunities and adapt our environments to best meet their needs. Hope Autism Society will continue bringing communities together by providing monthly workshops virtually.
Hope Autism Society will deliver its second workshop on Living with Autism on Saturday 16th May 2020 at 6pm (BST) via the Zoom app. We hope that you can all join us, again.
When we come together as a big community, change is always possible.
Hope Autism Society 