Blog 2 – Living in a pandemic with Special Needs

Living in a Covid-19 Worldwide Crisis, I cannot help thinking of some similarities between the situation we find ourselves in with the lockdown and social distancing.  It is what most Autism and special needs families are faced with every day.

With the reality of this situation I realised that I am one of the privileged and lucky ones with a lovely house and happy healthy family.

My heart goes out to those who have lost their lives, their livelihoods and health. I understand there are many essential key workers my mum being one of them that are putting themselves at risk to support us and I am in fact grateful I can be in isolation to keep myself and others safe.

My family have limits on what we do together. Parents/carers avoid large gatherings and events where their child/ young person will become overly anxious due to the noise and number of people.

During these times families are having to be creative to find out what works best for them. They may find with life slowing down that they have more opportunities to teach life skills such as folding their clothes, cleaning or baking.

For most people in lockdown, the factor causing us anxiety is uncertainty and the lack of control.

Anyone who has had a life changing event in their lives can appreciate this all too well. This includes parents who have had a child diagnosed with a life changing disability. We have all had to learn to take one day at a time and not look too far ahead as this is too stressful and brings anxiety.

Focusing on the worst-case scenario is not a healthy thing to do as I have found out. For me being up to date and putting a plan in place is something to help routine and reduces my anxiety.  Also finding things you can control such as helping a friend in need rather than concentrating on your own problems can make you both feel better.