Parents of children with special needs spend quite a bit of time searching for appropriate resources for their child’s well-being. Children’s needs shift with each passing year, and families have to adjust and pivot regularly as the child matures.
Parenting a special needs child during a pandemic, however, brings about an entirely new set of questions and concerns, especially for kids who are immunocompromised. Enforcing social distancing and keeping them safe as they venture out as schools reopen are other considerations. Here are some tips to help parents and caregivers of special needs children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parenting a child with special needs during COVID-19
Special education concerns as schools are reopening
Parents whose children have autism or other special needs may be concerned about schools reopening. Whether going back to school on a regular or a hybrid schedule, keeping their child safe is a top priority. Maintaining social distancing for some children is difficult, for others, wearing a mask all day can pose challenges.
Lyn D. works in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for a public school with students with the highest levels of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These students, for multiple reasons, cannot be in mainstream classrooms. “My advice for parents of any kids, but especially those with special needs, is to get them used to a mask. Wear them all the time; in the house, taking walks, going for a ride in the car, more than just going out in public,” she told Mom.com.
She suggests treating the mask as an essential article of clothing. A kid-friendly mask might be a good option to help encourage a child to wear it. “A favorite character, a sports team, or even Bedazzle it, or incorporate a mask for every day of the week,” the mom of three advised.
Tips for keeping your child safe at school
The CDC has guidelines in place for staying safe at school and special considerations for schools reopening during COVID-19. In addition to wearing cloth face coverings, the CDC recommends:
- Ensuring that everyone from staff, teachers, students, and parents are aware of the importance of staying home if they’re sick.
- Discuss with your child the reasons and rules for social distancing.
- Send your child off to school with proper supplies for slowing the spread of COVID-19. Check with your child’s teacher to see what’s allowed, and then prepare to pack their backpack with hand sanitizer, disposable face masks, and disinfecting wipes if they’re able to use them.
- Be prepared to provide art supplies from home that will belong to your child only, rather than having to share with the entire class. Schools are being encouraged to limit or eliminate shared supplies in classrooms.
- Know the meal options at your child’s school. Some school cafeterias may be closed or offer limited items. But experts say bringing a lunch from home is safest.
