Monthly Archives: April 2020

COVID 19 with ASD or not

 

While walking in Central Park, I’ve noticed few if any children wearing masks. Did I wonder why? Indeed the answer is yes because I have seen this before and wondered.  After returning from my walk, completing some additional work I went digging and found that there are ways to protect your infant or toddler as well, in modified form. https://www.today.com/parents/cdc-says-children-should-wear-masks-slow-covid-19-spread-t178005masks.

Unfortunately, the issues connected with those experiencing symptoms of Autism this period of a pandemic may be extra-challenging. In this last weekend of Autism Awareness Month, I had some suggestions for families in terms of managing this stressful time with your special needs child or even an adult. Information about Support for Individuals with ASD: Coping with Family and Virtual Interactions During COVID-19 may be helpful to peruse: https://www.autism.org/covid-19-resources/ https://www.autism.org/covid-19-resources/

The symptoms of COVID 19 may be different in children in that they might be milder. That said it’s a good idea to be familiar with them. In children with COVID‐19 J Med Virol. 2020 Mar 31. doi: 10.1002/jmv.25807. [Epub ahead of print] She J1, Liu L2,3, Liu W1,2,3 the following symptoms were reported in children

 

  • fever and cough are the most common clinical manifestations, with some accompanied by fatigue, body aches,
  • nasal congestion,
  • runny nose,
  • sneezing,
  • sore throat,
  • headache,
  • dizziness,
  • vomiting, and
  • abdominal pain.

For those of you reading this who may benefit from visuals about this topic, the following video link regarding the symptoms of the virus in kids is available at HEALTH.COM  

With challenges in the economy, face masks are easy to make on your own with materials for which you don’t have to get outside.

My wishes and hope for safety as we work through this period…..

Additional Resources

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https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html?CD

**COVID-19 is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation.
Get the latest public health information from CDC: https://www.coronavirus.gov .
Get the latest research from NIH: https://www.nih.gov/coronavirus.

 

Related Link:

https://dysphagiacafe.com/2020/04/22/covid-land-nyc-reflections-from-the-front-lines/
 

 

Explaining and Dealing With COVID19

How do you explain COVID19 to your kids?  I’ve been trying to find a resource to share.  It’s not so much an issue of explaining the basics of why they are home from school and unable to see their friends; but an issue of perhaps …empowering them with knowledge about how to practice self-care.  The visuals and sign language used in this also lend themselves to those with hearing deficits or special needs for use of very simplified language.   

If you as a parent of a special needs or non-special needs child/children need help here is a meaningful resources about services available in the community as you deal with that person in need of basic guidance in self care.   FJYPB-Covid-19-Resource-27.03.2020 (1)

The speech-language pathologist in me would be remiss if I did not note our new language of COVID 19 (literally) which was shared by a friend of mine for those fluent in musical notation. For older children who may be musically inclined and not attending classes, can they figure out the rhythm to these words?  Can they explain their meaning?

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Aside from the concrete information noted above – it’s so obvious that our world has changed.  I heard yesterday that birds actually sing more loudly when it is quieter outside.  The air in the urban setting is cleaner without the sounds of the city htps://www.soundsnap.com/tags/street_fair /youtu.be/0Rey6Vr_vAc or one that I remember even from childhood that remains as the driver of the truck goes by or sits outside of the park. https://youtu.be/zzodaDCD798   Perhaps hearing this sound will bring a smile to your face. 

I wonder if the truck will get here this summer…

Resources:           https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/adult-resources

COVID-19 Parents

Sick woman looking at a thermometer.

In an age with so much sickness and heightened stress, don’t forget to stay healthy.  Forgetting about maintaining health in the area of nutrition should not be forgotten. The adage of  “you are what you eat” can not be understated.

selective focus photography of pasta with tomato and basil
Photo by Lisa Fotios on Pexels.com

Having a concrete list of symptoms, so you can do a self-check as part of your daily hygiene may be helpful. https://www.mayoclinic.org/covid-19-self-assessment-tool .

As a speech-language pathologist, I would be remiss if I did not mention anything about this, in an age of social distancing. There are ways to connect with families:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/coronavirusparents/

“Coronavirus Parents: Parenting in a Pandemic is a group for parents, by parents, who are committed to supporting each other through the coronavirus pandemic.
We aim to help each other navigate school closures, childcare needs, social isolation, and other pressing concerns for kids and parents.
In addition, ParentsTogether (the host of the group) mobilizes parents to take action on issues affecting families. When we see opportunities to act, especially in support of families facing hardship due to the pandemic, we will share with this group.
This group is open to any parent or caregiver in need of support around the coronavirus. As an organization, ParentsTogether has a clear point of view: We fight on behalf of all families, with a commitment to equity and justice. No matter what your point of view, all parents are welcome in this group.
This community will work when all of us commit to mutual respect and civil discourse, even when we are anxious, scared, uncertain or angry–and especially when we disagree.
Coronavirus Parents do not provide formal medical or legal advice, and none of the posts here should be interpreted as medical or legal advice.
There are many health-related questions that are likely to arise in this group; members who share health resources are urged to include sources.”
runners-silhouettes-athletes-fitness-39308
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

In closing – none of us wants to get sick so please take care!   https://parents-together.org/what-should-parents-do-if-they-contract-covid-19/

Resources to Keep You Informed

Resources for Families
Advocates for Children of New York https://www.advocatesforchildren.org/covid-19-updates?fbclid=IwAR24OaXWDMqk0SQHaOMDnlmNLzq3yDvOaP5smAW9ATb2J9FmXrJE42BgOTw

Information on Remote Learning https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learn-at-home/information-on-remote-learning