What does it mean for an autistic person to be confined at home with no opportunity to go outside?
When we use the term “spectrum” of autism, we are referring to a wide range of signs and symptoms, as well as different clinical profiles and intellectual levels; thus conceptualizing the classic autistic symptomatology in a more dimensional, broad and heterogeneous context (and not in a single category).
This “symptomatic range” and different clinical presentations is also extensible to the type of responses that this population may experience to the confinement measures we are experiencing, depending on both the characteristics of the child with ASD and his or her family.
That is, some will feel very calm and happy to be at home, while others will be worried and nervous because of the exceptional situation we are living, and the change of routines that this situation entails.
It is possible that during confinement some people with ASD may increase repetitive behaviors (either out of boredom or for self-regulation), or disruptive behaviors, anxiety and/or irritability (either because they cannot leave the house or they do not understand why they cannot carry out the activities they normally do).
In these cases it is important that the family makes an appropriate and responsible use of the information related to the reason for being at home, and normalizes as much as possible the hygiene measures to be implemented, without generating anxiety in relation to the coronavirus. To achieve this, pictograms, stories, puppet shows or simple stories can be used to explain what is happening.
It may be useful to maintain a routine as stable as possible during these days, anticipating the changes that we are going to make in it, delimiting the moments to talk about the current situation and occupying the rest of the time in activities that are rewarding and stimulating.
In case these measures are not enough and assistance is needed during the period of confinement due to behavioral or emotional alterations of children with ASD, it is important that the family contacts the clinical reference center or the therapist who usually attends them, using the channels specifically enabled for this purpose, during this period of time.
The emergency department should not be used unless it is absolutely necessary, given the situation of health care collapse we are witnessing.
How can the effects of quarantine on an autistic person be reduced?
It is important to distract and occupy the person with ASD so that he/she can spend the hours as well as possible during the isolation period.
- Maintain a routine and time structure using resources that best suit your child’s characteristics (e.g., using pictograms, written agendas, picture schedules, etc.).
- Respect the rhythms of sleeping and eating, maintaining as far as possible the usual schedules.
- Interspersing varied activities that are to their liking, dedicating time to free play, to move around inside the house, to do crafts, to share their interests with the rest of the family, etc.
- It should be established, although with some flexibility, at what time of the day and for how long access to screens and new technologies will be available. In the same way, different activities can be proposed that allow them to move around inside the house (for example, creating circuits for the little ones, playing with tunnels and balls, listening and dancing to music that they like, dressing up or helping with daily activities at home).
- Allow them to dedicate time to all those emotional self-regulation behaviors that normally calm them (such as certain sensory stimulation behaviors, hand stereotypies, jumping, movements with the body or objects, etc.). If bath time is stimulating, more time can be devoted to bath time activities.
- Whenever it is to their liking, they can have access to different sensory games (paints, plasticine, bubble games, games with different textures of paper and materials that are attractive to the touch), board games, or manipulative games with objects (shaped boxes, puzzles, car or train circuits, origami, legos, etc.).
The more time together these days, can be an opportunity for the child to share with his family their interests and knowledge that often develop around them.
Why is it important to give psychological support to these people nowadays?
The situation of confinement derived from the sanitary measures to face the coronavirus crisis has caused a significant change in the family dynamics.
People with ASD are especially sensitive to changes in routine and new situations, which in many cases can cause emotional and behavioral alterations. That is why they need more than other children and adolescents, a series of supports and behavioral interventions that allow them to better regulate and stabilize their behavior.